RAKU
GOVERNOR’S POINT
VILLA ZENAIDA
LONE PALM VILLA
Virgin Gorda. 2 acres with 240' of white sand beach and fabulous views. Mahogany deck surrounds ozonated pool and covered pool terrace. The accommodations are 12 rooms total, including separate guest house. US$8,800,000
Exceptional 5-bedroom family home in exclusive Mansion Hall Estate with community beach and walking distance to marina. Original home of 1st Lt. Governor of BVI. US$3,500,000
Overlooking Little Bay and Atlantic Ocean in exclusive estate. Beautifully appointed throughout with 3 en-suite air-conditioned bedrooms including guesthouse, swimming pool and deck.
Secluded home with 3 en-suite bedrooms and 1bed 1-bath apartment 400 feet above Carrot Bay overlooking Atlantic Ocean. Mature landscaped gardens and ample parking. US$1,500,000
MACNAMARA VILLA Large 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom family house with views overlooking Road Harbor - 3-mins drive to Road Town. Landscaped with pool and sold fully furnished. US$975,000
SAGE PARK HOUSE 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom house with stunning view of Drake’s Channel and St John. All bathrooms en-suite. Large dressing rooms. Games room w/pool table. Formal dining room overlooking living room. Landscaped gardens. US
US$1,950,000
DIAMOND VIEW Private 2-bedroom home at Sandy Ground Estate, Jost Van Dyke. Access to community beach and dock. Startling views of Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. US$825,000
SMITTY’S RETREAT 2-bed, 3-full bathroom home in Havers Hill on Tortola's south shore, with views of Drake’s Channel and many islands. Built in 1979 this strong Caribbean home is built on 0.3 acres with mature tropical gardens. US$565,000
$950,000
Spotlight on the Market
THE SALES TEAM
In line with the media reports of signs of economic growth and job creation, the team at Sotheby’s have had a very busy summer taking on new listings and showing both land and properties. Our view is that investors sense that the market is stabilizing and that now is the time to strike a deal before prices, as they always do in real estate, start to rise again. Demand has pricked up in two main areas. Firstly, in houses under US$1m that are within the reach of local residents, often on prime sites but in need of some renovation. Whilst the majority of overseas investors shy away from houses that require substantial work, such investments are attractive to those with the energy, vision and the know-how to take on such development projects, as the return can be significant. Secondly, investors are looking seriously again at buying land to develop. For many, finished homes have become too expensive to purchase and building from scratch can offer considerable savings whilst providing a home better suited to the owners taste and lifestyle. If you do wish to sell your land, now is a good time to talk to one of our agents. Demand has increased since March 2010 and we are looking forward to a promising season ahead.
Maritha Keil
Managing Director Maritha Keil 284-340-5555 maritha.keil@sothebysrealty.com Sales & Marketing Associates Adam Richards 284-340-5505 adam.richards@sothebysrealty.com Dietmar Lichota 284-340-5559 dietmar.lichota@sothebysrealty.com Sales Support Damara Penn 284-494-5700 damara.penn@sothebysrealty.com Trish Dobson 284-494-5700 trish.dobson@sothebysrealty.com
British Virgin Islands Sotheby’s International Realty bvisir.com | 284.494.5700 | Road Town, Tortola VG1110 ©MMVII Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. Farm of Jas de Bouffan, used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty is a registered trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated
Dougall & Associates
Real Estate BVI
North west shore of Tortola - Long Bay Resort
Exceptionally finished two bedroom home with pool. Ready to entertain you and your guests.
We add the professional touch to your BVI real estate needs. Whether you wish to buy, sell, or rent a home, purchase land to build a tropical dream home of your own, or become an investor in a growing and vibrant real estate market, we are here to assist you at every step in the process.
West face of Virgin Gorda - Nail Bay Resort Two resort studios plus a one bedroom villa for sale. Great investment opportunity.
US $1,500,000
(284) 495-3003 l info@realestatebvi.net
US $595,000
Nail Bay Estates, a community driven neighbourhood. 56 NEW waterfront and hillside land lots from 0.32 acres to multiple acres are now available to the public. Situated between the white sand beaches of Long Bay and Mountain Trunk Bay on the tranquil island of Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. Package options for homes, construction and property management available. Starting at $113,600 USD
Bonnie Dougall Managing Partner
Havers Hill just west of Nanny Cay
3 Bedroom Home with pool located on 0.80 acres of prime land, private road access US $850,000
North shore of Tortola - Brewer’s Bay
Rare beach front land! One acre on the beach, with building permissions already in place. US $395,000
Managing Editor Owen Waters :: owen@alookingglass.com
letter from the editor
Editors David Blacklock, Owen Waters & Traci O'Dea
Welcome to the October issue of Property Guide.
Writers David Blacklock, Owen Waters & Traci O'Dea
After a hurricane, the BVI may look its worst, but the people are at their best. Neighbours share recovery tips, water for showers, refrigerator space, internet connections and fruit from
Advertising Production Colin Rathbun & Nick Cunha
downed trees. I've eaten more local limes this week than I have all year. And the bananas? They
Advertising Sales Owen Waters :: owen@alookingglass.com
seem to be everywhere as a result of the fragile trees toppling over. I had a red one for the first time from Aragorn Dick-Read's farm in Turnbull Estate on Tortola. It was stubbier than its slim, imported yellow cousin, and it tasted heartier.
Art Direction Nick Cunha
Reporter David Blacklock visited Aragorn's Good Moon Farm in Tortola and learned about
Graphic Design Akiya Brewley
the history of farming in the area—a tradition that Good Moon Farm continues by farming
Executive Producer Colin Rathbun, aLookingGlass Publishing colin@alookingglass.com For additional information contact Colin Rathbun at aLookingGlass or visit www.bvipg.com
the land naturally and organically.
Keeping it natural is a goal of one of the BVI's most talked about developments, Oil Nut Bay, whose beach club has achieved the LEED platinum status. The luxury resort continues to inspire and trailblaze while working with local firms and persevering through the recession.
aLookingGlass
#7 Road Reef Plaza, P.O. Box 3895 Sea Cows Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands t 284.494.7788 f 284.494.8777 www.alookingglass.com | info@alookingglass.com
The trees may be stripped of their leaves at the moment, but a friend pointed out that it's an opportunity to see buildings you could never see before and even suggested that this would be the perfect time to take some aerial shots of the island because the foliage isn't covering everything up. We really do make the best out of what could've been a much worse situation.
When life gives you bananas…make daiquiris. Traci O'Dea
On the Cover: Golden Pavilion Villa Photo by Traci O'Dea.
aLookingGlass Ltd., publisher of BVI Property Guide, assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the content placed in its publications. For the avoidance of doubt, aLookingGlass gives no warranty or guarantee in regards to any information placed in its publications. BVI Property Guide and its contents are the intellectual property of aLookingGlass Ltd. Neither this magazine nor any part of it may be reproduced without written permission from aLookingGlass Ltd. 6
OCTOBER 2010 BVI PROPERTY GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
Traci O'Dea
The Producers
13
contents Building Information Modelling and Green Building 10 Building Information Modelling (BIM) allows architects to preview three-dimensional models of propsed structures before they are built. From the Water's Edge: Cliffside Pools in the BVI 13 BVI hillsides are renowned for offering some of the best views in the Caribbean. Many homeowners want to be able to enjoy that view while they are relaxing by the pool. The Economics of Tourism Development Our expert from OBM International traces the path of the tourism development dollar and finds that it travels to unexpected places in the BVI.
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Importing Bali Style 16 Bali Style embraces an abundance of cultures while maintaining its own unique identity, resulting in a colourful yet classy conglomeration that corresponds with the BVI climate.
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State of the Market 18 Real estate agents may be boasting "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunities, but the BVI is one place where every piece of property truly is a rare gem. Developers of resort properties respect this fact while continuing to build for their clients who were not devastated by the recession. Green Living: Good Moon, Mon 21 Aragorn Dick-Read manages a true organic farm at Turnbull Estate above Trunk Bay. While doing so, he also reconnects with the farming history of the island. Watching Paint Dry 24 Indoor and outdoor paints can be some of the most toxic substances on the planet, but eco-friendly paints eliminate the emission of VOCs. Just Add People 26 Move-in-ready homes can save time and headaches, especially for homeowners purchasing second homes or vacation properties that they won't be living in every day.
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Drakes Traders: 25 Years in the BVI The staff at Drakes Traders happily listens to their customers to assess the latest trends in home improvements and rennovations.
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Home Services Directory A directory of recommended retailers of products and services for the home.
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Property Listings Check out the latest listings from the BVI’s top real estate companies.
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Vacation Rentals 33 Looking for somewhere to stay whilst you seek out your sensational new BVI dwelling? Our vacation rentals section offer accommodations to suit every budget.
OCTOBER 2010 BVI PROPERTY GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
The Seduction of Intimacy and Exclusivity at Mooney Bay Estate. Your Private Playground Awaits. 22 pristine acres surround the distinctive estate house and slope gently to your own secluded bay. Mooney Bay Estate offers nature and luxury in perfect harmony. Now taking reservations for Fall 2010.
Call 1+888.624.3213 or info@mooneybaybvi.com
Mooney Bay Estate, PO Box 127, North Sound, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, VG1150 www.mooneybaybvi.com
By Richard Finnegan, Roger Downing and Partner
Building Information Modelling and Green Building
The Beach Club at Oil Nut Bay nears completion. All images courtesy of RDP.
