bvi property guide november 2010

CRAOBH HOUSE - *NEW*Tortola, Shannon. Charming young 4-bed, 3.5-bathprivate home with pool on 1.134 acres of land onexclusive estate. Large open kitchen/living,generator and covered decks ideal for family living.US$2,000,000

WHISPERING TIDE - *NEW*Virgin Gorda. 5-bed, 5 ensuite bath house with ACthroughout. High quality construction and finish.Fully furnished 2-bed self-contained apartment onground floor. 0.436 acres.US$1,750,000

SMUGGLER’S VIEW - *NEW*Tortola, Smugglers Cove. Unique opportunity toown this 3-bed, 3-bath home within walkingdistance to the beach! Large 0.77 acre lot withmature gardens and private paved drive.US$1,295,000

LEMON GRASS - *NEW*Tortola, Cane Garden Bay. Delightful 3-bed, 3-ensuite bath house with pool near the beach onCannon Point Estate. Beautifully landscaped gardens and pool. Excellent vacation rental.US$1,200,000

NORTH SHORE COTTAGES - *SOLD*Tortola, Apple Bay. One 2-bed villa and three 1-bed cottages on 1 acre lot 300 ft above the goldenbeaches of Long Bay and Apple Bay. Excellentinvestment opportunity. US$1,200,000

LAMBERT CONDOS - *NEW*Tortola, Lambert. Block of four 1-bed rentalapartments above the pool at Lambert BeachResort. Spacious and flexible accommodation. Fullaccess to hotel amenities. Excellent rentalinvestment. US$995,000

VAGABOND–HOUSE - *NEW*Tortola, Great Mountain. 3-bed, 3-ensuite bathhouse with pool and views over Road Town.. First-rate development opportunity. US$550,000

SURF HOUSE - *NEW*Tortola, Apple Bay. 3-bed, 3 en-suite bath housewith wooden boardwalk and large storage areaoverlooking Apple Bay surf beach. Ideal weekendretreat or vacation rental. US$425,000

The season is upon us and the BVI is back on its feet and busy!

Well, it certainly feels that way in our Mill Mall offices in Road Town. We closely monitorthe real estate market and there is no doubt that we have seen a significant increase in thenumber of new arrivals to the islands. This trend means that our rental division, CaribbeanRealty, is in urgent need of more quality homes to accommodate them.

The sales team have also been busy taking listings, as new and existing sellers takeadvantage of the targeted advertising and international connections that the Sotheby’s nameand marketing platform can provide. The result is that we have never had such a widespectrum of land and property for sale to meet the needs of every type of buyer.

It may be a cliché but there really has never been a better time to buy property in the BVIas many sellers are dropping their prices or willing to entertain offers. Our increasinglywide portfolio of properties can satisfy all tastes and budgets and we at Sotheby’s have thedepth of experience to guide you through the purchasing process with both integrity andunderstanding.

We look forward to meeting you and showing you around these beautiful islands.

British Virgin Islands Sotheby’s International Realtybvisir.com | t: 284.494.5700 | c: 284.340.5555/5505 | 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’sInternational Realty Affiliates LLC An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated

Spotlight on the SeasonManaging DirectorMaritha [email protected]

Sales SupportDamara [email protected] [email protected]

Sales & Marketing AssociatesAdam [email protected] [email protected]

THE SALES TEAM

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.

(284) 495-3003 l [email protected]

Dougall & Associates

Real Estate BVI

US $850,000

3 Bedroom Home with pool located on 0.80 acres of prime land, private road access

Havers Hill just west of Nanny Cay

US $395,000

Rare beach front land! One acre on the beach, with building permissions already in place.

North shore of Tortola - Brewer’s Bay

US $1,500,000

Exceptionally �nished two bedroom home with pool. Ready to entertain you and your guests.

North west shore of Tortola - Long Bay Resort

US $595,000

Two resort studios plus a one bedroom villa for sale.Great investment opportunity.

West face of Virgin Gorda - Nail Bay Resort

Bonnie DougallManaging Partner

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

Season is here. I'm not sure if I'm ready for everything that means. Cruise ship season,

charter boat season, snowbird season and even the holiday season have arrived. Visitors are

trickling back to the BVI—many who have been here before and some who may even be

ready to take the plunge and purchase property in the islands that have treated them so

well year after year. Our classifieds offer the most comprehensive listing of properties for

sale in the BVI. Even if you aren't ready to purchase yet, it doesn't hurt to have a look to

see what's available.

I spent a serene afternoon at Lemon Grass Villa in Cane Garden Bay with Brynley Rathbun

from Yacht Shots BVI and Adam Richardson from Sotheby's BVI Realty. I adore my tiny studio

in Cane Garden, but after having five visitors stay with me for a few nights this summer, I

certainly understand why a guest room or two might come in handy. Lemon Grass Villa, with

its three bedrooms, pool and lush grounds, is an spacious home for those looking to enjoy the

beach while still having a stunning view.

Preparing for the season also means getting your home ready for those family members

that are certain to arrive once the cold weather hits their part of the world. In this issue,

our experts suggest ways to improve your home for the expected and unexpected guests

who may pop in. I will have more visitors coming to my little nook this month and next.,

despite the cramped quarters, and I'm sure we'll have a blast. Who could stay in Cane

Garden Bay and not have fun?

This season, welcome everyone like they're family.

Traci O'DeaOn the Cover:Lemon Grass Villa

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.

Photo by YachtShotsBVI.com

The Producersletter from the editorWelcome to the November issue of Property Guide.

Traci O'D

ea

Managing EditorOwen Waters :: [email protected]

EditorsDavid Blacklock, Owen Waters & Traci O'Dea

WritersDavid Blacklock, Owen Waters & Traci O'Dea

Advertising ProductionColin Rathbun & Nick Cunha

Advertising SalesOwen Waters :: [email protected]

Art DirectionNick Cunha

Graphic DesignAkiya Brewley

Executive ProducerColin Rathbun, aLookingGlass Publishing

[email protected]

For additional information contact Colin Rathbun at

aLookingGlass or visit www.bvipg.com

aLookingGlass#7 Road Reef Plaza, P.O. Box 3895Sea Cows Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islandst 284.494.7788 f 284.494.8777www.alookingglass.com | [email protected]

6 NOVEMBER 2010 BVI PROPERTY GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com


Graduating from the Kiddie Table 10Feast season is upon us! It's time to upgrade your dining room and graduate from the kiddie table.

