You're going to need about 600-800 meters minimum elevation to get that climate.I can't think of anywhere near a beach worth going to that has roads good enough to gain that kind of elevation in 30 minutes other than up from Jaco ----there went tranquilo out the window.
In the far southern zone you can gain big elevations quick but it's not serious surf territory.You seem really intent on surfing.
Make a few calls to realtors in the TOWN of Nicoya and see what they have to say. The infrastructure has improved a lot over the last ten years but IMO the 30 minute thing is going to be near impossible.
I can tell you one thing. You want NO PART of needing a/c here with what they charge for electric. Stay a few nights at 100-200 meters and see if you find it tolerable.It cools off nicely at night but, hot as hell in the daytime.

If this is this kind of thing you are after...

http://www.richcoastrealty.com/1020.html

....there is quite a bit of it listed online. Just enter you search terms in your search engine.
This particular house looks interesting but its price might be a little steep for a mini goat ranch.

I am not connected with this offering or any other.

@arenalbotanical - thanks for the help, especially elevation vs temps. My wife lived in Nosara 10 years ago and I have never been to CR but am planning a trip for this coming March.

Here is a list of villages/areas we have interest in after a small time of research….Nicoya (thank you), Platanillo, Ojochal, Tinamastes.

I am flexible with quality of surf as it is less important when compared to a nice village location, comfortable weather and price of housing. BUT a swimming beach within 30 minutes is definitely a requirment

any thoughts are welcome

We love Ojochal up in the mountains overlooking
the ocean. We stay there January/ February in a rental
and we have never need air conditioning. But it
can get hot when down on the coast. It is a ten minute drive up the mountain from the village of Ojochal. The beach is right across the Costanera Highway and there
are some spectacular undiscovered beaches all along
the coastline from Dominical to Uvita.

@costaricalover - sweet, thanks for the endorsement of Ojochal. Did you try any other spots before settling on Ojochal routinely?

oops, spent some time looking at your previous posts and see indeed you have : )