Green building design attempts to control the biggest impact on the natural environment—the built environment. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), a metric that has been developed to measure the level of sustainability, or greenness, of a structure, acknowledges the owners’ commitment to green building, depending on the design and technologies implemented. It is much more difficult to successfully build a green building after it has been designed rather than starting with specific goals in the concept stage. An experienced architect with local knowledge can help with the principles of green building design such as climate, orientation, site selection and material usage. While professionals can conceptualize these principles, clients often have trouble visualizing the final result. Building Information Modelling (BIM) uses 3-D computer modelling to create a model of the topography of the site, trees, ocean, roads, building, pools, and other structures all at the 10
OCTOBER 2010 BVI PROPERTY GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
actual latitude, longitude and altitude as it is in reality. This allows architects and engineers to collaborate on the design and analyse such things as the sun and shade of buildings’ orientations. More importantly, it can accurately allow clients to see what their investments will look like from the outside and what the view might be from the living room. The Beach Club is a gathering place at Oil Nut Bay, Virgin Gorda, and the centre of the resort. It's visible from hillside and beachside villas as well as from the water and neighbouring islands. The ability to allow the owners to visualize what the structure would look like from every angle was very important as the design also had to be visually spectacular. In this case, while simple in layout, it was complex in construction. A round, undulating, framed roof required special engineered compression rings and framing members of exact lengths and angles for the roof to go together in a manner that was strong and beautiful.
The 3-D model of the Beach Club at Oil Nut Bay beside a photograph of the actual building.
At the Beach Club, LEED Platinum status (the highest available) was achieved by optimising the impact of the building design, construction and operational requirements. Through the use of BIM technology, the architects, engineers and fabricators were able to design all the components and have them precisely fabricated before delivery to site for assembly. Most importantly, the client was able to visualise the project and all the details before construction started and This allows architects and engineers to collaborate on the design and was able to make any necessary changes beforehand, thereby saving money on analyse such things as the sun and shade of buildings' orientations. last-minute changes and allowing the contractor to provide a fixed budget. Projects that are built as drawn, on time, and on budget are Modelled building components allowed RDP to reduce the some of the additional benefits of Building Information Modelling material waste through prefabrication of modelled building design, allowing architects and owners to apply saved resources to components. By predicting a lot of the process ahead of time, BIM allows for less human error in construction which saves time, implementing green materials and methods into their projects. PG materials and energy. Lastly, the 3-D model illustrated how to take advantage of natural lighting and ventilation which reduces dependence on artificial lighting and air conditioning. In addition to having a striking design, the owners wanted to achieve LEED Platinum status. Roger Downing and Partner (RDP) used BIM to green the construction process by providing a model that would predict and determine factors that could affect the greenness of the building. Through site modelling, BIM showed how to reduce the disruption of land and hydrology.
www.bviguides.com | ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING BVI PROPERTY GUIDE OCTOBER 2010
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Colonial
Health, wealth and happiness cover. Colonial protects lifestyles and livelihoods with insurance, health care and pensions. From competitive home and motor insurance to business protection, you will have the reassuring support of a $300 million regional insurance group behind you. If you need lifestyle protection that delivers more value, cover and service for your money, just ask Colonial for a quote.
Save with home and motor insurance! CALL 494-8450 or visit www.cgigroup.bm
COLONIAL INSURANCE (BVI) LTD. Palm Grove House, P.O. Box 2377, Road Town,Tortola,VG1110 Tel. 494-8450 email. colonial@surfbvi.com www.cgigroup.bm A member of Colonial Group International: Insurance, Health, Pensions, Life
Colonial Group International is rated A(Excellent) by AM Best.
Lifestyle Furniture. Accessories. Design Services.
ANTERPOOL ANTERPOOL Pharmacy Serving the BVI for nearly 40 years Prescription Drugs • Health & Beauty Supplies • Convalescent Aids Vanterpool Plaza
[at the roundabout]
PO Box 375 British Virgin Islands VG1110 T 494 2702 l F 494 2306 l vanterpool@surfbvi.com
Vanterpool Plaza, 2nd Floor PO Box 375 Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands T 284 494 8131 l F 284 494 2306 l vanterpool@surfbvi.com
Cliffside Pools in the BVI By Erick Oeseburg
When you are new to our Islands, the hills and invariable, steep roads will most likely leave a lasting impression. The sheer drops and relatively radical switchbacks in our road systems are not for the faint of heart. If you have been around for a while, this all becomes second nature, and you certainly have arrived when you've tamed the treacherous “Elevator” a number of times. While we may not always like the drive by car or taxi, we certainly like the views that are afforded from the various plots of land. Many of these seemingly steep homesites make marvelous locations for some of the most stunning and daring architecture. Where houses and their swimming pools and decks are seemingly cantilevered from the hillsides. Fortunately, whatever we build is on very solid bedrock or as an engineer once told me, solid granite. While the groundbreaking may be more like ground chiseling, this solidity is excellent and preferred for today’s swimming pools. As most pools now boast some water in transit, like a waterfall or vanishing edge, it is imperative that these vessels do not move or settle more than a hair. From a more visual perspective, swimming pools should seamlessly integrate with the home’s
ensure that the vision of the architect and the homeowner is achieved in the best possible way. When it comes to creating something truly unique, whether it is your home, garden or swimming pool, it is indispensable to define your style and get a team of professionals and specialists in their field to help you fill in the blanks. Having built pools that are round, oval, rectangular and kidney or freeFrom a more visual perspective, swimming pools should seamlessly form shapes, we always feel that integrate with the home’s architecture and structural design. the best project is the one where the client is very much involved. Because With access to materials from the world over, of that, we can realize his or her vision, sometimes we now may source some splendid handmade to a tee, even if that vision includes a seemingly glass mosaics from a boutique artist in Silicon toppling hillside. PG Valley and combine them with hand-hewn stones that may be located in Java. For the pool components, we may use timeless stainless steel fittings and even water exercise machines to architecture and structural design. This integration allows for perfect harmony between the home and the water recreation vessels. Gorgeous rectilinear styling or sweeping curves become a part of the overall feeling. Added subtle but well coordinated lighting will enhance the home and the reflective water surfaces will magnify the spaces created in and around the home.
www.bviguides.com | ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING BVI PROPERTY GUIDE
OCTOBER 2010
13
The Economics of Tourism Development
By Tim Peck, Chairman, OBM International
The tourism industry and its economic bedfellow, tourism development, have taken a beating in the current economic recession. The first target in a weak economy is discretionary spending, and the nature of tourism is that it’s a luxury, not a fundamental need for an individual. Visitor numbers have inevitably declined as potential tourists everywhere have tightened their belts. However, for many living in the Caribbean, tourism is the primary source of economic livelihood.The Caribbean nations are home to less than 1% of the global population, but they receive more than 3% of global tourist arrivals, which means that the performance of the tourism industry has a direct economic impact, with its success impacting GDP, creating entrepreneurial and business opportunities, attracting international investment, and helping to fill regional government coffers. The BVI is a microcosm of this regional dependency, albeit with the tenuous luxury of having the second economic pillar of the financial services industry running parallel with tourism. Unfortunately, we have clearly seen the negative impact of the recent decline in tourist arrivals
and the challenges of the decline of the sources of investment capital for tourism development in the BVI with the stalling of many major projects within the territory. Tourism development, when managed as true sustainable development, is essential to the wellbeing of the BVI economy. For a true understanding of the impact, it’s useful to follow the trail of the tourism investment dollar. The land for development may have been purchased or may be developed by an existing landowner. If the former, the government will have benefited from significant stamp duties, and the vendor will have benefitted from an injection of capital into the community. The developer will employ professional consultants to assist in the feasibility, planning, and social, economic and environmental impacts of the proposed development; they will employ local firms with experience in similar developments or an international firm who will
Sketches for a proposed resort property. Rendering courtesty of OBMI.
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OCTOBER 2010 BVI PROPERTY GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
through the creation of employment, with the further secondary and tertiary benefits as their dollars are converted into wages which in turn get spent within the local business community. The developer should work with the government in the creation of entrepreneurial opportunities within the community to service the guests’ needs, in turn offering the possibility for the creation of many small businesses with potential to service the tourism market. Tourism development and its impacts must be honestly evaluated with an understanding of the consequences for the infrastructure of the territory. This understanding should lead to a planned development process with upgraded infrastructure for the community as a whole being funded by the tourism dollar. This investment and potential for reward must be set in the context of the tripartite of true sustainability to be viable for both the developer, whether local or external, and the BVI community.The development must be financially viable, to benefit both the developer and the local community.The development must respect its context, offering a high level of authenticity and respecting the local culture. And the development must be environmentally appropriate, minimizing its environmental impact and helping to preserve the very qualities that attract tourists to the BVI. Tourism development is challenging, particularly in the BVI. Debt funding for international tourism development is scarce. Construction and operating costs are very high compared to the international marketplace. Global competition for the tourist dollar and the developer’s dollar are particularly aggressive, with the Asian and Middle Eastern markets developing strongly.The paradigm has shifted, and the developer has become an endangered species, but there remains a powerful appeal for the right type of product in the BVI. PG
The developer should work with the government in the creation of entrepreneurial opportunities within the community to service the guests' needs... team up with local consultants to ensure that fees and taxes remain in the community. The local consultants will be able to offer constructive input based upon their understanding and knowledge of the community. The developer will be injecting significant equity or capital into the project which, under the current economic environment, may represent 50% to 60% of the project costs. The balance will probably be funded by one of the local banks, giving them a stake in the success of the project. Local contractors will undertake much of the construction work. Their employees, most of whom may be expatriates, will distribute money into the local community through rental accommodation from local landlords and by spending money at local businesses. This expenditure will in turn create entrepreneurial and employment opportunities for the secondary and tertiary beneficiaries, ensuring the investment dollars can circulate a number of times through the community. In a small island economy with limited natural resources and manufacturing base, most of the materials will be purchased overseas. Aggressive local pricing, customs exemptions and convenience factors should lead to a significant amount of the materials being purchased though local suppliers. Unfortunately, the BVI has very limited options for regional construction materials to minimize the carbon footprint of overseas imports. Once complete, the development may offer product for sale as either whole ownership as investment property or as fractional ownership, each of which offers stamp duty income to the government to finance infrastructure development. The guests of the completed development will bring a further influx of tourism dollars into the community through direct expenditure on local products and businesses as well as indirect financial benefits
ARCHITECTURE RESORT DESIGN DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING MASTER PLANNING INTERIOR DESIGN
OBM INTERNATIONAL T 284 494 2148 OBMI.COM BVI Property Guide OCT09.indd 1
10/30/09 2010 5:17 PM15 www.bviguides.com | ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING BVI PROPERTY GUIDE OCTOBER
Importing
Bali Style By Traci O’Dea
The entrance to Golden Pavilion Villa in Little Bay, Tortola. Photo by Traci O’Dea.