Lemon Grass Villa in Cane Garden Bay 12Located on Cannon Point Hill in Cane Garden Bay, Lemon Grass Villa is a quiet, private beach house with close access to all that Cane Garden Bay has to offer.

From the Water's Edge: Upsize to Upgrade 19Due to their efficiency, new, bigger pumps can run for more hours than old, smaller pumps and still save money on electric bills.

Painting the Red Cross Red 21The BVI Red Cross recently tried a do-it-yourself project that resulted in the wrong colour. It's not the Maroon Cross, after all. King Solomon's Ashlar Lodge and Caribbean Colours offered to repaint the organization's BVI headquarters.

When to Call a Professional 22To save money, many homeowners adopt a DIY attitude, but without the proper expertise, this can actually cost them money. Our experts advise when it is necessary to consult an engineer, architect or interior designer.

Water Treatment 24At Long Bay Beach Resort, guests won't notice the well hidden beach wells that are supplying the entire resort with fresh water, straight from the Atlantic.

The Architect's House 28Our readers get a rare opportunity to see inside the new home of one of the BVI's most established architects.

Winter Greens 32Winter is a great time for home improvements, especially the easy ones homeowners can do themselves. While making minor changes, our interior design expert recommends keeping the environment in mind.

Green Living: Got the Blues about Going Green? 34Several BVI residents share their stories on their attempts to Go Green in the BVI.

Home Services Directory 36A directory of recommended retailers of products and services for the home.

Property Listings 37Check out the latest listings from the BVI’s top real estate companies.

c o n t e n t s12

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494.5240Road Reef Plaza, Road Town, Tortola


Graduating From the Kiddie Table

by Traci O'Dea

www.bviguides.com | ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING BVI PROPERTY GUIDE NOVEMBER 2010 11

I plan on swimming and running twice as much this holiday season because I’m certainly not going to say no to an invitation to dinner nor am I going to say no to seconds or dessert. During the holidays on the island, an intimate family meal for six can easily turn into dinner for twelve because there’s always that co-worker who doesn’t have anywhere to go or those out-of-town visitors who decided to escape the cold weather at the last minute. My family has always had an open-door policy during the holidays, and I remember one Thanksgiving when I served twenty-five guests in my dining room that comfortably sat eight from a kitchen that barely fit two. I’ve tried to explain traditional American Thanksgiving to my non-American friends, but they don’t get it. “We do a big roast like that for our Christmas dinner,” they say. Well, so do we, but this isn’t Christmas. There’s no religious affiliation or presents. It’s just time to chill and eat with family and friends and be thankful. Or, “It just sounds like you stuff yourselves and watch football.” Stuff ourselves, yes, to the point of discomfort. Watch football, no, not in my family. We used to watch The Wizard of Oz, but now we usually end up playing Pictionary

or Taboo. After that we make human pyramids and take photos. Okay, so my Thanksgiving might not be exactly like everyone else’s in the States, but the point is that it’s a day about breaking bread and sitting around the dining room table and laughing and drinking too much wine. And graduating from the kiddie table. Progressing from the kiddie table—which is typically a folding card table set with the everyday plates and plastic cups—is a big deal because that means sitting at the fancy table—the table that typically only gets used for holidays and special occasions, and Thanksgiving is the pinnacle of dining-related special occasions, when all the good stuff comes out—fine linen tablecloths, napkins with napkin rings, crystal wine and water glasses, sterling silver flatware, bone china plates and bowls, and tapered candles providing the main light source beneath a dimmed chandelier. Arawak Interiors offers everything you need for the fancy table—from tables and chairs to napkin rings to candelabras to wineglasses to table linens. They also carry less delicate stuff—plastic cups, play-with-your-food plates and toy-shaped utensils for for those who haven’t graduated from the kiddie table yet. PG

The season of enormous feasts has officially commenced. Canadian Thanksgiving just passed; American Thanksgiving is this month. After that begin the work parties and open houses and seasonal celebrations of Christmas, Chanukah and New Year’s.

Photos by Traci O'Dea.


Lemon Grass Villa in Cane Garden BayBy Traci O’Dea

If you have ever glanced at one of my articles, especially my Editor’s Note each month, then you probably know that I live in Cane Garden Bay. I tend to mention it quite a bit. Before I ever moved to the BVI, after having visited several times, I knew that I wanted to live in the Bay—mainly for two reasons: walkability and swimmability.


I’m happiest living in places where I don’t have to drive—where my local grocery store, bar, laundromat and restaurants are nearby, and I’m also happiest living in places where I can swim—it could be an outdoor pool or gym, but preferably in the calm, flat water of the sea. So I chose Cane Garden as the place to call home in the BVI, and I still love it. What I didn’t know about Cane Garden Bay when I moved there was what a close community it is. Recently, after staying at the home of a friend who was away for a few weeks, I returned to Cane, and several residents—not even my direct neighbours—asked where I’d been, how I was and if I’d moved away because they hadn’t seen me around. Another nice thing about Cane is the intermingling of people—from third-generation Bay residents to expats to charter guests to cruise ship passengers, everyone is warmly welcomed in Cane Garden Bay. This is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to review a property in my neighbourhood, and I was really happy to explore a part of Cane Garden Bay that I hadn’t previously visited. On Cannon Point Hill, Lemon Grass Villa is a little more tucked away than my in-the-heart-of-things studio, so it offers privacy and seclusion while still having the walkability and swimmability of the neighbourhood. This is also the prime locale for surfers because when it’s breaking, the Point boasts the best wave in the BVI. While exploring the property, Yacht Shots photographer Brynley Rathbun and I both commented on how Lemon Grass Villa was the perfect beach house. From the open-plan living areas to the cosy yet airy bedrooms to the

“Cane is more than just a beach, it’s a beachside town.”

