VI Property & Yacht November 2011

Virgin Islands

PR OPERTY&YACHT

NOVEMBER 2011

CYS Boat show marks 30 Boat owners, crew and brokers mingle at the famed Boat Show on Tortola.

waveland A surfer's retreat in Spyglass Hill estate offers a bird's-eye view of Apple Bay.

sinking into anegada Beachfront cottages avoid falling victimw to the sea's wrath.

Keeping a steady course with your investments is a precondition for reaching your goals, whether you rely on our advice or entrust us to manage your portfolio along the course you have plotted.

VP Bank – your partner.

VP Bank Group Domiciled in Liechtenstein – is quoted on the Swiss Stock Exchange SIX in Zurich.

Providing bespoke banking services in Liechtenstein +423 235 6655, Switzerland +41 44 226 2424, Luxembourg +352 404 7771, British Virgin Islands +1 284 494 1100 and Singapore +65 6305 0050.

2

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Homes For Sale Villa Zenaida $1,300,000

Lime Leaf Cottage $260,000

Whispering Tide $1,200,000

Lemongrass $895,000

MacNamara Villa $800,000

Longview $1,100,000

P

rice reductions, price improvements, price adjustments; it doesn't matter what you call it, nobody wants to hear about lowering prices, except a buyer. Sellers count on their agents for maximum marketing exposure and that is why Caribbean Realty chose to join forces with Sotheby’s. The combined marketing budgets of a worldwide network of agents means that BVI Sotheby’s International Realty offers marketing on a scale difficult to match by any other company. To sell your property, it always helps to ‘stage’ it, in order to look its best, and no matter what the market is doing, it must be the ‘jewel of the price point’ – the most attractive at that price. Most buyers do not want to take on a project and they want a low maintenance home. Please ask us for advice on how to stage your home to attract a buyer. We take great pride in using our expertise, resources, and global connections to perfectly unite homes with the buyers who will cherish them. All the properties above have recently dropped their prices in a bid to be the ‘jewel’ that entices a buyer.

CONTACT: Maritha Keil British Virgin Islands Sotheby's International Realty t +1. 284.494.5700 m +1.284.340.5555 maritha.keil@sothebysrealty.com

British Virgin Islands Sotheby's International Realty | Mill Mall, Road Town, Tortola, BVI | t +1.284.494.5700 | homes@bvisir.com | bvisir.com Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

Cover: The view of Apple Bay from Waveland.

Photo by Dan O'Connor.

Virgin Islands

PR OPERTY&YACHT November 2011

Features

8

19

22

A Surfer's Paradise

30th CYS Boat Show

That Sinking Feeling

15 Idealistic Architecture

25

By Traci O'Dea Sitting atop Spyglass Hill, Waveland offers a perfect perch for the sun-drenched surfer.

12 Boatyard Blues

By David Blacklock Some old boats corrode and die. Others live on. www.bvipy.com British Virgin Islands Property & Yacht is published eleven times a year (February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December/January) by aLookingGlass Ltd., Road Reef Plaza 6 and 7, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands VG1110.

Copyright 2010 by aLookingGlass Ltd. All pieces reproduced in this issue are under prior copyright by the creators or by the contractual arrangments with their clients.

By Dan O'Connor The BVI Charter Yacht Show yields optomism among industry professionals.

By Steve Fox An architect bring interesting ideas to the drawing board.

Nothing shown may be reproduced in any form without obtaining the permission of the creators and any other person or company who may have copyright ownership.

The publisher of BVI Property & Yacht, 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.

Direct all inquiries to: Email: info@alookingglass.com Phone: 284-494-7788 Fax: 284-494-8777 Mail: aLookingGlass PO Box 3895 Sea Cows Bay Tortola, British Virgin Islands VG1110

By Dan O'Connor Beachfront cottages, and the beach they rest on, are resurrected on Anegada's western shore.

Dining on Deck

By Traci O'Dea The BVI Charter Yacht Society unveils their first cookbook.

Editorial and Business Office: aLookingGlass Ltd., Road Reef Plaza 6 and 7, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

Web: www.alookingglass.com Email: info@alookingglass.com Phone: 284-494-7788 Fax: 284-494-8777 Mail to: aLookingGlass PO Box 3895 Sea Cows Bay Tortola, British Virgin Islands VG1110

Articles

Publication Design aLookingGlass

Chief Editor Dan O'Connor

26 Blind Love

By Dan O'Connor A couple's undying love sees through hardship.