“The outside world is a mirror to the Balinese with which they can reflect what is most important.” —Bali Style
494.5240 Road Reef Plaza, Road Town, Tortola 16
OCTOBER 2010 BVI PROPERTY GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
Due to similar climates, it’s easy to understand why Bali style is popular in the BVI. Balinese furnishings and fittings utilize durable materials such as teak, bamboo and stone that can be used both in and out of doors.This makes sense because, like BVI homes, structures in Bali often feature open-air living spaces in a way that Architecture of Bali describes as “a full integration of architecture, landscape and way of life.” In the BVI, exclusive vacation properties such as Necker Island, Baraka Point and Golden Pavilion Villa have adopted Balinese elements in their interior and exterior design, perhaps in the hopes of emulating the Balinese lifestyle.The style of the Indonesian island, according to Bali Style by Rio Helmi and Barbara Walker, “is a multiplicity of concepts intricately woven for dramatic effect; a layering of vivid colors, textures and rhythmic patterns boldly revealed in elegant forms.” It’s a look that can be at once clean and complex, whitewashed and whimsical, classic and contemporary. This is due, in part, to the Balinese tendency to be simultaneously old-school and new-school. “It is still a thriving medieval culture (complete with god-kings and feisty feudalism) which annually absorbs the effects of two million tourists,” states Made Wijaya in Architecture of Bali. This sentiment is confirmed by Bali Style which reports “the Balinese have tenaciously observed their beliefs while incorporating new ideas from the outside world. Throughout their history they have creatively adapted and
adjusted these outside influences to fit their spirit.” Perhaps that is why Bali style is so influential and timeless, even all the way across the globe to the BVI—because it assimilates the best of every culture it encounters—Indian, Chinese, Malaysian, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, French, British and American—into a fashion all its own. The easiest way to achieve the Balinese look is to furnish and decorate your home inside and out with pieces imported directly from Bali. Roy Keegan from Arawak Interiors has established relationships with carvers, carpenters, sculptors and fine artists in Bali, and he personally selects the furniture, fittings and interior and exterior accessories that the store carries, or he custom orders specific items for his clients. His store reflects the true Bali style in that he stocks everything from traditional stone statues to sleek, modern teak dining tables to intricately carved benches to a spectrum of cushions and linens. Arawak Interiors can outfit an entire villa or provide the perfect accent piece for a small flat. The ability to continuously incorporate the old and new reflects true taste, something that the Balinese are renowned for and one of the reasons why their style is so universally praised. Part of this ability may stem from the fact that the Balinese aren’t trying to have a style at all; they’re simply living their lives and appreciating the beauty around them in all its forms. PG
The easiest way to get the Balinese look is to furnish and decorate your home with pieces imported directly from Bali.
The Tirta Gangga water palace in Bali.
www.bviguides.com | ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING BVI PROPERTY GUIDE OCTOBER 2010
17
State of the Market By Owen Waters
Whilst marketing agents boast of “best time to buy” and “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunities in the realty world, the reality of that rhetoric in a slightly fragile global economy is starting to wear thin as to progressive investments on a quick return versus substance.
What is happening in the BVI market is that developments still continue to plough on with solid financial backbones and determination to see the task through. The long haul will reproduce longer returns on these solid foundations on a singular and greater level for the BVI economy. The debate as to whether BVI property prices are attainable to the general population is to a certain extent a moot point. Once considering the price of land, design, building and legalities
The BVI property market does hold its value and is considered an area of pristine choice, with a scenic backdrop of tranquility, beauty and to date not saturated by commerce, due to Government protective legislation. of entering the property market, it becomes a checkbook situation, ultimately can or cannot. The National Association of Realtors’ in-depth, collective data report on the US housing economy cited in August 2010 that, “Sales are at the lowest level since the total existing-home sales series launched in 1999, and single family sales—accounting for the bulk of transactions— are at the lowest level since May of 1995.” Factors affecting
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OCTOBER 2010 BVI PROPERTY GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
economies and individuals and trends in market spotlights will influence both buyers and sellers in other markets as we are now without any doubt globally connected. The BVI property market does hold its value and is considered an area of pristine choice, with a scenic backdrop of tranquility, beauty and, to date, not saturated by commerce, due to Government protective legislation. It is, was and will continue to be a sound investment, granted at a high price tag generally starting at a million dollars—this being the nature of the high-end Monopoly board. The recent partnering of global realty houses such as Sotheby’s, Smiths Gore and Savills with local companies serves as a clear indicator that the BVI market has now reached the brokering houses of the elite on every aspect of their criteria for their potential clients in terms of lifestyle and quality. The BVI has always been a focus for resort development. In the smoke of a global recession continuously plagued by media doubt and tremors, Victor International’s Oil Nut Bay is a prime example of a project that is pushing forward. Developing on pristine land, it is emerging as a frontier in development property in the BVI. As of December 2010, Oil Nut Bay will have seven homes either under construction or built with two more breaking ground and another estate site beginning works. The beach club and pool that will be servicing the resort are due for completion by the end of this year.
A photo of the early stages of construction at Oil Nut Bay. Photo by YachtShotsBVI.com
Things are moving rapidly on the site as Lawrence J. Oswald of Victor BVI stated, “The installation of the pipes and conduits that will distribute electricity, voice/data/ video communications, fresh water and irrigation water plus collect sewage has been completed throughout the Resort Core area and is almost completed all the way to the central distribution and processing facilities at the ONB Central Back of House. Transformers at lot lines are currently being set, sewage pumps are being installed and the desalinization plant is being upgraded to produce drinkable water. By mid-October, the generators that have been supplying electricity at ONB will be shut off, and we will begin operating with BVI Electric Corporation’s electricity (with our own back-up generator). We will have fresh drinking water coming from all water taps, and we will be plumbing waste into a central processing facility. In addition, Digicel has put up a tower
that brings great cellular phone and wireless internet service throughout the Resort Core area.” On a remote part of Virgin Gorda that is only accessible by boat, all materials are shipped to Oil Nut Bay at considerable cost. Its gradual and necessary progress is to therefore remain as self-sufficient as possible. Housing the necessities out of sight, is also aesthetically important to the project's visionaries. “At the Central Back of House, the area has been cleared to make room for the erection of two large buildings that will house the utilities distribution and processing facilities plus other facilities that will support the entire ONB Community,” Mr. Oswald said. “Both buildings will have ‘living’ roofs of native grasses and plants to help them blend into the area around them. Across the road from the Central Back of House, the area has been de-brushed and otherwise cleaned up to better understand its potential to become a nature and recreation area.” As of 2010, Oil Nut Bay has enthusiastic workers on site and is about to become the BVI’s most contemporary collection of elite homes on its own pristine peninsula, adding prestige to the region’s property market. Take that notion of a collective and then examine some of the luxurious homes that are also on the market, often featured in Property Guide, and you begin to understand what makes the BVI market as a whole somewhat unique. If the BVI is projecting anything as a factor in the global property market, it is sustainable development of the highest quality. PG
www.bviguides.com | ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING BVI PROPERTY GUIDE OCTOBER 2010
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The Virgin Gorda Collection
RAKU C R O O K B AY $8,800,000 19 room custom beachfront home. No other BVI home finished to this standard.
TOAD HALL T H E B AT H S $7,000,000 Stunning property, approx. 6.5 acre adjoining the Baths. Unique opportunity.
A DREAM COME TRUE P O N D B AY $3,500,000 5 bed home in spectacular
R A M B U TA N N A I L B AY $3,500,000 4 bedroom home right on
waterfront location overlooks
gorgeous beach. Indonesian
stunning Savannah Bay Beach.
influences, excellent finishes.
ISLAND TIME S P R I N G B AY $2,600,000 Enchanting 5 bedroom Villa amid huge granite boulders above Little Trunk Bay Beach.
OPEN DECK M A H O E B AY $2,500,000 Spacious 3 bed Villa, Mahoe Bay. Only 250 feet away from magnificent white sand beach.
MEDITERRANEAN VILLA C R O O K B AY
LAN Y MOR N A I L B AY $1,200,000 Architectural gem, 3/4 acre
$2,000,000 Stunning property, approx. 6.5 acre adjoining the Baths. Unique opportunity.
Lot beneath Gorda Peak National Park. Glorious views.
SEA’S SONG VILLA LO N G B AY $2,950,000 When you dreamt of a waterfront home, it probably looked like this. 3 bedrooms, 2 beaches.
O L D E YA R D V I L L A G E VIRGIN GORDA $325,000
2 bed Condo, beautifully furnished, Resort facilities, best value on Virgin Gorda.
Waterfront Homes with Docks Nanny Cay Marina, Tortola
from $750k
Nanny Cay is Tortola’s flagship marina with berths for 180 yachts, full service boatyard, pool, restaurants, shops, beach and more. Nestled within this thriving community marina will be 32 waterfront homes with docks. Finished to the highest standards, these 2 & 3 bedroom homes are available turn key, fully furnished if required. Guaranteed marina berths available for larger boats. The most competitive, optional rental program in the BVI.
We are delighted to report that the Nanny Cay Village homes have been selling so well this year that we now have only a handful available. Please call 495 3000 or email info@coldwellbankerbvi.com to check on availability.
info@coldwellbankerbvi.com w w w. c o l d w e l l b a n k e r b v i . c o m
To view these listings and others including available Lots call Chris Smith on tel (284) 495 3000 or visit www.coldwellbankerbvi.com
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OCTOBER 2010 BVI PROPERTY GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
Papayas are just one of the types of fruit available at Good Moon Farm.
Green Living
A Modern Farmer Pursues Tradition
By David Blacklock
High above the North Shore's Trunk Bay, Aragorn Dick-Read has created a working market garden and farm, Good Moon Farm, that promises to become a source of inspiration as well as a source of organic greens and fruit.