–from BVI NEWBIE

All photos by YachtShotsBVI.com


tasteful Caribbean decor to the poolside patio and lush landscaping, Lemon Grass more than fulfils all the expectations of a vacation home. The bougainvillea-covered pergola above the stone-clad entranceway welcomed us before we stepped into the villa then once we opened the double doors, only the occasional coconut palm separated us from the all-encompassing view of the green hillsides of Jost Van Dyke, yachts moored at Cane Garden Bay, Long Bay beach, the Atlantic Ocean and the cloud-speckled sky. While Brynley set up her camera and began snapping shots, I wandered through the sunny, open rooms on the entry level. The house is furnished in what I’d call the West Indian colonial style—palm-splashed

fabrics atop rattan sofas and chairs coexist with miscellaneous antique accent pieces dispersed throughout the rooms, all done tastefully and almost minimalistically so the emphasis is placed on the postcard-like surroundings. All the furniture adds to the island charm of the home and to the blurred divisions between inside and outside. The Saltillo-tiled floors, in varying patterns throughout the villa, contribute to the cool, Caribbean vibe. A large opening connects the salon and kitchen, and both rooms lack a fourth wall, so they unfold directly into the gallery that runs the length of the house—there are no windows or doors to obstruct the connection to the view and vegetation outside. In the salon, cobalt tiles accent the

All the furniture adds to the island charm of the home and to the blurred divisions between inside and outside...

The bright, open salon with its extensive view. (top), The understated and elegant master bedroom. (above), The light and airy kitchen. (left)


floor, and the wicker and rattan furniture provide a comfortable and uncluttered seating area. The large, airy kitchen features a cathedral tongue-and-groove ceiling, expansive tiled countertops, ample storage, GE Profile appliances and a breakfast bar that comfortably seats seven. Off the kitchen is a large pantry. On the other side of the salon is the master bedroom—again the furniture and decor are tasteful and elegant with a touch of West Indian flavour. The room—whether closed off and air conditioned or with the double doors opened to the gallery and the seaside view—provides an ideal tropical retreat with its white cathedral ceilings, louvred door to the en suite bathroom, lemon yellow walls and subtle window treatments.

The poolside patio connects to the downstairs bedrooms.

With en suite bathrooms and similar decor, the downstairs bedrooms are almost identical to the master bedroom—minus the cathedral ceilings but with walk-in closets, and their double doors don’t open up to the gallery; rather, they spill out onto the poolside patio beside the manicured lawn. The gardens are replete with papaya trees (I’ve never seen one with so much fruit on it), coconut palms, banana trees, ixora, bougainvillea, oleander and non-flowering grasses. The Romanesque pool supplies an alternative to those who don’t want to walk the short distance down to the beach for a quick dip. Again, the pool and patio are

clutter-free, maintaining the focus on the natural surroundings, and the only pieces of furniture are a simple wooden bench and an outdoor table and chairs for al fresco dining. After spending part of my afternoon in the peaceful villa, I had completely forgotten that I was in Cane Garden Bay. When we drove back to the main road, I laughed at how close I had been to my own centrally located apartment and all the attractions and amenities of the Bay. With its close proximity to the seaside village of Cane Garden Bay and its elegant privacy on Cannon Point, Lemon Grass Villa simply offers the best of both worlds. PG

Selling Price

Acreage

Date built

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Cistern

Furnished

Pool

- $1,200,000

- 0.338 acres

- 2001

- 3

- 3 (en suite)

- 21,500 gallons

- Yes

- Yes

SummaryLemon Grass Villa



Real Estate Sales Vacation Villa Rentals Appraisals Planningwww.smithsgore.com

British Virgin IslandsBritannic Hall, P.O. Box 135,Road Town, Tortola T 1(284) 494 2446 F 1(284) 494 2141 E [email protected]

United Kingdom17-18 Old Street, London W1S 4PTT +44 (0) 207 290 1611 F +44 (0) 207 290 1617 E [email protected]

Havers, Tortola 3 bedrooms, 3 ½ bathroomsTropical design with European sophistication combined in this intriguing retreat located on 1.46 acres in a private hillside setting on Tortola’s south coast and built as two pavilions separated by an infinity edge pool and connected by a covered loggia. Ref# H122 US$2,950,000

Shannon Estate, Tortola 4 bedrooms 4 ½ bathsThe main pavilion includes a great room with gourmet kitchen, living and dining areas all opening up to the pool terrace. Master bedroom + two guest suites. The guest cottage is located on the other side of the pool deck. The residence is finished to a high standard. Ref# H123 US$2,600,000

Princess Quarters, VG3 bedrooms 3 ½ bathsThe open plan living area of this contemporary home provides a comfortable space with spectacular views. The design cleverly blurs the distinction between the internal and external living areas. Exceptional standards of finish reflect a modern interpretation of Caribbean living. Ref# H30 US$3,150,000

Belmont Estates, Tortola2 bedrooms, 2 baths Located on a 0.8 acre lot on the hillside overlooking Smugglers Cove and offering enviable views of Jost Van Dyke, this charming cottage includes great room with galley kitchen and master bedroom suite. A cozy courtyard separates it from the second bedroom suite. Ref# H1065 US$850,000

Belmont Estates, Tortola3 bedrooms, 6 bathroomsLocated on a gentle slope on over 1.5 acres, this sprawling villa is ideal for indoor and outdoor living with its three detached pavilions, spacious swimming pool terrace, covered dining area, charming porches, verandahs and courtyards. Ref# H1038 US$1,750,000

Long Bay Beach Resort, Tortola2 bedrooms, 2 bathroomsTwo bedroom condo unit set within Long Bay Beach Resort, with access to all the amenities and within walking distance to the beautiful sandy beach. This private apartment, operated within the hotel rental pool, affords beautiful ocean views. Ref# H1033 US$350,000

Belmont Estates, Tortola4 Bedrooms 3 bathroomsSituated on 1.578 acres, this newly built villa enjoys amazing views of Jost Van Dyke and consists of three pavilions built around a swimming pool terrace. The house is charmingly furnished with Caribbean style furniture and equipped with state-of-the art entertainment systems. Ref# H9124 US$2,000,000

Little Mountain, Beef Island5 bedrooms, 3 ½ bathroomsRare opportunity to acquire a waterfront home on Beef Island. The property extends to 1.189 acres and occupies a private site at Little Mountain Estate, with direct water access and within walking distance to Long Bay Beach.Ref# H118 US$2,400,000

Long Bay, Tortola5 bedrooms, 6 bathroomsThe wonderful ambiance of this private residence set on a 1.756 acre site clearly benefits from its first class design and spectacular views. Two buildings separated by the pool terrace and enhanced by dramatic stone-faced walls. Spacious self-contained unit. Ref# H85 US$2,600,000