30 Join the Club

By Willa Tavernier Home owners associations and covenants find a unique spot within the Virgin Islands.

33 Artists' Corner

By Dan O'Connor BVI artist Ruben Vanterpool paints a picture of the past.

Editor at Large David Blacklock

Writers Traci O'Dea Susie Younkle David Blacklock Dan O'Connor

Art Director Nick Cunha

36 Awaking a Sleeping Prison

By Hugh Whistler Our resident historian lays out plans for reviving a historical prison in Road Town.

42 Designing from the Inside Out

By Dan O'Connor and Traci O'Dea A renowned Caribbean interior designer reveals her influences and challenges.

45 Frying Like a Bajan

By Susie Younkle Fish frying influenced by the Barabados restaurants that do it best.

Graphic Designer Akiya Brewley

Web Developer aLookingGlass

Distribution Coordinator Francoise Frank

Advertising

Extras 48 Property & Yacht Directory

Owen Waters Stephen Leslie France

49 Property Listings

Printing aLookingGlass

Distribution Cool Air

General Manager Colin Rathbun

Editor's Letter

Dan O'Connor

N o v e m b e r

2 0 1 1

Let the good times roll.

November marks a month for resurgence

West End, a boatyard of “broken dreams”

in the Virgin Islands. After a long, hot and

houses many boats that still have hopes of one

testing summer, it’s time to bring some life

day tearing through the channel like they did

back to these islands. I’m ready to see the

when they were young.

waters—from Sir Francis Drake Channel to St

I checked out some villas in Anegada that,

Thomas Harbour—full of activity. I’m looking

at first glance, looked like they had no hope

forward to people-watching and weekends

for repair. But at a closer look, I found out

full of events too good to pass up. For us

that the once submerged cottages on their

living here in the islands, unlike our friends

soft beachfront would indeed live to see

in the mainland to the north, the winter

another day.

months symbolize a defrosting period of

Writer Traci O’Dea prefers to view the waves

sorts , when we can shake off the cobwebs

from a safe distance. This month, she toured

and open back up for business.

a property perched high up the hill above

There has been lots of talk of the looming

Apple Bay—with a perfect surfer’s-eye-view

economic cloud that is predicted to bring

of the breaks below. Appropriately named

more rain to these islands. But talk to the folks

“Waveland,” the home may just be a surfer’s

hosting the Charter Yacht Society BVI Charter

dream house.

Yacht Show and they’ll say, “What recession?”

Do you like art? Interior design? Farming?

This month marks their 30th anniversary on

Food? Good. So do I. That’s why the following

Tortola, with an event that promises to bring

pages are packed with fun pieces to inspire

eager brokers together with crews and owners

positive vibes, even if those pessimistic Wall

of some of the sexiest boats in the Virgin

Street analysts and bossy bureaucrats try to do

Islands. The slips are all sold and numbers to

otherwise. A happy high season cometh—just

date prove that the industry is staying afloat.

remember to always…

Maybe all of this positive energy is the cause for OBMI architect Steve Fox to have his head in the clouds. This month, Steve put the pencil to paper on some idealistic homes he can’t stop dreaming about. A bunker home buried in the rocks? An inside-out house? One that feeds off its own energy? Why not. I’ll take one of each.

Sailing scribe David Blacklock also has plans of grandeur. The optimistic sailor set out to take on rusty, old and often derelict sailboats, tossed away around the islands. On Tortola’s

stay irie.

Dougall & Associates

Real Estate BVI Property For Sale

Beautiful 4 Bedroom Private Home Cooten Bay with attached 2 Bedroom unit US $975,000

Sugar Mill House, Nail Bay, Virgin Gorda - Resort under new management US $1,700,000

Peaceful, centrally located enclave...

Shannon Estate Home in Tortola!

US $1,200,000

Prime Lots of Land Nail Bay Resort - Virgin Gorda Tobacco Wharf Condominium - Road Town, Tortola Anegada 1 Acre Beachfront - North Shore US $550,000 Land leases 153 years available US $550,000

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.

Bonnie Dougall Managing Partner

(284) 495-3003 l info@realestatebvi.net www.bvipy.com

NOVEMBER 2011

7

Surfer’s Paradise on Spyglass Hill Waveland: perched at a perfect view.