Aragorn is best known as the impresario of Trellis Bay, where his eponymous Art Centre stands with Jeremy Wright's Cyber Cafe as the spiritual hub of Burning Man culture in the BVI. Aragorn has long sold local fruits and vegetables from the arts centre, but his farm is an attempt to make available organically produced quality produce to the yachting sector, principally, as well as to local restaurants and private customers. The inspiration Good Moon offers is to act as a counterpoint to the government's attempt to create an industrialized agricultural sector based on an array of hydroponic greenhouses situated in Paraquita Bay. On a recent visit, Aragorn was just getting the farm organized following the ravages of Hurricane Earl, which had torn down a grove of banana trees and generally made a mess of things with 100-mph blasts up the gulleys. Offering a visitor a cup of tasty bush tea—eucalyptus and cinnamint—he offered some thoughts on the purpose of the farm and his overall approach to commercial
gardening and its place at the spiritual heart of traditional West Indian life. “It was always my mission to get a piece of land that was fertile, and I found this piece that was actually farmed up into the late 50s, early 60s. This all used to be terraced land and they used to grow bananas, tania and other crops and before that it was growing sugar cane. It was good to actually find a piece of land that had been active for 200 years or so. It was all bushed over, so it had become re-fertilized and I could dig it out and start all over again. “When we first started here five years ago, my crew, which was mostly Carib Indian friends of mine from Dominica, were living on the land whilst we were building—so as we were building we were making the garden and feeding ourselves off the garden. “We are a long way from what our eventual goal plan is. I want to have all these beds irrigated, with a timer. We're doing raised beds on the terraces which limits the amount of land you can use, but it also makes
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come and stay and experience agro-tourism—low key, not villa tourism. We plant using the system of the moon—planting three days before the moon for above ground and three days after for below ground. It has a lot do with moisture levels and the lunar gravitational pull. That's why we call it Good Moon Farm. It's one of the nice mysteries to explore in life.” Aragorn says that on a regular basis the farm produces lettuces, arugula, spinach; herbs like basil, rosemary, sage and parsley— these are the crops “we can produce 90% of the time,” he says. Sometimes things come “in The inspiration Good Moon offers is to act as a counterpoint to the floods.” Sometimes “we lapse,” he says, “but government's attempt to create an industrialized agricultural sector generally we keep the beds busy.” There are based on an array of hydroponic greenhouses situated in Paraquita Bay. three tiers of his market. He delivers to the big supermarkets, to restaurants and caterers, and to bareboats and crewed yachts. Aragorn jokes that in his own family there has been a being lines (from terracing), you wouldn't see bush like you do complete turnaround since his father, who started the Ample now, or trees. Even now, if you look under the bush you can see Hamper shops, used to import fancy foods such as strawberries the terraces where they would grow tania and sweet potatoes from New Zealand. Now he is pursuing a strictly local policy—if and bananas—they were feeding St. Thomas. Now you hear local can be defined as the Caribbean. He has developed a government ministers saying how brutal it is to have to work network from Puerto Rico to Grenada of like-minded purveyors the land, and they're never going to back to ‘the slavery of the who are striving to keep traditional agriculture alive, courtesy of soil.’ It's a warped thing because the soil and the land and the laptop computers, mobile phones and the good moon. PG understanding of nature is what made people strong and kept them fit and healthy and also to love the land. Now the BVI has a social crisis because the young generation don't know a tamarind For a full list of Good Moon Farm's offerings, check their web from a tania. They don't know what there is around them, so they site: goodmoonfarm.com. don't have a relationship with the land anymore, and so they're caught in the worldwide trap of materialism and popular culture. “The long-term vision here is to have the plots producing under irrigation and to have a few cottages where people can
it a lot more controllable, and you can walk around harvesting. We're making nice compost now, so you can concentrate on that one rectangle of soil and really build it up since we're not using fertilizers at all except what we put in from manure and compost. The whole key is in soil development. “When my mum and dad first came here, when I was a kid, the BVI was still farming efficient. I've got strong memories, and now when I look at old photographs, you see these hills as just
Aragorn with a fresh-picked fig. Photo by David Blacklock.
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OCTOBER 2010 BVI PROPERTY GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
Paraquita's Greenhouses Shut Out Small Farmers? The traditional farming practices that Aragorn finds so full of merit have been derided by the political establishment in the BVI as “old-fashioned, tiresome and inefficient,” in Premier O'Neal's phrase. In order to change the territory's agricultural sector, the government has invested in the construction of a complex of greenhouses at Paraquita Bay that will grow produce under the hydroponic method of cultivation. Initially developed as a cultivation method for harsh environments where traditional in-ground agriculture is difficult or impossible—think deserts or coral atolls—hydroponics has become a mainstream agribusiness sector where large operators run vast greenhouses in harsh conditions. The world's largest grower, Eurofresh in Arizona, has about 320 acres under glass, where they grow pesticide-free tomatoes and other crops. Closer to home, Anguilla's Cuisinart Resort has hypdroponics guru, Dr. Howard Resh, in charge of their dedicated gardens which include both hyroponic and traditional organic gardens. The advantages of hydroponic cultivation are many, including lower water use than traditional methods as well as flexibility of production so that yields can more easily match demand, allowing for daily harvesting and marketing on a large scale. Because this method doesn't use soil as a growing medium, it is technically not eligible for the label “organic,” though growers may eschew pesticides. Additionally, of course, this method of cultivation avoids many of the natural calamities that affect the region—landslides, wind damage and the like. Dr. Resh's Anguilla facility claims to be built to withstand winds up to 110 mph, for instance. Whether BVI's farmers and market gardeners can embrace the new technology remains to be seen— the scale of the operation would indicate that the era of the individual working a small plot of land is not part of government's vision for the future. PG
The hydroponic greenhouses being built in Paraquita Bay. Photo by David Blacklock.
The advantages of hydroponic cultivation are many, including lower water use than traditional methods as well as flexibility of production…
Biodegradable & Compostable products for all food container needs STORE OPEN at Studio 244, Road Town, Tortola greentechbvi@gmail.com for catalogue requests and wholesale orders
Tel +1 284 340 1835
Fax +1 284 494 3896
www.greentechbvi.com
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By Owen Waters
Watching Paint Dry Well, it’s an expression, and in getting to know a little about new types of paint in an ever green-aspiring world, having the wrong paint dry, as the partners at Caribbean Colours in Fish Bay tell me, can be a disaster.
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OCTOBER 2010 BVI PROPERTY GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
Teaming up with the American brand California Paints, business owners Scott Bryson, Edread Williams and Andy MacDonald inform me that the negatives associated with paint is the very essence of what new eco paints are attempting to eradicate. “We source products that have other Caribbean markets, so whilst weather is a factor, we are more conscious that the new developer of a resort, home or commercial property is looking for LEEDS and EPA-compliant products for the interior and exterior. In our store, we hope to offer a great retail experience that will be enjoyed by everyone, from that serious contractor getting in and out quickly, all the way to homeowners who want to do the job themselves. We have a relaxed setting with colour magazines, computers and beverages. Our aim is empowering the customers,” said Scott. Caribbean Colours is also partnered with experienced contractors Tony Bramble as well as Jeana Orasco. Local knowledge is as important as understanding the new technologies available. “We are attempting to create a new experience on several levels for every perspective,” says Scott. “We are introducing architect kits to use paint colors and brands to comply with their parameters as well as using computer technology whereby clients can come to the store with a picture of a property, and we can superimpose products on the images to give a true identity of what a paint scheme will look like before going ahead with it.” The new business is projecting non-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, whereby harmful toxins are removed that can cause respiratory and eye irritations and instead strive to retain as much non-harmful, organic compounds as possible. “The paint uses microban, a germ fighter which makes it safe in hospitals and other care units, that’s a big plus—it’s a unique antibacterial additive and is found in tons of everyday products, and crucial for a high-moisture environment such as the BVI.” Caribbean Colours works with Fibrelock, known in the USA for working on natural disasters. “Having an all-weather, quick-time product was a vital part of our research,” said Scott. “We want to provide a superior product to what has been available, and we are identifying our buyers’ needs as they walk through the door. Price point is key, and the companies we work with pass the reality on in terms of today’s economy.” VOC paints cause paint fumes, and over the years the industry has been working hard to eradicate harmful effects on labour and the closing of businesses in order for contractors to work. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) was established in 1998 in the USA and has started to become one of the foremost international standards that products and properties set as a goal to achieve. As more and more businesses and properties become compliant to achieve LEED recognition, it is starting to shape industry in the BVI, from the high-end buyer self-regulating for a better environment down to personal choices of businesses to work with products and the contractors who choose to work alongside the decisions to make a healthier environment. Of course, the choice is still up to the buyer, but let it be said that the products are now available here in the paint industry, and going down to Caribbean Colours and discussing computerized painting with eco products improves the feel-good factor of that initial impression of painting which is often considered one of the more taxing elements of developing or home improvement. In the words of Tom Sawyer, who sold the joy of painting to his peers, “Like it? Well, I don’t see why I ouhghtn’t to like it. Does a boy get a chance to whitewash a fence every day?” You can find the guys at Caribbean Colours in Skelton Industrial Park in Fish Bay. PG
"…we can superimpose products on the images to give a true identity to what a paint scheme will look like..."
Exceptional quality. Environmentally preferred.
A FLAWLESS COMBINATION All
of
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ELEMENTS
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also last longer than ordinary low VOC paints. Flawless ELEMENTS is the first Zero VOC paint line to contain Microban technology.
Flawless ELEMENTS is the natural choice
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Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have shortand long-term adverse health effects. The ELEMENTS range has none. Period.