Privateer's Estate, Great Camanoe 2 bedrooms, 2 bathroomsExceptional headland property with private dock! The site extends to over 4 acres and includes 800 feet of ocean front with beautiful granite boulders. The property benefits from soothing breezes and affords magnificent views from Guana Island to Ginger Island.Ref# H0902 US$1,800,000

The Villas at Little Dix Bay, VG3 bedrooms, 3 bathroomsA rare opportunity to own a permanent home at Little Dix Bay resort managed by Rosewood Hotels. Situated on the dramatic hillside above the world-renowned resort the villas offer a magnificent setting, luxurious amenities and remarkable privacy. Rental pool option. Ref# H99 US$3,300,000

Leverick Bay, VG2 bedrooms, 2 bathroomsLocated on a 0.74 acre ridge site within Leverick Bay Estate, this spacious, windward villa has been designed as an open floor plan, with all rooms on one level, complemented by patios and a 35 ft pool terrace. Beach, dockage facilities, shops and restaurants are within close proximity. Ref# H0070 US$1,750,000


As unlikely it may sound, for the first time in four years, my monthly usage had dropped by the equivalent of a good lunch with friends. This change had occurred since I replaced my pool pump with the newest model pump now on the market for private pools. Our pool pump was running about six hours per day, enough to filter the entire body of water once. I had tried to run it less and found that the clarity of the water wasn’t great, so I turned it back to its regular six hours. Many years ago, when I first moved into the house, the pool pump was enormous. With its 2 hp motor, it was turning our 20,000 gallon pool over in just a few hours—or so I thought. Upon further investigation, the pressure on the filter read a hefty 20 psi and more, which I know, since I am the

one writing this column, would lead to damage and frequent filter changes. So I set off to get a smaller pump which would keep the pool in great shape while immediately reducing my electricity bill by a couple of lunches per month. And to make things better, the filter needed cleaning only once every month now; the starting pressure was running at a beautiful 5 psi and taking much longer to reach the 15 psi, when it was ready to be cleaned again. Life was good but could get better though I had to wait a few years for that. So when we started to test the new variable frequency pumps on our pools, we were indeed amazed how we could yet again reduce the amount of juice needed to run them. Long-term investments can lead to substantial savings in running cost. Granted,

these pumps can be more than twice the price of a regular pump, but the savings are not only in electricity. Less frequent filter cleaning and less pressure on the system support a virtually quiet pump that runs at a much lower velocity cause a lot less system wear and are actually keeping my pool cleaner. The pump now runs about 10 hours a day, at a very low rpm constantly filtering the water. The fun bit: with the flip of a switch, I can awake the monster within and power my 10 whirling spa jets that are in my pool to the extent that they would make rubber duckies fly out of the water by themselves. This pump is a product of solid engineering which has been used across the broad range of devices, using a 3hp or bigger electric motor and being able to reduce its rpm much in the way that electronics control our car engines. Against all odds, I put a larger pump on my pool but reined it in to run at about one-sixth of its potential power—pretty cool and quiet to boot. I can now leave this pump running all night, and no one in the house will hear it. A good investment, the result being more lunches with friends. Now let’s see what we can do about dinners. PG

When I opened my mail the other day, I looked at the last month's electricity bill, and I was pleasantly surprised. You must be wondering about my sanity.

Upsize to UpgradeBy Erick Oeseberg, Poolworks


This fall, Rodney Skelton drove by the building and noticed the strange colour then asked Ms. Gardener if King Solomon’s Ashlar Lodge could help out by repainting the building the bright scarlet shade typically associated with the Red Cross. “It sounded like a good idea,” she said. Caribbean Colours agreed to donate the paint for the project. To ensure that the colour matches the Red Cross brand standards, they employed their new colour match paint technology. “We’ve got the true Red Cross colour from their letterhead,” Scott Bryson of Caribbean Colours said. He put the logo under the MatchRite iVue reader which can scan an area as small as six millimetres. After scanning the image, the MatchRite system then “talks to UltraBlend, the tinting machine which processes it, and the tinting machine spits out the right colour,” Scott said, laughing at his layman’s explanation. He then used the California Paints e-Visualizer to show what the building would look like with the maroon parts painted the same colour as the logo. At the Caribbean Colours storefront in Fish Bay, Eldred Williams showed me a dark green swatch of roofing that a client had

brought in. Taped to it was a scrap of paper painted with the colour that the machine had recommended. The two shades were identical. This technology is a huge benefit in the BVI where sun exposure can fade or alter interior and exterior paints, so instead of purchasing the same shade that was originally used, which after years might be sun-bleached, the client can bring in a sample of the actual colour for an accurate match. While I was impressed with the perfect match, Scott asked me not to emphasize the word “perfect” too much. “Perfect matches can be difficult because everyone sees colours differently,” he said. “From an expectations point of view, we don’t like to say ‘perfect match’ because of lighting and the way different people see colours. If you see the colour in our showroom then go see it in your home, it’s going to look different.” I mentioned that I thought the dark green roof match looked perfect to me. “It’s as close to perfect as possible,” he said, adding, “In the old days, they used to do it by eye. A lot of old guys say, ‘I have perfect colour-matching capabilities.’ We let it ride on the technology.” Thanks to their technology and donation, and Mr. Skelton’s inspiration, the Red Cross building can return to being red. PG

Painting the Red Cross RedIn March of this year, BVI Red Cross Office Manager and Disaster Coordinator Deniese Gardener, along with her staff, painted the wall in front of the Red Cross building a shade of maroon which is not the standard hue for international organization. “After we started painting,” she said, “we realized that it wasn’t the right red, but we had already purchased the paint, so we just used the paint we had.”

by Traci O’Dea

The not-so Red Cross. Photo by Traci O’Dea.


Skelton BaylotsFish Bay, Tortola

Tel: (284) 494 1448www.caribbeancolours.vg

Exclusive BVI distributor

All of the Flawless ELEMENTS finishes are Zero VOC, GreenWise certified and LEED compliant and they 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 for environmentally-aware homeowners and is the ultimate in safety and protection for daycare centers, hospitals and schools.