Photos by Dan O'Connor

By Traci O'Dea Surfers want to wake up and surf. They want to look outside and see the waves, knowing that in minutes they’ll be leaping to the sand with a board under their arm then paddling out to the breaks to get in an invigorating session before their work day begins. The aptly named Waveland is an ideal abode for surfers with its view over Apple Bay—Tortola’s most consistent surf spot and home of the famous Bomba’s Surfside Shack.

On my visit to Waveland, I encountered all the luxuries and amenities of a hillside BVI property but still felt the charm of a Hawaiian beach house—likely based on all the gorgeously maintained natural hardwood surfaces throughout the house.

The house is located on the private Spyglass Hill estate with a commanding view overlooking the wave activity of Apple Bay as well as the islands of St Thomas, St John, Jost Van Dyke, Little Jost, Sandy Cay, Green Cay and Sandy Spit. The wooden

8

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

From top to bottom, Waveland is the ideal surfer’s retreat.

deck extends the length of the house and is equipped with covered and uncovered areas for dining and lounging—including a low-slung hammock that’s a perfect spot to rock in time with the sound of the sea. Large fruit-bearing trees—banana, papaya, almond, coconut— rustle their branches near the deck railing while frangipani and yellow flamboyant brighten the garden. The deck is accessible from the kitchen, living room, dining room and master bedroom, with the latter two rooms completely opening up to the view of the sea. From the deck, we could see a handful of surfers taking advantage of the swell that Tropical Storm Ophelia stirred up.

The tiled kitchen provides ample storage and counter space as well as all the appliances a chef could need for a five-course meal or a casual barbecue. Adjacent to the kitchen is the indoor dining room with four sets of doors that open to the deck, so even if guests decide to dine indoors, they can still experience the breeze, the sound of the sea and the panorama before them.

Beyond the dining room, the living room was built for relaxation.

Below the tongue-and-groove ceiling, a longboard hangs over an even longer couch that appeared to be the ideal place to plop down after a long day of surfing or at least daydreaming about surfing. Built-in bookshelves and a wine rack encouraged additional

The spacious deck and upper-level lookout.

levels of chilling. The only thing missing was Endless Summer on the television, but I’m sure that could be arranged. Between the living room and the master bedroom is the covered deck area—complete with a window to a wet bar inside. The designers of this house knew what they were doing.

early morning swell. Closets abound for all the board shorts, t-shirts,

The inviting master suite features a centrally located four-

wetsuits, bathing suits, rash vests and the occasional sundress and

poster bed hung with the romantic tulle curtains that represent

linen shirts that a wave-riding couple would need. The master

the Caribbean. The room has views on three sides with the most

bathroom has separate his and her toilets and sinks but a shared

magnificent vista being the one over Apple Bay for the view of the

shower between them.

www.bvipy.com

NOVEMBER 2011

9

Waveland Summary

Rooms designed by a surfer for a surfer.

Neighbourhood

- Spyglass Hill

Bedrooms

- Three

Bathrooms

- Two

Swimming Pool

- No

Size

- 0.3 acres

Price

- US$695,000

The second and third floors benefit from different vantage points of the same stunning view. If I were to move in to Waveland, I’d probably choose the tucked away third bedroom loft as my sanctuary. Atop the house on its own, the room felt like a tree house, a widow’s watch or a wheelhouse.

Windows wrap around the room—giving a 180-degree view of the sea and hillside. I’d probably install a higher bed that was level with the windows so I could watch the cresting and receding surf from my pillow.

Beneath the lookout room, the second floor encompasses a private study, a bathroom and another large bedroom.

Photos on the study wall show local surfers frozen in time at their best, and the window shows the live action in the rolling waves below. The built in desk, cupboards and shelves offer an ideal workspace that still feels connected to the sea. The second-floor bedroom has a private porch as well as an indoor lounging area in addition to the bed, dresser and closets.

Back downstairs, stone steps lead to outside garden areas on both sides of the house with plenty of room for an in-ground pool to be installed. A bench in a shady patch of springy lawn offers a quiet spot for reflection or reading or simply listening to the ebb and flow. Pineapples grow along the edge of the yard. Below the house is ample space for

284.494.5700 | 284.340.5555 | www.bvisir.com

expansion—anything from an additional apartment or a guest suite to a playroom for the kids. Currently, a large storage area serves as a work room, and a huge walk-in closet houses more surfboards than I could count. From top to bottom, Waveland is the ideal surfer’s retreat. PY

10

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

For more info contact: Maritha Keil t (284)340.5555 e maritha.keil@sothebysrealty.com

Why is it okay to collect rain but not sunlight to meet the community’s needs when they both fall from the sky?