Exclusive BVI distributor
Skelton Baylots Fish Bay, Tortola
Tel: (284) 494 1448 www.caribbeancolours.vg
www.bviguides.com | ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING BVI PROPERTY GUIDE OCTOBER 2010
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Just Add People
by Dawn Southgate
A fast-growing trend in the homebuilding industry is the development of move-in-ready homes. Here the property developer builds a community of homes or apartments that offer the buyer more than just a unique lifestyle opportunity. Working with the project architect and interior designer, homeowners carefully select a portfolio of luxury fixtures and finishes to complete the interior and exterior design of the home. Presented as a series of lifestyle package options, the homebuyer chooses their selection as part of the buying experience. Typically this translates into different options for the design, colour and finish of cabinets, countertop, high-end appliances, lighting, tile and flooring in the kitchen. For the bathroom, the style and colour of tile and flooring plus options for the countertop, vanity, sinks and lighting fixtures are all available choices. Packages also include finished paint colors, interior and exterior lighting, flooring, fans and landscaping. As the trend trickles into the BVI, one can’t help but marvel at
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OCTOBER 2010 BVI PROPERTY GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
the time-saving benefits of buying a move-in-ready home. What completes a home’s uniqueness is the individual interior design style and personality of the client. The biggest benefit of buying a move-in-ready home is relinquishing the time-consuming role of sourcing the right products and fixtures. For the independent homebuilder, this can mean endless searching via the internet and local stores as well as international travel to make the perfect selections. While some aspects of the packages offered may not be 100% your choice, many offer allowances for customization. Another benefit is that the kitchen, bathrooms, flooring and lighting come fully installed. The buyer no longer has to spend valuable time searching for the right contractors or overseeing the installation project. Some model homes are sold to include, or have available, optional
furniture packages. Again targeted lifestyle packages are offered for each room of the home. Many packages provide just the right amount of furniture and accessories to create a comfortable home yet leave room to add the buyers’ personality through the finishing decorating touches. Some developers have an in-house interior designer on board for those clients who prefer a furniture package custom tailored to their exact specifications and design style, whether for a family home or vacation rental. The beauty is that the time and stress involved in furnishing the entire
beautiful new home will be ready, needing only you and your personal items to fill it. While buying a movein-ready home might not suit those with The beauty is that the time and stress involved in aspirations to design furnishing the entire home is diminished along with their own haven, the the hassles of shipping and installation. choice is perfect for those whose schedule doesn’t allow for home is diminished along with the hassles of managing their own construction project. shipping and installation. When the paperwork And some local projects are opening up the is complete, and you have the keys in hand, your opportunity to live in more remote parts of
the islands, which before may have seemed prohibitive to build on, particularly with no access to basic amenities or roads. As more communities spring up in the BVI, it’s refreshing to see that the architectural design, while providing a more modern feel, is in keeping with BVI’s love of tropical and Caribbean design. And for interiors, the warm wood tones of Indonesian furniture, the textures of rattan and the colourful fabrics seamlessly integrate with the cleaner lines of contemporary design, and the essence of Caribbean living is retained. PG
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OCTOBER 2010 BVI PROPERTY GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
Anyone who has lived here for 25 years will know Drakes Traders and will know how they started humbly by selling tiles out of a spare room, catering to a niche in the BVI market.
Drakes Traders
25 Years in the BVI By Owen Waters
An example of what Drakes can do. www.bviguides.com | ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING BVI PROPERTY GUIDE OCTOBER 2010
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Many things may have changed, but many things haven’t, and Drakes is going stronger than ever now in their own, proud building in Skelton Park at Fish Bay. Christian Esser is the managing director at Drakes—he is on the shop floor and he is hands on. As we tour the 10,000 square-foot showroom, I am reminded of housing emporiums I have seen in the States and Europe. “We aren’t about to start doing hotdogs and breakfasts for everyone,” laughs Christian who always seems to be in a good mood. “My family is originally from Germany, and we love this island, so our tastes are from Europe as well as the States and frankly from anywhere in the world that we might see a great product for the market in the BVI.” That market is a key part in Drakes’ business. Having inventory is crucial and having choice caters to the 20,000 square feet of warehouse to which one day Christian says they will probably have to expand. “We cater to residential and commercial buyers, and I would say that every second
"It is never going to change that the kitchen is the hub home will purchase from our store, from windows to tiles, kitchens to doors. We like to give people a vast choice. On the majority, living is outdoors, where possible, and kitchens are basically clean and spacious and inside.” In asking Christian if trends have changed, he says almost sadly, “Well, there was a time when everyone wanted ventilated windows that simply slided shut, but now everything needs locking, securing and bolting down, and that isn’t necessarily hurricanes; it’s a sign of the society. We hope not to evolve further on that element, but security is important as is longevity.” Drakes carries warranties on all their products as the main dealer and are a member of Ace buying group, where they pass competitive prices to the floor. “Residential clients will always struggle with the price of products. We employ 12 people, and all are trained to advise their best. Sometimes the cost of labour might seem costly, compared to the cost of materials, but more and more people love doing it themselves.” 30
To keep everything carefully planned, Drakes have computerized kitchen setups, where ideas can be seen on an animated programme down to architectural drawings or site-visit specs. “It is never going to change that the kitchen is the hub of the home,” says Christian with a smile. “It’s one of the most important purchases a homemaker makes.” And I tend to agree. Looking around the showroom, I am already hungry. I also notice a lot of eco-friendly appliances and products. Christian cites two major changes in the last year, the recession having more and more people improving their existing properties instead of upgrading to new homes, and more interest in green products. “Green is big business, but it’s hard to say whether the industry will make it stick, and that’s not by choice as I’m all for it,” he says. “But it is the consumer that dictates it. It’s surprising; you can have someone knickknack with green products, but when it comes to something like a door, they want mahogany or teak regardless of any issues—recycled or not, they want it.” So Drakes tries to cover all bases and listens well to their customers' needs, having both an inexpensive range and higher end. What they are looking for is what they hope to have. “At the end of the day,” says Christian, “we are only an of the home." island and 25,000-something strong. We could not expect to dictate trends or even claim to have set them, but our business has always been the same: we look for interesting niches and trends by listening, and we source and buy them so that our customers may have them right here on island. We like being there for them; without their input, we wouldn’t have any trends at all.” I couldn’t agree more. As I was leaving, everyone—not just Christian—was smiling and loving what they were doing. Some customers were hanging around the tile section and others checking out doors, smiling, too, and no doubt wondering how their new, smaller purchase would transfer into their major one.
OCTOBER 2010 BVI PROPERTY GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
Drakes Traders are based at Skelton Park at Fish Bay. They’re open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 1.30 p.m. PG
Drakes’ Traders Ltd.
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BVI Home Services BOOK STORES
IMPORT
National Education Services (RR)
284-494-3921
Tortola Express (RR)
CONSULTANTS 284-494-0707
BVI Development Consultants (RT) 284-494-5353
GARDENING
PROVISIONING
Fort Garden Centre (PP)
284-494-2362
Supa Valu (RT)
284-494-3600
HEALTH
TRAVEL
Crown Dental (RR)
284-494-2770
Travelwise (RT)
284-494-4252
Solé Spa (RT)
284-494-5999
Tortola Travel Services (RT)
284-494-2215
RT
RR
Road Town
Road Reef
NC
SCB
Nanny Cay
Sea Cows Bay
PP
VG
Port Purcell
Virgin Gorda
Serving the BVI since 1982 with repairs, rentals and sales of construction and party equipment.
Want to see your business listed?
T 494 2352
F 494 3545 tooltown@candwbvi.net
Choose either a single line or 50-word description with logo, and send your request to info@alookingglass.com
Caribbean Technology When it’s mission critical, call Caribbean Technology
For Generators
For UPS
Suppliers to: Peter Island Resort, Riteway, Scrub Island, Nail Bay and BVI Government
We also supply and install surge protection, lightning protection, circuit breakers, contactors and switchgear. Call or click for a quote: T 494 6782/3150 F 494 5389 cabtech@surfbvi.com robtech@surfbvi.com
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OCTOBER 2010 BVI PROPERTY GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
www.caribbeantechnology.com
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
1 The Settlement
2
Anegada
3 4
Prickly Pear Island Moskito Island
5
Oil Nut Bay
The Dogs
6 Guana Island
7
Jost Van Dyke
8
Little Jost
Scrub Island
Sandy Cay
Virgin Gorda
Marina Cay Spanish Town
Cane Garden Bay
Beef Island Road Town
Little Tobago
Buck Island
The Valley
n
Fallen Jerusalem
Long Bay
10 11
Great Camanoe
Little Camanoe
Tortola
Green Cay
Great Tobago
9
Necker Island Eustatia Island
Road Harbour
Ginger Island
Frenchman’s Cay
Dead Chest
12
Carval Rock
Salt Island
13 14
Round Rock
Cooper Island
Nanny Cay
Great Thatch
Peter Island
Pelican Island Flannigan Island
Norman Island
Legend: Regions
property listings Use the map and legend to reference the properties listed below. TORTOLA H9 Windy Hill Beauty!: Lovely, well
finished, recently built 3 bedroom 3.5 bathroom home sitting on 1.152 acres. Very private. Beautiful views of Cane Garden Bay and Jost Van Dyke. www.coldwellbankerbvi.com $700,000.00 (284) 495-3000
I10 BRIGHT AND AIRY 3 BEDROOM FAMILY HOME: Lovely bright and airy, three
bedroom, two bathroom family home with studio apartment on a hill above Nanny Cay, Tortola's premier Marina. Ideally located to provide easy access to Road Town, Tortola's best beaches and for boaters all the facilities of the marina…fantastic ocean and island views. Contact chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com. US$700,000 (284)495-3000
H8 BEAUTIFULLY BUILT HILL TOP HOUSE: Beautifully finished 3 bedroom
home with pool sitting majestically above Cane Garden and Brewers Bay beaches. These stunning, unbeatable views are why you came to the BVI! The interiors, millwork, kitchen etc on this lovely property are as impressive as the view. Contact chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com. US$2,300,000 (284)495-3000
I10 An architectural find: Tropical design with European sophistication and superb standard of finish all combine to create this intriguing three bedroom retreat located on 1.46 acres in a private hillside setting on Tortola’s south coast. Recently completed and immaculately maintained, this luxury residence is built as two pavilions separated by the infinity edge pool and connected by a covered loggia and enjoys some of the more spectacular ocean views on Tortola US$2,950,000 (284)494-2446 www.smithsgore.com H9 Agape Cottages: Nestled within walking distance of Cane Garden Bay beach but elevated to provide fantastic ocean and island views, Agape Cottages is an investor’s dream for someone looking to walk into a thriving small vacation rental business. Consists of 3 x one bedroom units and 2 x two bedroom short term rental Units plus owner occupied accommodations and more on just over an acre. Potentially 12 rentable bedrooms. chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com $2,290,000.00 284 495-3000 K8 LUXURY 3 BED VILLA AT LAMBERT: Spectacular three bedroom
Villa with dramatic, high vaulted ceilings, spacious walk in closets in all bedrooms, additional
apartment underneath main house, lovely views and breeze, walking distance of great beach. $2m Visit www.coldwellbankerbvi.com (284)495-3000
G10 Exclusive four bedroom residence in lush West End:
The wonderful ambiance of this residence comes from its first class design and breathtaking views of Jost Van Dyke. Built as two pavilions separated by a spacious swimming pool deck, the property also includes a self contained one bedroom apartment. US$2,600,000 Tel. 494-2446 www.smithsgore.com
H9 Lovely Lot at Ballast Bay: Beautiful Ballast Bay Lot now available. Glorious views of Cane Garden Bay and Jost Van Dyke. $120,000 chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com (284) 495 3000
G10 Long Bay Lots: Two Lots for sale
above Long Bay Beach Resort. Both just under an acre and both offering spectacular views. Concrete access, road, underground utilities, full resort services available. chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com $295,000 each 284 495-3000
Tortola Virgin Gorda Jost van Dyke Northern Islands Southern Islands Anegada
G10 Two and Three Bedroom Hillside Villas – Long Bay Resort: Cleverly designed Villas with fantastic
views, great beach and full use of all resort facilities. Lock off units designed to maximize income potential at Tortola’s leading beach resort. From $350,000 chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com (284) 495 3000
H9 1 acre Lot at Ballast Bay:
Stunning Lot, hillside just off the water, spectacular views, one for your “Must View Today” list! $200,000 chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com (284) 495 3000
K8 VACATION RENTAL HEAVEN!
