Nestled deep within the lush rainforest of Costa Rica lies a home as intriguing as the mystery surrounding its owner, Wall Street millionaire John Bender. This isn’t just any house; the John Bender House, also known as Boracayan, is a sprawling 50,000-square-foot structure that became the center of international attention following Bender’s untimely death. Was it suicide, an accident, or something more sinister? The CBS News “48 Hours” episode, “Paradise Lost,” delves into this captivating case, and we invite you to explore the extraordinary John Bender house that played a pivotal role in this drama.
John Bender and Ann Bender at Boracayan Nature Reserve in Costa Rica
Boracayan: More Than Just a Home
Boracayan was conceived as both a residence and a private nature reserve by John and Ann Bender. The entrance to this unique property immediately sets the tone – a gateway to an exotic world where nature and luxury intertwine. The four-story John Bender house rises in the background, hinting at the grandeur within.
Entrance to Boracayan, John Bender's Costa Rican Estate
From an aerial perspective, the sheer scale of the John Bender house becomes apparent. Perched on a hilltop, this concrete and granite marvel dominates the landscape, yet seamlessly blends with the surrounding rainforest. Remarkably, the house is designed without walls, relying on screens to keep insects out, allowing residents to fully immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the jungle. This architectural choice underscores the Benders’ commitment to living in harmony with nature at their Boracayan home.
Aerial View of the 50,000 Sq Ft John Bender House in Costa Rica Rainforest
Inside the John Bender house, the Benders curated an eclectic lifestyle. Images reveal a home filled with unique touches, including an astonishing collection of approximately 400 stained glass lamps, which Ann Bender showcased to “48 Hours”. These lamps, later confiscated by the Costa Rican government after John’s death, highlight the opulent and distinctive nature of their life at Boracayan.
John and Ann Bender with a Pet Sloth Inside Their Costa Rican Home
Close-up of Stained Glass Lamp in the John Bender Residence
Life at the John Bender house extended beyond the walls (or lack thereof). The Boracayan reserve teemed with life, from artificial ponds surrounded by diverse plant species to paths leading down to a distant beach. Exotic birds, including colorful macaws, were common sights, reflecting the Benders’ passion for wildlife. They even shared their home with pet sloths, further emphasizing the unique environment they cultivated.
View from John Bender House Terrace towards the Coastline
Orchids Growing at Boracayan Nature Reserve near John Bender House
John Bender with a Pet Bird at His Costa Rican Home
Ann Bender Holding Birds at Boracayan, John Bender House in Background
Ann and John Bender's Pet Sloth, Lily, Inside Their Unique Home
However, paradise turned to tragedy on January 8, 2010, when John Bender died from a gunshot wound in this extraordinary home. The question of whether it was suicide or murder remains contentious, particularly after the legal battles surrounding Ann Bender.
The John Bender house stands as a testament to a life lived on a grand scale, intertwined with both natural beauty and unforeseen drama. To delve deeper into the mystery surrounding John Bender’s death and explore more of Boracayan, watch the “48 Hours” episode “Paradise Lost”.
WATCH: “Paradise Lost”