Solar Energy

Rain Water

YES

X

NO?

Sign the petition online www.greenvi.org or www.aesbvi.com

+1.284.494.1478

energy@aesbvi.com www.aesbvi.com

Alternative Energy Systems

RE N E WA B L E ENER GY • AB U NDANT • S US TAINABLE • INDEP ENDENT • A CARIBBEAN S OLU TION www.bvipy.com

NOVEMBER 2011

11

Blues Boat Yard

By David Blacklock

The salesman looked at me with an indulgent eye.

rebuilding her on the beach. I think he paid a dollar for

“We're not selling boats,” he said, “we're selling

her. Did a great job.”

dreams.” I had asked about a particular customer of

I had seen some successes. My friend Mike had found

his whom I knew to be interested in a boat far beyond

a 31-foot cruiser on Craigslist and assailed the reclusive

his capabilities as a sailor. “The details don't matter,”

owner with emails until he relented and sailed into Road

the salesman had said. “he's not buying a hull and

Harbour. Mike bought the boat there and then, for not

deck, he's buying freedom and adventure.”

much more than $5,000—and immediately spent a good

I thought about this exchange recently when I sat down

amount fixing her up, but now she's gorgeous, and he's

with James Buchanan at his boatyard at West End. I'd

rightfully proud.

been intrigued by the number of old, weather-beaten,

Other friends are busy restoring a big old wooden

character-filled boats that seemed to fill his yard. One of

ketch that's taking all the resources they have—but it will

mine was among them. A 35-foot steel cutter that had

be a treasure when they're done. Not to be left out, I

come my way and which I was attempting to restore,

have to admit to owning not one but two boats I found

though the process was taking an awfully long time. I

abandoned or which were offered to me as a last resort

wanted to know my chances of success. They didn't seem

before abandonment. The first was a 28-foot Morgan

great. “Oh, I've seen people do it, alright,” James said,

which had been left aground in the mangroves. By doing

“but they really did put some effort into it. Take Aristocat.

some diligent detective work I found a previous owner—

She was beaten up and sunk in a hurricane and they

who had sold it on to someone else, but that someone

dragged her in here and a guy spent a couple of years

else had left the country and wasn't coming back.

12

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

design The "boatyard of broken dreams" in West End. Photo by Dan O'Connor

Eventually, I tracked him down and after

his yard “The Boatyard of Broken Dreams.”

a year of pleading, he agreed to pass the

He's seen them come and go. Well come

boat on to me. No money was exchanged,

anyway, since once they boats are in his

but it was hard work.

yard they seldom leave.

The second was the 35-foot steel cutter

“Rough and ready is the way to go if

which had been passed from hand to hand

you want to get out cruising,” James said.

until friends who knew of my experience

“It's the pretty that costs money—if you

with the Morgan asked my advice about

want pretty, wait until you're anchored

taking ownership. I encouraged them to go

in Rangiroa and get out the paint brush.”

ahead, with the proviso that they should

James waved a hand out his office window

give me first right of refusal if they changed

to indicate the number of boats that sit in his

their minds. She immediately got pregnant

yard. Some have accumulated debts of tens

and the thought of restoring a rust bucket

of thousands of dollars in yard fees over the

and raising a wee bairn at the same time

years, but they're not worth much. “If you

proved too daunting.

know anyone who wants a boat, tell them to

My boatbuilding experience is pretty

make me an offer,” he said.