Two 3 bedroom townhomes, each with pools, recently completed and beautifully finished, now available. Walk to Little Bay beach! Fanastic vacation rentals. Contact chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com. US$2,300,000 (284)495-3000
G10 Magnificent 5.5 acre peninsula This historic 5 bedroom property
with swimming pool located at West End, affords total privacy, spectacular views with direct access to the beach and a private jetty. An exceptional idyllic retreat in the Caribbean. $6,500,000 Tel 284 494-2446 www.smithsgore.com
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L7 Villa Asolare at Mansion Hall: This stunning home is located around
a point which gives panoramic views of the outer islands from Scrub Island to Norman Island. There are stone steps that lead to each of the three buildings, the two beaches and thru lush flowers, fruit trees and the historic ruins of Fort Hodge dating from the 1740’s. There is also an infinity pool with an out door kitchen, perfect for entertaining! For more details about this property please go to www.trudebvi.com or call Courtney at (284) 494-2500
G10 Pineapple Place: Situated
in Belmont above Smugglers Cove. Pleasing proportions, stunning views, it has 3 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a guest house and swimming pool. Privacy, antique teak doors and furniture, mahogany windows, and an orchid shade house are also appreciated. www.pineappleplacebvi.com US$3,500,000
H9 2 bedroom home, Cannon Point Estate, Cane Garden Bay: Delightful 2 bedroom fully furnished cottage in unique, private location on the point Between Cane Garden Bay and Brewers Bay. Spectacular Sunset, Ocean and Island West Facing Views. ½ acre Lot. One Lot off the water. Pristine, Peaceful and Private. Small, covenanted, Residential Estate. $750k. or purchase with adjacent vacant Lot for $950k. chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com www.coldwellbankerbvi.com (284)495-3000
H11 Ideal family home: Spacious,
newly built 3 bed, 3 ½ bath home located on 0.715 acres at Romney Park. With car port and landscaped grounds. $950,000 Tel 284 494-2446 www.smithsgore.com
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H10 Tingalayo: A stunning newly constructed property on approx 4 acres. 4 bedroom main house with 2 bedroom guest cottage. Unparalleled views of a bright blue sea dotted with islets. A choice of living, dining and entertainment areas, indoors and out. Sweeping decks with sunbeds and oversized cushions for tanning and contemplation. Two swimming pools and a hot tub for star-gazing. And all within a short drive of Tortola's legendary West End beaches. $3.75m chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com (284) 495 3000 G10 3 bedroom Caribbean style home: Located on over 1.5 acres
of gentle sloping land at Belmont Estates. The three pavilions include spacious kitchen, covered dining area, living room, movie porch library, hobby room; master bedroom suite and two guest bedrooms. Swimming pool terrace with loggia and wet bar. US$1,750,000 www.smithsgore.com (284) 494-2446
G11 FRENCHMAN'S CAY: Stunning new build 3 bedroom Villa with pool with views of Soper's Hole, Little Thatch, St. Thomas, etc. Recently completed. The perfect vacation retreat in one of the BVI most exclusive Estates. Designed and built with absolutely no expense spared. Contact chris@ coldwellbankerbvi.com $3,000,000 (284)495-3000 I10 WATERFRONT HOMES WITH DOCKS, NANNY CAY: 2/3 bedroom
waterfront townhouses with docks now available at Nanny Cay, Tortola’s premier marina. Full resort facilities and competitive rental program available
OCTOBER 2010 BVI PROPERTY GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
to offset costs of ownership. (284)495-3000. Contact chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com. US$650,000
J8 Sea Cows Bay Land: Located
near Oleander Estate in the hills above Sea Cow’s Bay, these 2 properties have spectacular views and breezes. These lots are prime for development, one lot is 0.783 of an acre and the other lot is 6.9 acres, both totaling 7.683 acres. Freehold and No Covenants. US$650,000 (284) 494-2500 www.trudebvi.com
H11 Sundown:
A unique three bedroom home with pool designed for indoor/outdoor living with large open living area and terrace. Fabulous channel and sunset views. Located at the exclusive, gated Towers Estate, at just under an acre privacy guaranteed. $1.6m chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com (284) 495 3000
H9 Last Available Lot, Cannon Point Estate, Cane Garden Bay:
G10 Newly built 4 bedroom villa: Tucked into the hillside at Belmont
Estate the villa consists of 3 pavilions built around a swimming pool terrace. 2-car garage. 1.578 acres. $2,000,000 494-2446 wwwsmithsgore.com
H9 4 bedroom Villa Cane Garden Bay: Position “A” above Cane
Garden Bay offering spectacular island, ocean and sunset views. 4 bedroom Villa with 1 bedroom apartment underneath. Provides best of CGB..more views and breezes…quiet hillside location. $700k chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com (284) 495 3000 www.coldwellbankerbvi.com
G10 A rare find at Belmont Estates: Newly built, contemporary home
in prestigious Belmont Estates, a few minutes’ drive to Long Bay and Smuggler’s Cove beaches. Spacious master bedroom suite with two private guest rooms both with ensuite bathroom. Kitchen and living areas open onto swimming pool deck. US$1,250,000 (284)494-2446 www.smithsgore.com
K9 3 bed Home above Hodges Creek Marina, 1 acre Lot Lovely
Unique, private location on the point Between Cane Garden Bay and Brewers Bay. Spectacular Sunset, Ocean and Island West Facing Views. Last Lot available in pristine, peaceful and private, small covenanted, Residential Estate. One Lot off the water. $250k. chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com www.coldwellbankerbvi.com (284)495-3000
setting on the hill above Hodges Creek Marina for this 3 bed family home with large covered decks from which to enjoy simply spectacular views. Set amongst 1 acre of beautifully landscaped, gently sloping gardens. A “must see” at this price. $875k neg. chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com 284 495 3000 www.coldwellbankerbvi.com
I10 Home sites available at Marguerite Estate Sites for sale with
G10 “The Blessing” Long Bay:
views of the Sir Francis Drake Channel and St. John. Acreage from 0.304a to 1.065A. Prices range from $70,000 to $175,000. Tel. 494-2446 www.smithgore.com
An exceptional Villa finished to the highest of standards. Incredible ocean and island views. Beach and resort facilities available. 2 bedrooms with loft and pool on approx one acre Lot. Built and maintained by perfectionists. A great example of
what is possible in the BVI when only the best will do. $1.5m chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com www.coldwellbankerbvi.com (284)495-3000
located within walking distance to the beach. From $145,000 (284)494-2446 www.smithsgore.com
I10 A Caribbean delight! Five
G10 Unique investment opportunity: Upper level poolside unit
bedroom, 3 ½ bathroom residence (approx. 7,000 sf) situated on a magnificent hillside brow on the south side of Tortola with exceptional views of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. This secluded property, extending to over 6 acres of land, is a rarity in the BVI as it offers an elevated position on virtually flat land. $3,750,000. Tel. 494-2446 www.smithgore.com
H8 1 acre Lot, Glorious Cane Garden Bay views: A rare Lot on Luck
Hill with fantastic views of Cane Garden Bay. Beautiful sunsets. Very buildable. One not to be missed! $225k chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com 495-3000
J9 Fixer upper close to town
Two bedroom, three bathroom residence in need of renovation located at Slaney Hill. The property extends to 0.20 acres and affords stunning views of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. The property also includes a two storey workshop/utility room. $450,000. Tel. 494-2446 www.smithgore.com
I10 Completed 2 bed townhouse at Nanny Cay: A much sought after
completed waterfront townhouse with dock has become available at Nanny Cay Marina. Fully furnished, successfully rented since completion. Large wraparound balcony, full use of all facilities, don’t stop to think, come see it today $675,000 (284) 495 3000 chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com www.coldwellbankerbvi.com
G10 Belmont Estates: A few lots left
on a delightfully wooded estate of about 250 acres encompassing two of the finest beaches on Tortola, Long Bay Beach and Smuggler’s Cove. Some lots are
at Long Bay Beach Resort with income potential. The apartment includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, kitchenette and two generous balconies overlooking the pool with beautiful ocean views. Within walking distance to Long Bay beach. US$330,000. (284) 494-2446 www.smithsgore.com
K9 Casa Verde 3 bedrooms, 1 acre A light and airy 3 bedroom Villa perched on
the hill above Hodges Creek Marina. Lovely marina, ocean and island views from the spacious wrap around deck. Nestled on a fantastic one acre Lot, with established and easily managed tropical gardens. chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com 495 3000 www.coldwellbankerbvi.com
K8 DRAMATIC HEADLAND ESTATE:
Sitting on a spectacular promontory, with a dramatic ocean gorge this exceptional 7 acre beachfront and waterfront residence has been beautifully designed to integrate five pavilion buildings, including five bedrooms, four bathrooms, family room, living room, kitchen and dining pavilion with separate pool terrace all surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. US$7,750,000 Tel. 284-494-2446 www.smithsgore.com