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CELL: 544-3139Tel: (284) 494-9010

Skelton Baylot, Fish Bay, Tortola

Makers of WELL’S OPERABLE LOUVERS

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Pedro Wells

When to Call a

ProfessionalBy: Chris Conway of CSE engineering Ltd. and Thor Downing of Roger Downing & Partner Co. Ltd.



Recommended occasions to call an engineer, architect or interior designer:

You are buying a house. The engineer will come to the property and give you a rundown on the state of the existing structure. This is referred to as a visual structural inspection. The engineer should be able to identify any defects such as settlement of the foundations and patterns of cracking in the structure, if they exist. He should also be able to give you an opinion on the long-term durability of the house in question. The reasons for any defects and suggestions for possible remedies to the problems will be highlighted at that time. With this information you will then be able to make an assessment as to whether you wish to proceed with the purchase and how much you should pay for the remedial works.

You are building a new house. It is always easier to get the professional team involved as soon as possible, especially when selecting a piece of land. They can give you advice on how to design and build the house to keep the costs to a minimum yet taking advantage of the site’s character. One rule of thumb for cost saving is “the easier it is for an engineer to design a house, the easier and more cost effective it is for the contractor to build.” At this time, you should also get advice on the access to the property, as the location and steepness of a drive can have a big impact on the property. In the BVI it is also likely that you will require retaining walls when the natural slope of the land is disturbed, and these can become very expensive.

A crack develops in your property. There are many reasons why cracks can develop in your house. These include foundation settlement, lateral movement, overloading, and underdesign of the structure.

An engineer will be able to give you advice regarding the defects noted and the possible problems if the defect is not attended to.

You are extending or altering your property. The architect and engineer can give you advice about your extension, including the structural design works required to ensure that the existing structure remains in good condition and that the extension is adequate for the loadings expected during its lifetime.

It’s hurricane season. It is important when faced with the hurricane season to make sure your house is ready, whether you are on island or not. Hurricanes impose heavy loading on a structure, and the loads must be safely transferred to the ground to avoid any damage to the building. Hurricanes cause not only a lateral force on the building as a whole, but also uplift on the roof structure. An engineer will ensure that the roof system is strapped to the foundations and that there is a continuous load path to allow the loading to be resisted. Typically the items that require attention will include:

o Insufficient or inadequate strapping to the rafters at the eaves

o Insufficient or inadequate strapping of the rafters at the apex of the roof.

o Corroded hurricane strappingo Lack of a load path to transfer the wind uplift.

These items are typically critical in timber framed houses, and will need regular inspection and upgrading. (Concrete is naturally more resistant to hurricanes due to the size and mass of the concrete). DIY Tips: If you are considering doing a facelift to your home yourself, follow these rules for longevity and sanity:1. Plan ahead and order at least 10% more than you think

you need. 2. Clean, clean, clean the surfaces you are going to cover. It

doesn’t matter if it is paint or tiles. 3. Never apply finishes to damp surfaces; let the areas

dry completely. 4. Don’t take shortcuts; it will cost you in the end. Always

check that existing treatments are compatible with the paints or adhesives you are about to use. PG

Although many of us have a desire to “do it ourselves” whenever possible, there are times when you should call in an engineer and seek professional advice.

Water Treatment: Using Natural Resources as an Integral Part of Filtering

By Owen Waters


All photos by YachtShotsBVI.com.


We first encountered Rob Wassell of Caribbean Technology in the June issue of Property Guide, when we looked at the extensive water treatment plant at Nail Bay on Virgin Gorda. More recently, Robb and his engineer Calvin Williams took me to Long Bay Beach Resort at West End to look at their beach well system and reverse osmosis plant that uses minimum energy to produce enough water for the resort. I was impressed. Standing on the mile long beach with Yacht Shots photographer Brynley Rathbun whilst Calvin talked about the sunken beach wells, and as he said, “I think they are somewhere around here,” fascination took in at the underground wells that draw water through sand and that is then drawn up into the plant. The sand is the key concept. Sand has long been used as an

abrasive natural filter. As Calvin pointed out, “Most living organisms won’t get through sand, and only water and minerals will get into the plant treatment room before it then goes through a series of finely graded media layers housing various gradients of sand to pass through a filtration system. From there into a carbon filter, and then the pumps will come into action.” Caribbean Technology particularly prides themselves on energy-saving techniques. The emphasis, as Rob states, “is on efficient modular package plant with low maintenance and the minimum of operator training and supervision required.” Installed at Long Bay resort is the ERI PX pressure exchanger, an energy recovery turbine capable of converting water from the four beach wells that take the Atlantic’s finest and boosts the main water pump with high pressure, using minimum electricity, and then adds product water into the resort at 50 gallons a minute and then releases brine back into the sea. For a regular pump to be capable of this would require another plant room bigger than the one we are in, which if anything seems spacious. This is the latest technology in reverse osmosis, and though Long Bay used to use town water and rely solely on grid electricity, the combination of generator and new water treatment plant has saved them a small fortune. As those of who live in the BVI count as a blessing, it never and literally never runs out. (I happily secured a good hot shower, movie and a hot meal at Long Bay during Hurricane Earl.)

When I was growing up, I lived in and visited countries where water was considered a precious resource. The lack of it made for eyesores that were justified—water treatment plants—giant colossal vats converting seawater into fresh drinking water, capable of providing water to societies. Manmade oases in a land surrounded by water, similar to the BVI.

Tanks with fine-graded sand creating natural filters for passing Atlantic water.


Bad weather does have its impact on the systems. Low tides and strong swells will affect the beach wells and ultimately make the pressure low. Pumps with turbines or impellors will run at 15,000 rpm. Add the electricity bill to that, and you might start to see the headache of providing water effectively. The PX exchanger has a ceramic rotor, and the model I saw was about 5 feet long and housed 3 feet or so, which tells me must be a budget’s dream. To explain further how the device works, Calvin talked me through the flow of the water from the beach to the taps. The PX harnesses the power of the reject brine and boosts energy into the main pump and can reduce the main pumps size by up to 60 percent. Therefore, the energy passes through the ceramic rotor and then by boosting high pressure splits at required forces the fresh and rejects waters to their designated areas once through the system with less effort than standard pumps. The significant difference to conventional plants is that the main high pressure pump can be downsized by utilising the stored energy in the brine stream.