minimal, but I have plenty of friends who

I looked out at the collection and thought

offer good advice—the most common

of the dozens of other boats I'd seen

suggestion being “sink it and go buy a

recently—some sitting at an angle on a

proper yacht.” James shares that opinion in

beach, others squatting a little low in the

general—most sailors attempting to refurbish

water, tattered sails flapping in the breeze,

an old boat find themselves running out of

lines banging. Sights like that make my heart

time, energy or money or any combination

skip a beat. Some people have that reaction

of those. “Boats are a dime a dozen these

when they see an abandoned puppy, but

days,” he said. “If you're going to do it, do

for me it's an abandoned boat. I'm reminded

it with a Bentley, not a Chevy. If you find

of the salesman's slightly cynical view—

construction

consultation

a Swan 43 abandoned on the rocks or a

perhaps it is all fantasy and dream, after all,

Hinckley that went down in a hurricane,

but I'll soldier on, chipping rust and bleeding

Poolworks

go for it. When you're done, it'll be worth

money until either my dream boat is afloat,

the personal ocean experts

something.” It's not for nothing that he calls

or my (tiny) fortune is indeed sunk. PY

T(284)494.0989 poolworks@surfbvi.com www.bvipy.com

NOVEMBER 2011

13

Idealistic Architecture

From left: The "buried house" and the "lookout house."

By Steve Fox.

By Steve Fox, OMBI BVI

Architecture is fun. We become architects because we want to create, use our imagination, enjoy our job. And with every project, no matter how ordinary or mundane, we instinctively aim to build in some poetry, romance and adventure.

At architecture school, we’re taught to conceptualise – to develop a guiding concept right at the beginning of a project, which then informs the design as it evolves. Good architecture begins with a strong idea to organize, understand and give meaning to the huge range of stuff that has to come together to result in a successful building. And once you’ve come up with a concept, you can give it a name; the Shell, the Doughnut, the Gherkin, the Cloud…

Over my years living in the BVI, I’ve stored up in my mind lots

house could step down the hill, with stairs connecting double-

of concepts for houses which might fit, one day, with the

height spaces. The thermal mass of the surrounding earth and

perfect client on the perfect piece of land. So I thought I’d

rock keeps the internal temperature low and stable. Wind

share a few this month.

Raw House Imagine a house built from materials which are fully intended

catchers and ducts can be used to provide natural ventilation, and courtyards to bring natural light into the deeper parts of the space.

to weather; to change and evolve over time. Natural,

Lookout House

untreated hardwoods and stone, unfinished concrete and

The opposite approach: cantilever dramatically out from the

patinated metals give the home character and permanence.

hillside, making the most of the possibilities of construction in

Consider Cor-ten weathering steel, which forms a rust-like

concrete or wood. Or build up, tall and tower-like, to create

corrosion-resistant coating when exposed to the elements and

elevated spaces with even more spectacular views than

was developed to eliminate the need for painting. Or choose

usual. Stretching the building up and out can create dynamic

lime paint and plaster, which are maintenance free, mildew

relationships between spaces, and between the people in the

resistant and should look better as they get older. No need to

spaces. Not for agoraphobics or vertigo-sufferers, but if you’re

polish this building; just let nature take its course.

Bunker House On a steep BVI hillside, a house could be dug into the slope,

going to build on a hillside, why not explore the possibilities, and test your structural engineers to their limits?

Inside-Outside House

partially covered with earth and vegetation, and blended into

In the always warm Caribbean climate, we can actually

the landscape to create a cost-effective, cool and sheltered

achieve what generations of architects and home builders

hurricane-proof space with minimal external visual impact. The

have dreamed of: a seamless continuity between inside www.bvipy.com

NOVEMBER 2011

15

and outside. Imagine taking this to the extreme, where it’s

and water consumption by installing efficient fixtures and

impossible to say if you’re inside or out. The house would

appliances, eliminate the need for air conditioning by

provide protection from rain and direct sun, but with an

designing for good ventilation and cooling, install renewable

inventive roof design and some clever screening, it’s possible

power sources to generate your own electricity from abundant

to throw open the walls to your house, to slide them back until

wind and sun, and collect your own rainwater. Create gardens

they disappear completely. Internal courtyards and gardens

for growing your own food, and composting to process your

can heighten the effect and make rooms feel much bigger;

organic waste. Not an original concept, but very relevant in our

with space flowing freely, boundaries are dissolved and the

island context.

house and the landscape are merged.

These are all abstract ideas waiting to become real with a

Cool House

fortuitous alignment of concept, client and site. Of course, with

To minimise cost and site disturbance on a steep slope, we

each project, the conditions are unique, and as the design

often aim to build along the contours, keeping the building

process evolves, new concepts emerge. A good designer

narrow, reducing the need for excavation and tall retaining

should be prepared to tailor ideas for individual projects, or to

walls. Taking this a step further, we could design an unusually

save them for another occasion. I'm still waiting for the right

narrow house, to maximise the view on one side, connect to

clients for the following projects: the overwater house, the

the landscape on the other, and make every space breezy and

floating house, the underwater house, the tree house, the stilt

light. A thin house like this would be very suitable on many BVI

house, the boulder house; the list goes on.

sites and may be a good solution for a smaller 2- or 3-bedroom

Ultimately, the goal is to create an integrated whole.

family home where simplicity is important and budget is critical.