G10 Pondavista: Newly constructed, 4 bedroom residence with pool set amidst beautifully terraced gardens. Situated on a 1.4 acre site in Belmont Estates and within walking distance of the beautiful Long Bay and Smuggler's Cove beaches. Enjoy spectacular 180 degree views from Little Tobago to the west, to Jost van Dyke to the north to Cane Garden Bay to the east. $2.7m
(284)495-3000 chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com www.coldwellbankerbvi.com
H9 Dramatic property at Shannon: Built amongst large boulders and
lush tropical gardens this unique residence is situated on 5.25 acres and affords the most spectacular northerly views and sunsets. Encompassing approx 5,700 sf this exceptional retreat consists of a great house with three bedroom suites, dramatic two tier swimming pool, private master bedroom cottage and two spacious Balinese guest cottages. A self-contained caretaker’s cottage is located to the rear of the property. $5,450,000 (284)494-2446 www.smithsgore.com
J8 3 bedroom Ridge Road Home with 3 bed Apt: Lovely 3 bedroom
family home with rental income potential from 3 bed apt beneath. Great views of North Shore and Guana Island. Lush mature garden filled with coconut palms and fruit trees. Motivated Seller. chris@ coldwellbankerbvi.com $850,000.00 (284) 495 3000 www.coldwellbankerbvi.com
G10 Walk to Long Bay Beach, 3 bedrooms, pool: Much sought after,
James O'Halloran designed, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom Villawith pool on approx. 1 acre lot a short stroll from Long Bay Beach. Great views, mature tropcal gardens. Concrete road to property! Vacation rental history. US$2,200,000 (284)495-3000
G10 Affordable property in desirable location 2 bedroom, 2
bath house located on a 0.8 acre lot on the hillside of Belmont Estates overlooking Smugglers Cove and Jost Van Dyke. Main house with great room, galley kitchen and master bedroom suite. Separate guest bedroom cottage. Cozy courtyard. $850,000. Tel. 494-2446 www.smithgore.com
R6 3 bedroom home with pool, Leverick Bay: “Mikaya” is a delightful
3 bedroom hillside home with a pool offering spectacular views of the North Sound. Perfect lay out for a vcation home. Well constructed and comfortably furnished. Plenty of shady deck space. Large lounge and kitchen area. The right house at the right price. $1.6m chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com www.coldwellbankerbvi.com (284)495-3000
J9 Long Trench Estate Home:
Situated on .623 acres this split level home has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and a separate 1 bedroom unit which has rental income. Since this home is set on only .3 acres an additional house can be erected giving two for the price of one. This is a must see!! US$715,000 www.trudebvi.com or call Courtney at (284) 494-2500
G10 Charming new listing at Belmont Caribbean style 3 bedroom 5 bath villa located on over 1.5 acres of gentle sloping land. Main house with kitchen, living room, covered dining area, verandah, library, hobby room, full bath, laundry and storage area; master bedroom cottage located in front of the swimming pool terrace; two bedroom guest cottage. $1,750,000. Tel. 494-2446 www.smithgore.com
L8 Waterfront home at Beef Island 5 bedroom, 3 ½ bathroom residence
with swimming pool located at Little Mountain Estate, with direct water access and within walking distance to Long Bay beach. The property enjoys sweeping southerly views from Peter Island to Virgin Gorda. Spacious living room opening up to a covered terrace, kitchen and master bedroom suite on the main level . The lower level comprises four guest bedrooms with two bathrooms. $2,400,000 Tel (284) 494-2446 www.smithsgore.com
F11 Pebble Beach Cottage: Unique
waterfront property with private dock at Soper’s Hole, West End. 2 bedroom cottage on 0.6 acres with wonderful westerly ocean, island and marina views. chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com $1,950,000.00 (284) 495 3000 www.coldwellbankerbvi.com
G11 The Wendy House, 2 bedroom home on 1/3acre: The
Wendy House is delightful two bedroom home, sitting on a 1/3 acre offering wonderful views over Sopers Hole Marina. Its unique position on Frenchmans Cay allows it to catch the tradewinds and enjoy the sunsets. Plenty of scope for future development. Successfully rented. $595,000 (284) 495 3000 chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com www.coldwellbankerbvi.com
G10 Hummingbird House: Located in the prestigious Belmont Estate only moments from Smugglers Cove and Long Bay beaches, this delightful home has been extensively remodeled by the current owner, an English Architect with over 20 years island experience designing first class, luxurious homes. Pleasing proportions and scale, elegant finishes and fixture choices of the highest quality and wonderful ocean, island and sunset views. $2,495,000.00 chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com (284) 495 3000 www.coldwellbankerbvi.com G10 Two bedroom condo Set within Long Bay Beach Resort, with access to all the hotel amenities and within walking distance to the beautiful sandy beach. $350,000. Tel. 494-2446 www.smithgore.com H11 Delightful two bedroom house with spectacular views:
Elegant two bedroom two bath house with swimming pool and spectacular views of the Sir Francis Drake Channel, including St. John and St. Thomas. This well designed home combines timeless Caribbean design with contemporary flair. US1,250,000 (284) 494-2446 www.smithsgore.com
I8 Surfshore Villa: A stunning,
brand new home overlooking one of the BVI’s most pristine beaches at Trunk Bay. 3 bedroom main house, one bedroom guest cottage, pool, large shaded verandas, beautifully combines traditional Caribbean style with modern, sleek finishes and fixtures. $1.55m chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com (284) 495 3000 www.coldwellbankerbvi.com
J9 Studio Condo at Tobacco Wharf: This charming studio condo comes
semi-furnished with all modern amenities and enchanting views overlooking the harbour and a lovely garden. It is located on the top floor of Tobacco Wharf within walking distance to Road Town US$325,000. www.trudebvi.com or call Courtney at (284) 494-2500.
H9 Rose Lodge, 3 bedrooms Windy Hill: Beautiful hillside setting with
exceptional island and sunset views. Two bedroom main house with lovely gardens and lawn. Delihtful views of Cane Garden Bay from very private guest house. $1.1m chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com (284) 495 3000 www.coldwellbankerbvi.com
L9 Exceptional waterfront estate: Set on 4.7 acres and including 600 ft
of waterfront/beachfront and a private dock. Ideally located in a private residential estate with spectacular views of the Sir Francis Drake Channel, the residence comprises a four bedroom main house featuring three pavilions connected by covered verandahs and
www.bviguides.com | ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING BVI PROPERTY GUIDE OCTOBER 2010
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swimming pool terrace, two bedroom guest house, garage, workshop and tennis court. The combination of beach frontage as well as anchorage is a rarity in the BVI and the Caribbean and presents a unique opportunity to own an exquisite residence in an idyllic location to take full advantage of the island’s treasures. Price on application. (284)494-2446 www.smithsgore.com
H9 Business Opportunity: 1.04 acres of hill side land just 200 feet beyond the picturesque beaches of Cane Garden Bay. The property houses six buildings containing 5 one-bedroom, 2 two-bedroom and 1 threebedroom units. US$2,500,000 (284)495-4825
VIRGIN GORDA P8 Apartments at Olde Yard Inn Village: Two, bedroom, two bathroom
apartments at the new Olde Yard Condominium Village. The apartments (1,225 sf) are fully air-conditioned and enjoy ocean views through the French doors leading onto a large patio.The homeowners share a beautiful pool, garden, fitness centre laundry and restaurant. From $300,000 (284)494-2446 www.smithsgore.com
P9 Waterfront Lot in Virgin Gorda: Approx 1.26 acres fantastic waterfront
J9 Marina View Garden Condo:
Lot.Prime location amongst the boulders. High end residential. $485k chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com (284) 495 3000 www.coldwellbankerbvi.com
2 bedroom garden condo at Village Cay Marina. Lovely marina setting. Perfectly placed for all the conveniences of Road Town. Fully furnished and air conditioned. $499,000.00 chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com (284) 495 3000 www.coldwellbankerbvi.com
P9 Charming three bedroom, two bath home at Windy Hill:
H10 Located in Carrot Bay: This
P8 A stone’s throw from Little Trunk Bay: Enchanting 5 bedroom, 5 ½
0.267 acre site affords lovely views of Jost Van Dyke and a quiet neighbourhood. $65,000 (284)494-2446 www.smithsgore.com
H9 Private villa at Shannon:
Ideally located to benefit from higher elevation, spectacular views and year round reduced temperature. Main house with great room, master bedroom and two guest bedroom suites. A one bedroom guest cottage is located across the spacious swimming pool deck. US$2,600,000 Tel 494-2446 www.smithsgore.com
Parts & Power
of Tortola have just received another container of Industrial Diesel Generators from 12 to 30 kw. These generators are powered by reliable Perkins engines with long running fuel tanks. They come in Aluminum Weather Enclosures which, not only will not rust, but feature Super Sound Attenuation for a Whisper Quiet 67 dBA noise level. They feature anti condensation heaters in the generator end for extended life of the electrical components.