Mixing of raw water and brine is avoided by maintaining accurate flow settings. Once installed, parameters are set on a daily and weekly inspection by the Caribbean Technology engineers. For the most part, as Calvin points out, things are usually in order with a safe water product and the system running efficiently without having to replace burnt out pumps or waiting on their parts. Due to the energy displacement and use of as much natural resources as possible, the investment in the equipment is rewarding. This is a key aspect of Caribbean Technology’s philosophy of supplying to the islands—that they have a firm understanding of the frustrations of importing and transporting equipment that has longevity and is energy efficient. On an island that still counts water as a contemporary issue, don’t expect to go short where Caribbean Technology has been installing their products, and don’t expect that technology to be seen or heard. PG

To explain further how the device works, Calvin talked me through the flow of the water from the beach to the taps.

The entire system is monitored electronically for safety standards.

Hidden treasure—the beach wells are secured and hidden without affecting the

aesthetics of Long Bay Beach Resort.


CaribbeanTechnology

For Generators For UPS

Call or click for a quote: T 494 6782/3150 F 494 5389 [email protected] [email protected] www.caribbeantechnology.com

When it’s mission critical,call Caribbean Technology

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.

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Save with home and motor insurance!CALL 494-8450

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COLONIAL INSURANCE (BVI) LTD.Palm Grove House, P.O. Box 2377, Road Town,Tortola,VG1110 Tel. 494-8450

email. [email protected] www.cgigroup.bmA member of Colonial Group International: Insurance, Health, Pensions, Life

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CGIBVI0610-1 28/6/10 19:30 Page 1


Tim and his wife Scottie are building three homes overlooking Ballast Bay and Cane Garden Bay—two for sale and one for themselves. “We set out to design the first of these homes based upon our preferred lifestyle: open, free-flowing, clean and modern, and thoroughly respectful of location and context,” said Tim. The result is a comfortably scaled contemporary Caribbean home which makes the most of the location’s spectacular views. Tim and Scottie endeavoured from the outset to preserve as much of the natural vegetation on the site as possible. They cleared the building zone themselves, working the location of the house and the access to the site in between the existing trees. “We were delighted that our contractors, Arthur and Eric, worked with us to minimise damage to the trees. Preserving the natural vegetation makes so much sense,

in terms of limiting soil erosion and harmful runoff, and reducing future landscaping costs,” Tim noted. The footprint of the house was kept simple to reduce site disturbance with the house stepping up three stories to accommodate the three bedrooms. Access is from the rear, slightly above mid level, with the house nestled in amongst the trees, keeping the visual impact of the three levels to a minimum. The approach from the uphill side means that the roof becomes a major visual feature. Tim and Scottie decided to opt for a neutral grey standing seam roof, reminiscent of the older traditional zinc-clad roofs with the simplicity of the lines complementing the stepped eaves and tall gable windows. The eaves

When designing his own house, where does an architect begin? After 30 years designing homes for clients in the BVI, Tim Peck, Chairman of OBMI, understands the essential ingredients of a Caribbean home.

The Architect’s HouseBy Steve Fox, Managing Director, OBM International

The living space is clean and contemporary, with oversized travertine tiles flowing through to an open kitchen with a large cantilevered butcher block island as a space divider.


The pathway to the front door

is via large rectangular

white travertine stepping stones

set in a bed of loose natural

beach pebbles, with lighting

recessed into the pebbles.

All photos by Dougal Thornton. The second bedroom, spacious, light and airy

At the entry to the house, the view to Cane Garden Bay is framed and revealed


OBM INTERNATIONAL T 284 494 2148 OBMI.COM

ARCHITECTURE RESORT DESIGN DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING MASTER PLANNING INTERIOR DESIGN

BVI Property Guide OCT09.indd 1 10/30/09 5:17 PM

were brought down low, to reduce the visual height externally, but internally the steep pitch of the roof and the exposed rafters enhance the volume of the bedroom spaces and allow for generous attic storage. Tim wanted to blur the boundaries between interior and exterior living where possible and opted for opening up the living area on two sides with pocketed sliding glass screens. With some structural gymnastics, the corner column was eliminated leaving the open corner appearing to defy gravity, bringing the swimming pool and water wall into the living space and completely opening up the living areas to the views. The living space is sleek and chic with travertine tiles flowing through to an open kitchen. A freestanding wood staircase to the upper bedrooms is a folded plate of butcher block dramatically cantilevered out from the living room wall. Stainless steel cables run through two levels of the house, passing through the edge of the staircase, offering a safe but creative alternative to the traditional stair balustrade. The effect offers an open sculptural solution for the vertical transition though the house. Tim and Scottie decided to paint the two master bedrooms’ steeply pitched rafters and boarding white for a brighter, more contemporary feel. The dramatic lighting of the structure is further emphasized in the second master bedroom by the use of a large triangular gable window in the eaves. The bathroom has a double-ended bath with a view over Cane Garden Bay to Jost Van Dyke. Tim and Scottie were focused on designing a master bathroom with the ambience of a spa whilst maintaining the theme of outdoor living. The solution was to provide a wall of pocketing sliding glass panels opening up and an alfresco shower. The vanity cantilevers out in front of the wide opening, ensuring that the morning ablutions also take full advantage of the outdoor views. Overall, the house features generous internal and external spaces with a level of intimacy which respects their uses. The result is an interesting interpretation of an architect’s design decisions for contemporary living in a Caribbean environment. PG

The large open plan living space, with cantilevered staircase to the upper level bedrooms

i n fo@coldwe l lbankerbv i .comwww.co ldwe l l banke rbv i . com

To view these listings and others including available Lots call (284) 495 3000, email [email protected] or visit www.coldwellbankerbvi.com

‘The Reefs At Ballast Bay’

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.

Waterfront Homes with Docks

Ballast Bay, Tortola $1.55m

Tim Peck, BVI resident for over 20 years and Chairman of OBMI, leading firm of Architects in the BVI and Caribbean, designed this home on spec based upon his preferred lifestyle “...open, free-flowing, clean and modern, and thoroughly respectful of location and context.” The result is a comfortably scaled, contemporary Caribbean home. Making the most of the location’s spectacular views, this innovative home successfully provides all the benefits of a manageable. luxury condo with the privacy and pride of ownership of stand alone villa.