Perhaps the target should be the perfect house: a combination of all the right ideas for the project. This house would be unique,

Neutral House

environmentally sensitive, with inexpensive design which sits in

Minimise the building’s environmental impact, make the home fully self-sufficient and carbon neutral. Reduce energy

harmony with its site, meets all the needs of its owners, and is much more than simply the sum of its parts. PY

ARCHITECTURE RESORT DESIGN DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING MASTER PLANNING INTERIOR DESIGN OBM International t 284 494 2148 OBMI.COM

16

BVI PG APR 2011.indd 1

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

4/28/2011 12:54:40 PM

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Homeowners & Renters Super Plus True Value for Money with a Wide Range of Coverage !

NAGICO Insurances Home Owners & Renters Super Plus protects your home and contents against accidents, fire, theft, hurricanes and other natural disasters. Additional benefits are included at no additional charge:

• Credit card & cheque forgery • Public liability • Injury to pets by any Insured hazards • Damage to landscaping and plants • Impact damage to your property • Cancellation charges for pre-paid •

travel arrangements Loss of rent or alternative accommodation expenses

1st Floor NAGICO Bldg.

139 Waterfront Drive P.O. Box 3448 Road Town, Tortola British Virgin Islands VG1110 284-494-6433 www.nagico.com

Proudly Serving 13 Caribbean Islands, and Growing!

B.V.I. • Anguilla • St. Maarten • St. Eustatius • Saba • St. Kitts • Nevis • Antigua • Montserrat • Dominica • Aruba • Bonaire • Curaçao www.bvipy.com BVI-17-090-PropertyYacht-8.5x10.875-home-FINAL.indd 1

NOVEMBER 2011

17

5/23/11 7:27:42 AM

18

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

30th

CYS

Above: Boats fill Village Cay's slips for the Yacht Show. Photos provided Janet Oliver.

BOAT SHOW

Sparks Industry Optimism

By Dan O'Connor

When I first stepped on to the yacht Yes Dear, I

Society’s annual Charter Yacht Show, which marks 30

immediately felt welcomed. Captain Ian Barber and

this month. There, boat owners and their crews get a

Chef Jody Boyd were happy to see me and opened

unique chance to meet brokers and mingle with others

the 58-foot luxury catamaran’s sliding doors into the

in their respective industry. A lot has changed over 30

cool and inviting main cabin. Within, Jody busied

years of sailing, but the BVI’s pristine waters and smooth

herself in the boat’s galley to prepare a succulent

trade winds have managed to stay pretty consistent.

snapper plate as Ian worked to dress the table to

I spoke with CYS Director Janet Oliver, who explained

my liking. I put down my bags, kicked back and

that probably the most notable change over the past

relaxed on the cabin’s comfy leather couch. Just as I

30 years of chartering in the Virgin Islands is the type

settled in, Jody offered me a cold and sweaty Carib.

of boat in demand. This month, following the trend of

I couldn’t resist. I could get used to this.

consecutive years past, the Boat Show will fill Village

I visited Yes Dear not as a client but as a

Cay’s marina to capacity with about 65 yachts that are

photographer. The crewed yacht is featured alongside

each aiming for an average of 20 bookings. In the early

27 others in Dining on Deck , Charter Yacht Society of the

nineties, that would mean a marina full of monohulls,

British Virgin Islands’ crewed yacht cookbook, published

but today that means slips mostly filled out with large

through aLookingGlass. During my brief experience on

and luxurious catamarans. Larger boats mean larger

the boat, I imagined what it would be like to be floating

groups who can occupy vessels that can comfortably

through the Sir Francis Drake Channel or moored outside

charter groups of eight or more. It may be a more

Spring Bay in Virgin Gorda. It’s not hard to sell the Virgin

expensive package, but for a group pool, it inevitably

Islands as a prime sailing destination, especially after

cuts individual costs, Janet explained.

abcnews.com recently ranked “Sailing in the British

In the BVI alone, there are close to 1,000 boats—

Virgin Islands” second in their list “100 Places to Visit

largely bareboats—that help to give the territory the

Before You Die.", but each year those involved in the

reputation as the Caribbean’s sailing capital. The CYS

crewed yacht industry take steps to ensure that they

director estimated that about 100 boats make up the

fill their schedule with a long list of bookings. To do so,

crewed yacht industry in the BVI. “And in that industry

one of the best avenues for leads is the Charter Yacht

itself—it may seem small—but we believe we’ll generate

www.bvipy.com

NOVEMBER 2011

19

Brokers and crew mingle at last year's event.