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OCTOBER 2010
Set on 0.5 acres in a quiet neighbourhood the property enjoys beautiful views of Tortola and Beef Island and a lush tropical garden. $750,000
bath Caribbean Villa perched amid huge boulders above beautiful Little Trunk Bay. Nestled in approx. 1.15 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, this poolside villa boasts five separate guest cottages, tennis court and fish pond. US$2,600,000 (284)494-2446 www.smithsgore.com
Q6 Moonlit Sea: Amazing 180
degree unobstructed sea views. Sunsets and gentle breezes. 4 min. walk to pristine beach, swimming and snorkeling. Beautifully landscaped. 2BR/3BA, open concept, large deck. More
photos at www.virgingordahouseforsale.com. Priced below market yet still negotiable. $695,000. Bonnie Dougall: 284-495-3003
Q6 LAN Y MOR: Lan Y Mor – Welsh for
“By The Sea” - a simply stunning home on a ¾ acre Lot that must be amongst the prime sites in Virgin Gorda. Absolutely incredible ocean and sunset views. Custom hardwood doors, Sub Zero appliances, slate countertop…get the idea? “WOW!” does not fully describe this property or its lush gardens! Built by a renowned Landscape Architect Contact chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com. US$1,200,000 (284)495-3000
P9 Baldor, Spring Bay:
A beautiful 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, spacious home located in Spring Bay Estate moments from Virgin Gorda’s finest white sand beach Built up high to capture views and breezes. In the main house are the master bedroom, bathroom, living and dining room and kitchen. Adjacent and connected by wooden decks, is a 2 story building with two bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. $1.7m chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com 495-3000
Q8 Waterfront Land Available in Virgin Gorda: Lots now available from $200,000.00. Dramatic ocean views. Very buildable.www.coldwellbankerbvi.com (284) 495-3000
Q8 Exceptional panoramic vistas: Encompassing many of the islands in the BVI from the Dogs and Ginger Island all the way to St. John are had from this contemporary 3 bedroom 3 ½ bathroom home with spacious swimming pool terrace located in a quiet and covenanted residential estate within a short drive to Spanish Town and beaches. The design cleverly blurs the distinction between the internal and external living areas. Exceptional standards of finish reflect a modern
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BVI PROPERTY GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
interpretation of Caribbean living. US3,150,000 (284) 494-2446 www.smithsgore.com
Q6 Seas Song, 3 bedroom Villa:
Seas Song sits 30’ above the Sir Francis Drake Channel on a beautiful promitory on Virgin Gorda’s North Western shoreline, Within easy walking distance of two fabulous beaches, this stunning 3 bedroom, 3 ½ bathroom home with pool is a modern interpretation of traditional Caribbean architecture. Lots of stonework, large covered terraces and landscaping by award winning Architects. $2.95m chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com 495-3000
P8 4 Bedroom Villa with 360 degree Views: Unique location atop Virgin
Gorda's boulders. 360 degree views of the Caribbean and Atlantic. Inviting living spaces created in and amongst the boulders. Fantastic freeform pool.Tastefully landscaped to provide complete privacy. Visit www. coldwellbankerbvi.com $2.4m (284) 495-3000
R6 Private villa at Leverick Bay: This two bedroom, two bath villa with
large pool, covered and open terraces and panoramic views of Leverick Bay and the Atlantic Ocean boasts well-tended gardens and constant Caribbean breezes and has access to the amenities of Leverick Bay Resort. $1,750,000 494-2446 www.smithsgore.com
P9 Raku, Crook Bay: This 6 bedroom
custom home has been designed and built to a standard rarely seen in the BVI and is surely one of the finest luxury homes currently available in the Caribbean. The standard of construction, choice of materials - marble countertops, andirobi vaulted ceilings, mahogany hardwood floors, over 100 tons of imported stone, jatoba hardwood cabinetry and location - beachfront, Virgin Gorda - are all second to none. $8.8m chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com 495-3000
R5 HOMES AND LAND AT LITTLE DIX BAY: Rare opportunity to own a home
on the dramatic hillside above the world-renowned resort. Magnificent setting, luxurious amenities and services, remarkable privacy. Price on application. (284)494-2446 www.smithsgore.com www.villasatlittledixbay.com
P9 Rare large Lot now available in Virgin Gorda:
Approx 1.9 acre Lot now available in Virgin Gorda. Incredible 360 degree views. Truly unique. Beautiful boulders. Upscale neighbours. Off Coppermine Road. Very buildable. $1,200,000 chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com (284) 495 3000
R6 South Sound Waterfront Homesites: Freehold 0.5 to 1 acre sites in a
private secluded location with fabulous views, breezes on South Sound. Services are underground. We offer villa designs and construction. US$200,000 (203)3120152 tpcook@videoautomation.com www.videoautomation.com/southsound.html
P8 Tropical home: Charming and eclectic 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home on a 0.5 acre site with spectacular views of Tortola and Beef Island and the Caribbean Sea. Its lush tropical garden includes a Balinesian Rice barn. $650,000 (284)494-2446 www.smithsgore.com Q7 A Dream Come True, Pond Bay: A five bedroom, cliffside/waterfront home above Virgin Gorda’s most spectacular beaches at Pond Bay and Savannah Bay. Simply stunning. Ask to see the rental history and figures on this property. A phenomenal story. $3.5m chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com (284) 495 3000 www.coldwellbankerbvi.com
P8 Condos Available on Virgin Gorda: A selection of one and two
bedroom condominiums available on Virgin Gorda at the Olde Yard Village from $320k. Finished and equipped to high standards, lovely facilities including large pool, gym, restaurant, tennis courts, beautiful gardens. From $320,000 (284) 495 3000 chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com
P9 5600sqft of Meditteranean Splendor: A really spacious home with
gorgeous ocean views, one Lot off the water, short walk to wonderful small secluded beach dotted with VG’s famous boulders. Lovely gardens US$2,000,000 (284) 495-3000 chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com
NORTHERN ISLANDS M7 Mainsail Resort, Marina and Spa: Spectacular Lots from 1 1/2 to over 6 acres now available to build your Caribbean dream home on beautiful Scrub Island. A few Oceanfront and hillside homes with incredible views and access to alll resort facilities still available. US$2,000,000 (284) 495-3000
M7 Very private 2+ acre lots on Exclusive Scrub Island Marina & Spa Resort! Part of an
upscale island resort, waterfront land is available to build your own dream home.View at www.trudebvi.com US $1,500,000+ (284) 494-2500
M7 Exceptional headland property With four separate cottages
located on Great Camanoe, just a 10 minutes’ boat ride away from Trellis Beef Island. The site extends to over 4 acres and includes 800 feet of ocean front with beautiful granite boulders. Private dock. $1,800,000. Tel. 494-2446 www.smithgore.com
external lounge areas, dining terraces, kitchen, three bedrooms and swimming pool deck. $1,850,000 Tel (284) 494-2446 www.smithsgore.com
M7 Charming 5 bedroom Villa on Great Camanoe: Delightful 3
bedroom Main House with 2 Bedroom Guest house on Great Camanoee. Lots of character. Fantastic island and ocean views, incredible panorama. Easy access to dock. Approx 2 acre Lot. US$1,200,000 (284)495-3000
M7 3 bedroom Villa, Mainsail Development: One time opportunity to
purchase nearly completed 3 bedroom residence from Owner at significantly below market price. On Mainsail Luxury Resort, Spa and Marina private island. Finishes to the highest specifications. Full property management services and facilities. $2,000,000 284 495-3000 chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com
M7 Exceptional headland property: Extending to over 4 acres with
800 feet of ocean front with beautiful granite boulders and a private dock, this 2 bedroom house benefits from soothing breezes and spectacular views. $1,800,000 Tel 284 494-2446 www.smithsgore.com
M7 DIAMOND REEF ESTATE, UNIQUE 10 ACRE PROPERTY: A
fabulous property, full of character and charm. Upon this 10 acre site sits a magnificent 3 bedroom main house, built largely from local stone in 1968 by the Upjohn Pharmaceutical family. A delightful one bedroom guest house built in later years. Residents treated to glorious views yet completely private. Wonderful landscaping, beachfront, private swim dock. Absolutely one of a kind property. $6m (284) 495-3000 chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com
M7 LUXURY ACCOMMODATION ARRIVES IN THE BVI: Brand new Marina
Suites, 2 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bath at the BVI’s premier Resort and Marina Development on Scrub Island. Resort faclities incl. first class spa, restaurants and marina. $1.2m www.coldwellbankerbvi.com (284)495-3000
Jost Van Dyke E8 Jost Van Dyke Land: There
is a 1 acre lot located about a mile east from Foxy’s Restaurant. It has utility access, road access and stunning panoramic views of Tortola and St. Thomas. US$110,000.00 www.trudebvi.com or call Marianne at (284) 494-2500.
M7 Outer island estate Located on Great Camanoe, this 10 acre estate has beach and water frontage and a dock. Main house built as three pavilions connected by terraces and verandahs with beautiful views of Marina Cay and the Sir Francis Drake Channel; one bedroom self-contained guest cottage. Beautiful landscaped grounds. $6,000,000 (284)494-2446 www.smithsgore.com M7 Waterfront residence on Great Camanoe offering complete
privacy and designated dockage within Indigo Estate marina. Spectacular southerly views of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Built as three separate cottages the house provides spacious internal and
Vacation Villa Rentals Sebastian's on the Beach: Rooms for every budget starting with Tropical Garden rooms up to luxury junior-suites with teak whirlpool. Beachfront rooms offer "fall-out-of-bed into the water beaching" (Fodor's), a/c, ceiling fans & refrigerators in all rooms. Seaside Restaurant, continental, caribbean cuisine, fresh lobster & seafood. Commissary with Internet desk. w ww.sebastiansbvi.com sebhotel@surfbvicom (284)495-4212 Surfsong Villa Resort: A boutique beachfront resort of seven extraordinary villas – ranging in size from one to four bedrooms. Each villa boasts individual distinctions that include secluded decks, oceanfront views, elegant furnishings, outdoor stone showers and romantically draped four-poster beds. All villas have plush king size beds, resort robes, BBQ patio, CD & DVD, Sat. TV, A/C, & room-safe, Wifi. Amenities include: beach lounge, reception area, honor bar, tropical dining courtyard, spa services, meal packages, concierge & business services.w ww.surfsong.net, info@surfsong.net (284) 495-1864.
List your property or vacation villa here.
Send a 250 character or less description with a headline, price, 1" x 1" hi-res photo and contact details to info@alookingglass.com or call us at 284 494 7788.
Want to see your property listed? Send a 250 character or less description with a headline, price and contact details to info@alookingglass.com or call us at 284 494 7788.
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