• Completed October 2010• 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms• Pool with swim jet and fibreoptics• Underwater sound system• Crestron multi zone audio system• Lutron, energy efficient, lighting system• Insulated energy efficient structure• European appliances


Winter Greens

Now that the intense heat of summer has broken, what

better time to start planning some green improvements to

upgrade your home?

By Dawn Southgate

If you’re still trying to figure out which project to tackle this winter, here’s a list of my top 10 home improvements that are easy on the environment, offer possibilities to offset your carbon footprint by reusing, recycling and repurposing, and give your home a wow factor.

1. De-clutter This is by far one of the easiest eco-friendly and low-cost home improvements. If you’re guilty of having a home full of clutter and storage spaces that are bursting at the seams with stuff you don’t use, now’s the time to dive into clearing out your clutter. A simple way to tackle overwhelming clutter is to create boxes labeled: KEEP, DONATE, TRASH, SELL. As you work your way through your clutter, you can easily identify which box to put it in. This is the perfect way to make sure your junk gets recycled and repurposed. Donate to charities, sell items or ask around. You may find someone in need of the very things you no longer use. Once your home is cleared of the stagnant energy caused by clutter, it will feel lighter and more spacious.

2. Get Organized Once you’ve de-cluttered your home, it’s time to create an easy-to-follow system for organizing your closets, cabinets, desk and drawers. Make labels for drawer dividers and shelves, add hooks to the wall for frequently used utensils, go paperless with all your bills.

3. Redesign Your Rooms Changing around and repurposing furniture, ar t and accessories is a great eco-friendly way to make a room feel like new without having to buy new stuff.

4. Repaint This is an inexpensive way to bring new life and totally transform the look and feel of your home. Use low or VOC-free paint to avoid harmful toxins.

5. Change Your Bulbs Switch out your incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). These energy efficient bulbs will help you save on your utility bills.

6. Small Job Makeover Take care of the small stuff, and you’ll find your time spent at home is more relaxed without the constant reminder of projects unfinished. Repair any minor electrical or plumbing issues; clean windows inside and outside using eco-friendly cleaning products; fix any grout issues and other much-needed repairs.

7. Install a Water Filter One easy way to contribute to a healthier environment is to stop buying plastic water bottles. Install a really good water-filtration system, and not only will you save a lot of money on bottled water, you’ll help save the planet too.

8. Swap Out Your Shower Head & Faucets Help water conservation by installing low flow showerheads or faucets.

9. Install Energy Saving Appliances Installing energy-saving appliances will add sparkle to your kitchen and save on your utility bills.

10.Reface Your Kitchen Time for kitchen eco-makeover? Reface or repaint the cabinets. Choose an eco-friendly counter top in bamboo, butcher block, paper stone or recycled glass. Replace kitchen floors with sustainable cork or bamboo. Change the cabinet hardware. Sometimes the finishing touches are all it takes for a new look!

There’s nothing like the cooler tradewinds to bring the refreshing respite needed to roll up your sleeves and get star ted. So what are you waiting for? PG



by David Blacklock

I was inspired by this sighting to put the word out amongst friends and contacts to see if anyone would care to share their own experiences with trying to live a more environmentally conscious life.

Becky Clarke is the mother of two daughters and works at VISAR:“I once entered a competition run by The Moorings where I worked out a whole plan for crushing cans and shipping out crushed cans, etc—selling the metals and in return for the

environmental good deed, it gave The Moorings a good name. I never heard from the competition, and the can crusher/bottle banks never arrived. “The girls and I do try to walk to our local shops in Cane Garden Bay. We take our recycle bags, and at home we use the cleaning products that claim to be environmentally friendly. Students at the girls' school (Cedar) sent letters as a project to the parents asking us to reuse Tupperware and not plastic bags for lunch. At VISAR we are saving supermarket bags for our Market Day, rather than buying new plastic bags. My 6 year old, for the second year in a row of “what do you want to be when you grow up” has stated categorically that she intends to be a Sanitation Worker! When asked if she knows what it means says yes and that she wants to save her planet by cleaning up the mess people make. Though she only wants to load the skips into the truck during the day and the men can do the night shift! So the answer is no, we do not do very much; we want to and seeing recycling in full swing when we visit the UK every year, it just adds to the shame and wish for the BVI government to do something!”

Got The Blues about Being Green?

Standing in line at RiteWay recently, I found myself gazing admiringly at Abby O'Neal who was at the next register. For the first time I could remember, I saw a real person using recyclable shopping bags. Now, I realize that Ms. O'Neal is in the recyclables business and, if anyone, she ought to be seen to use these bags. But I swear she must be the only person on Tortola who does so. Or so I thought.


T e l + 1 2 8 4 3 4 0 1 8 3 5 F a x + 1 2 8 4 4 9 4 3 8 9 6 w w w . g r e e n t e c h b v i . c o m

[email protected] for catalogue requests and wholesale orders

Biodegradable & Compostable products for all food container needsSTORE OPEN at Studio 244, Road Town, Tortola