$40 million a year for the BVI,” she

a problem,” he said. “Even in harder

predicted. For the economy, that means

economic times, their services are

lots of jobs and consistent revenue,

required, and their income is static, so

she added. In the Boat Show’s 30th

they don’t get hit—and that’s what our

gathering, Janet said she has high hopes

clientele looks like.”

for today’s industry and the future’s,

When I spoke with him, Dick still had

despite the looming economic cloud.

three months left before he closed the

Dick Schoonover, who manages the

book on 2011 charter calendar. He may

clearinghouse CharterPort BVI, can

even break some personal records. And

attest to the apparent success felt in the

while those on Wall Street are predicting

territory, despite worrisome extraneous

a double-dip recession, the charter

factors. To date, since 2008, numbers are

industry middleman predicts full sails

actually up—from 619 bookings to 625 as

ahead.

of February.

I may not be a six-figure surgeon or

“In a time of economic turmoil, we

lawyer, but living and working here in

appear to be improving and just don’t

the BVI I’ve been fortunate enough to

understand it,” he said. “Since 2008, I

sample some of the finest yachting

think [clients] have discovered that

experiences in the world. It’s a lifestyle

the sky isn’t falling like everyone said it

easily taken for granted but brought

would, and even if it does crash, they’ll

back into perspective when noticing

take that vacation, no matter what.”

the wide eyes of guests and tourists

In Dick’s business, it’s the clientele

perhaps having a Leonardo DiCaprio

that determines strength and

“king of the world” moment at the bow

consistency in the industry.

of, say, Yes Dear . It’s these priceless

“It’s the doctors, the dentists, the

moments that help to keep the charter yacht industry well afloat. PY

undertakers that never seem to have

2011 Sailing and Watersports Calendar Oct 29 - Nov 5 Nov 8 - 11 Nov 12 - 13 Nov 19 Nov 26 - 27 Dec 1 - 4 Dec 10 Dec 2 - 4 Dec 17

20

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

25th Annual BEYC Pro-Am Regatta BVI Charter Yacht Show 10th Annual Pete Sheals Memorial Match Race Regatta Peg Legs Round Tortola Race BVI Schools Regatta Carlos Aguilar Match Race DYAS Christmas Youth Regatta 21st Gustav Wilmerding Annual Memorial Challenge Regatta O’Neal & Mundy Commodores Cup

You don’t have to walk for miles, Drakes traders has the best in building supplies.

’ Traders Ltd. Drakes P.O Box 623 Road Town, Tortola, BVI | T(284)494-3282 | F(284)494-4382 | E: drakestraders@surfbvi.com | W: www.drakestraders.com www.bvipy.com

NOVEMBER 2011

21

That

Sinking Feeling

By Dan O'Connor

The ebb and flow of nature remain strong on the popular sailing destination that bears the reputation as the “sunken island.”

22

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

The flat island of Anegada is selfish when it comes to its sandy terrain and bountiful beachfronts, which rest cautiously on its deep coral base. Without much warning, it takes what it naturally desires and gives back what it no longer needs. The ebb and flow of nature remain strong on the popular sailing destination that bears the reputation as the “sunken island.” The original proprietor of the Anegada Seaside Villas on the island’s west end came face-to-face with Anegada’s unforgiving natural tendencies when his seven beachfront cottages began to slowly slip into the sea. Recently, after a beating from Hurricane Earl and a fasteroding coastline, four of the villas submerged when the receding beachfront crept into the sea—one cottage literally collapsed. The villas remained in a temporary state of hopeless disrepair until the land was sold and a plan was hatched to do the seemingly impossible: reclaim the beach and take back the villas.

The scene is shocking to those who remember staying in the villas when they were in their prime, like Colin Rathbun, who was married on Anegada in 2008. On a sweltering morning this August, Colin set out to Anegada on his 24-foot fishing boat to revisit the island of his nuptials. As he approached the western coastline, he was stunned by what he saw.

