SMITHS GORE

THE GREATEST VIEWS

Step inside three superb Tortola properties, showcased by Christie’s International Real Estate affiliates, Smiths Gore.

BY TRACI O’DEA PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALTON BERTIE

THIS SPREAD Norgrove House is a prestigious private estate on 3.11 acres of land located on the peak of Little Mountain, Beef Island.

SMITHS GORE WAS established in 1965 and is the longest-standing independent agency in the BVI. The iconic strawberry-pink offices on Main Street are built around an enormous boulder — a symbol of the strength and resilience of the British Virgin Islands and its property market.

As seems to be the trend throughout the region, the property market has remained buoyant throughout the pandemic, and interest from overseas investors has increased. The main difference is that clients are no longer looking for vacation homes; rather, they are looking for actual second homes, in which they can live and work remotely for up to six months of the year. Specific to the BVI, we have seen an increase in land sales and development of land. On Tortola, there seems to be land being cleared and developed on every hillside, with properties popping up left, right, and center.

It can be more expensive to build in the BVI than other parts of the Caribbean, due in part to the fact that we are a volcanic archipelago with steep hills that present costly challenges to build on. Though the construction is costly, BVI contractors have impressive skills when it comes to clearing and levelling land for building; they seem fearless.

If you are looking to invest in property in the BVI, one thing is guaranteed: a fabulous view. In many cases, this is literally a multimilliondollar view if you happen to overlook one of the harbours where superyachts have chosen to dock. The views and weather are the main reasons we live in the BVI. When you wake up and see those blues and greens around you, you can’t help but feel a sense of calm.

Our cover property, Norgrove House, is situated on Little Mountain Estate, Beef Island. While the house is

Norgrove House offers magnificent views from the eastern side of Guana Island to Little Camanoe, Great Camanoe, Scrub Island, Virgin Gorda, and beyond.

Perched on the top of Little Mountain, Beef Island, the estate is walking distance to Long Bay, Beef Island. It’s also just a short drive to stunning local beaches and all the amenities of East End

a gem on its own, the incomparably landscaped three-acre garden is the pièce de resistance. The former owner, Minine Norgrove of Minine’s Plants & Landscaping, used her own property as a showcase for her passion for plants. The land is replete with several varieties of palm trees, fruit trees, flowering shrubs and vines, succulents, and even an orchard!

Norgrove House is perched on the top of Little Mountain, Beef Island with views to Buck Island, Hawksnest, Guana Island, Scrub Island, Little Camanoe, and Great Camanoe. The existing house on the site comprises two ensuite bedrooms with an open-plan living room and kitchen as well as a self-contained one-bedroom efficiency beneath it. After the recent storms, the roof and deck were replaced, and the property was redecorated. Walkways lead down to an established orchard below the house with custard apples, mangoes, limes, and carambola.

Just above the driveway, at the peak, there is a substantial area of virtually flat land which would be the perfect site for a larger house to be constructed, with 360-degree views. Covenants on the estate will allow for a second house, as well as additional guest bedrooms, to be built on the site. A subdivision might be possible with consent from the freeholder.

The estate is walking distance to Long Bay, Beef Island and a short drive to Little Bay, Lambert Bay, Josiahs Bay, Trellis Bay, and all the amenities of East End. Road Town is only a 20-minute drive away.

This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase an extremely unique property.

Commodore’s Lookout has been designed with entertainment in mind. The extensive outdoor space has been thoughtfully arranged with areas for lounging, dining, and sipping cocktails in the shade.

If watching boats sail in and out of Tortola is your favorite view, then The Commodore’s Lookout in West End, overlooking Sopers Hole, is the ideal spot. Uninterrupted views of the harbour are visible from every part of the extensive outside space. This characteristically Caribbean property has been designed with entertainment and al fresco living in mind. The extensive outside space has been thoughtfully arranged with areas for lounging, dining and sipping in the shade. The covered outside lounge even has a projector screen with watching films under the stars. The extremely unique pool forms an extension to the living room — you can literally step down from the sofa into the pool, where you will find a convenient ledge for sitting with your cocktail in hand. The bedrooms in the main house have the same view overlooking the harbour. Also on the property is a self-contained, twobedroom, one-bathroom guest cottage for visitors or potential tenants.

The highly convenient location is above one of the most picturesque marinas in the Caribbean, with shops, restaurants, charter companies, pubs, the West End ferry dock, and, of course, dozens of sailboats, motor yachts, and dinghies!

Hill Top House, Luck Hill, Tortola features 180-degree ocean views, taking in Long Bay, Cane Garden Bay, the United States Virgin Islands, and Jost Van Dyke.

This solid and very spacious property is ideal for a buyer with a sharp eye for design. Residents of Luck Hill on Tortola cherish their charming, rambling neighborhood. The views of Brewers Bay to the east and Cane Garden Bay to the west make it one of the most photographed locations on Tortola. Hill Top House in Luck Hill has unparalleled views of the North Shore from Cane Garden Bay to Long Bay and beyond to the USVI, from its deep wraparound balconies and terraced gardens. The main floor of the property is a huge, open-plan great room with cathedral ceilings. The kitchen is equipped with modern appliances, hardwood cabinets, and granite countertops. A living room features external steps leading down to the pool and bedroom suites and up to a delightful sundowner terrace. The master bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with shower and tub as well as a walk-in wardrobe. Both bedrooms open onto another wraparound covered porch. ■