Charter chef Niki Payne works with her husband, Pete Clapp on a 62-foot catamaran:“One of the first ‘green’ questions guests ask on char ter is about trash. It always saddens us to reveal that within these very beautiful islands, there isn't the oppor tunity to do anything other than crush it and bin it. However, it seems that there is a real wave of eco-awareness that is star ting to impact on this massive char ter industry, and where we can make our hands greener, we do. The char ter industry consumes cleaning chemicals at an alarming rate, but last year saw The Moorings base provide, in bulk containers; eco-friendly deck cleaners, degreasers, sump tank cleaner and washing up liquid, to name a few. Yes, you have to do the leg work by decanting into your carefully kept plastic containers, but the staff have taken the initiative and gone green with it. This has been taken further amongst many crews who choose environmentally friendly products over other brands (Clarence Thomas has a fantastic range of the Green Works products from glass cleaner to washing machine detergent). “The internet is an endless source for ideas and eco-friendly cleaning recipes, and so are your grandparents; what my gran can't do with a packet of baking soda, time and elbow grease is not worth knowing! One provisioning gripe is the unavoidable issue of impor tation—too-early picked, unnaturally coloured/plumped/shaped food. However, Aragorn's farm is a constant reminder to make the most of what's available from Mother Nature. You may not always get what you need/want/wish for, but what you do get is a mile apar t from the store-bought alternative. Many chefs try to adapt their menus where possible, to reflect availability. Somehow, it seems to make the whole galley experience less industrial. Some chefs take it upon themselves to sow seeds, and many boats can be seen to spor t herbal greenery of the culinary kind. There is not much in this world that can beat freshly picked basil for the classic Caprese salad or the wafting fragrance of mint leaves muddled for a mojito. There are also endless conversations and island produce to be had whilst suppor ting all the small local sales that take place, be it with the lady on the roundabout by One Mar t or at one of the farmers markets that have sprung up. And from all that food is all that waste, human waste. If there was a pump out facility, then we would use it, but the least we can do is to make sure we drop our tanks as far off shore as is possible. We are so sea-dependent, and there really is no question of doing our best to protect what is left. Getting involved with the Reef Check programme and suppor ting their projects has helped keep crews aware, par ticularly with issues such as the infamous lionfish. Crews are able to guide their guests through the etiquette of snorkeling/diving to help them be par t of that environmental protection too. “As small a token as the above gestures may seem, there really is a great peace of mind to be gained from getting involved. Every little bit helps, regardless; we sail rather than motor, we use our own bags rather than plastic and we try to keep it local. Yes, we will still have the inevitable conversation about trash, but it may not be for much longer.”

Pamelah Antoine manages Fort Recovery resort hotel:“At For t Recovery we have many trees that have grown up to be quite tall and lush. When we do buildings, if at all possible, we will build around the trees. It takes ten minutes to cut down a tree but ten years to grow. The other thing we have been doing is reusing our very large garbage bags. Once the items are collected from the grounds we dump them at the dump and keep the bags” Many of us are willing and motivated but feel there just aren't the facilities to enable recycling or separation of rubbish. If you have a suggestion or technique for helping keep the environment aesthetically appealing as well as sustainable, drop us a line on Facebook. PG

"The internet is an endless source for ideas and eco-friendly cleaning products, and so are your grandparents! What my gran

can't do with a packet of baking soda…isn't worth knowing."

Fresh herbs from Good Moon Farm. Photo by David Blacklock.


RTRoad Town

NCNanny Cay

PPPort Purcell

RRRoad Reef

SCBSea Cows Bay

VGVirgin Gorda

BOOK STORES

National Education Services (RR) 284-494-3921

GARDENING

Fort Garden Centre (PP) 284-494-2362

HEALTH

Crown Dental (RR) 284-494-2770

Solé Spa (RT) 284-494-5999

IMPORT

Tortola Express (RR) 284-494-0707

PROVISIONING

Supa Valu (RT) 284-494-3600

TRAVEL

Travelwise (RT) 284-494-4252

Tortola Travel Services (RT) 284-494-2215

CONSULTANTS

BVI Development Consultants (RT) 284-494-5353

BVI Home Services

Want to see your business listed?

Choose either a single line or 50-word description with logo, and send your request to [email protected]

Serving the BVI since 1982 with repairs, rentals and sales of construction and party equipment.

T 494 2352 F 494 3545 [email protected]


Drakes Traders Ltd.’Drakes Traders Ltd.’


nGreat Tobago

Little Jost

Guana Island

Great Camanoe

Norman Island

Peter Island

Salt Island

Cooper Island

Ginger Island

Little Camanoe

The Dogs

Moskito Island

Prickly Pear Island Necker Island

Eustatia Island

Beef Island

Scrub Island

Buck Island

Marina CayGreen Cay

Sandy Cay

Great Thatch

Frenchman’s CayDead Chest

Carval Rock

Fallen Jerusalem

Round Rock

Flannigan Island

Pelican Island

Nanny Cay

Cane Garden Bay

Long Bay

Oil Nut Bay

Road Harbour

RoadTown

SpanishTown The Valley

The Settlement

Little Tobago

Jost Van DykeTortola

Anegada

Virgin Gorda

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T

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TORTOLAH9 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 $650,000.00 (284)495-3000

H9 LOveLy LOT AT BALLAsT BAy: Beautiful Ballast Bay Lot now available. Glorious views of Cane Garden Bay and Jost Van Dyke. $120,000 [email protected] (284)495-3000

G10 TWO And THRee BedROOm HiLLside viLLA – 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 $435,000 [email protected] (284)495-3000

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. [email protected] www.coldwellbankerbvi.com (284)495-3000

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 [email protected] (284)495-3000

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 [email protected] $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 to offset costs of ownership. (284)495-3000. Contact [email protected]. US$750,000

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 [email protected] (284)495-3000

property l is t ingsUse the map and legend to reference the properties listed below.

TortolaVirgin GordaJost van DykeNorthern IslandsSouthern IslandsAnegada

Legend: Regions


K9 3 Bed HOme ABOve HOdGes cReeK mARinA, 1 AcRe LOT Lovely 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. [email protected] (284)495-3000 www.coldwellbankerbvi.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 [email protected] (284)495-3000

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 [email protected] www.coldwellbankerbvi.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. [email protected] $750,000.00 (284)495-3000 www.coldwellbankerbvi.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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] (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 [email protected] (284)495-3000 www.coldwellbankerbvi.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 three-bedroom units. US$2,500,000 (284)495-4825

viRGin GORdAP9 cHARminG TWO BedROOm, TWO BATH HOme AT Windy HiLL: Set on 0.4 acres in a quiet neighbourhood the property enjoys beautiful views of Tortola and Beef Island and a lush tropical garden. $550,000

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] (284)495-3000

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 [email protected] (284)495-3000

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 [email protected] (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)312-0152 [email protected] www.videoautomation.com/southsound.html

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 [email protected] (284)495-3000 www.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 [email protected]

nORTHeRn isLAndsm7 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 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 [email protected]

JOsT vAn dyKee8 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.

Want to see your property listed?Send a 250 character or less description with a headline, price and contact details to [email protected] or call us at 284 494 7788.

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.

&

All of this, AND at Low Low prices. Call us today for a quote on generator for your home or business at or email us at

PARTS & POWER…. YOUR TOTAL POWER SOLUTION COMPANY

494-2830

just in time for hurricane season...

Port Purcell, Road Town, Tortola

[email protected]

www.par tsandpower.com

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bvi property guide november 2010

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