“There’s the cottage where Brynley and I stayed after our wedding,” he exclaimed as he pointed to the collapsed boutique cottage, with one of its four walls missing. Its interior faced the boat like an exposed dollhouse. “Sure wouldn’t want to stay there now,” he quipped.

He idled around the island’s coast to reveal a project of unbelievable magnitude. Hundreds of sandbags jetted out from beach to create three long offshore groins. The geo bags—or sandbags—seemed to be working to corral the converging sand to effectively rebuild the beach. In the distance, workers from

Above: A commercial diver fills geo bags to revive a sunken cottage.

Photo provided by Chris Juredin.

Left: Cottages nearly slip into the sea.

Photo by Dan O'Connor.

Commercial Dive Services filled even more geo bags under the hot tropical sun, then trudged them in line with the others. As they worked, they fought submerging currents at a point where strong northern swells meet against opposing currents. The testing work looked like a scene from the Discovery Channel show Dirty Jobs .

I later spoke with Commercial Dive manager Chris Juredin, who explained just how challenging the project really is.

“The hardest part for us is working with the north swells, which

Quality service for all your real estate, offshore corporate & commercial needs.

Dedication. Precision. Integrity. Foresight.

come in at four to seven knots with river-like current,” he said.

“That’s the same current that is responsible for stealing the rest of the beach.”

CDS was contracted in November 2010, after Hurricane Earl dealt a devastating blow to the property. Shortly after, three ambitious proprietors stepped in to purchase the land and face the daunting task of repairing the beach. They called upon Chris and his crew who have previously worked on projects to reclaim beaches, like at

Palm Chambers A member of the PMA Group 197 Main Sreet Panama I London I British Virgin Islands I Bahamas I Montevideo I Belize I Anguilla I Hong Kong P.O. Box 119 T + 1 (284) 494-2453 | F + 1 (284) 494-6356 Road Town, Tortola E asroberts@hpabvi.com | www.hpabvi.com British Virgin Islands, VG 1110

www.bvipy.com

NOVEMBER 2011

23

The coastline as it looked in 2006.

Photo provided by Chris Juredin.

Eustatia Island’s eastern beachfront. There, the beach had similarly

the CDS manager explained. “It basically chewed off the beach.

been depleted by erosion but did not face the additional challenge

And now it’s back-breaking work.”

from converging currents like at Anegada’s western point. In

A site visit last month revealed that the beach indeed was

Eustatia’s case, the coast regenerated its beach by a similar use of

regenerating itself, with the help of the breaks, and the cottages

sandbags and groins.

seemed to be reclaiming their foundation on the beach. The

“But here the guys are fighting against longshore drifts that rip at

amazing recovery efforts, Chris said, would likely not deprive

the western point, meeting with energy from the opposing current,”

ROBSWAIN SAILING SCHOOL AND CHARTERS British Virgin Islands p/f 284 494-0432 • Rhode Island p/f 401 293-0438

neighbouring beaches of their sand, due to the unique method of collection at a converging point. Although the proprietors and the CDS team have worked closely with environmental engineers locally and from the States, Chris admits that the project has gained “a lot of skepticism from the start.”

Local marine biologist Shannon Gore, who surveyed the project with the Conservation and Fisheries Department, is one such person who has her reservations. She explained that the island slowly has shifted its coastline over the past 150 years, causing much of the erosion the western point is now facing. As time goes on, she hypothesized, these forces will continue to create a problem for those with property near these affected coastlines.

“This side of the island is morphologically adjusting to environmental conditions, and despite future sea level rise, it has a chance to adjust by shifting sand in a counterclockwise motion,” she explained, adding that the sandbag barriers could eventually

Awarded Outstanding Sailing School–2010 by the American Sailing Association

Certification Courses Offered: Basic Keelboat • Live Aboard/Bareboat Charter Fast Track to Bareboating • Coastal Navigation Coastal Passage Making • Cruising Catamaran

Also Offered: Bareboat Charters • Instructional Family Charters Sail & Dive and Sail & Stay Packages Other Services: Yacht Management • Deliveries

for reservations call 800 948 SAIL (7245) Voted BVI’s Best Sailing School in the 2011 VI Property & Yacht Guide’s Reader’s Choice Awards

act to “starve” the southeast beachfront—a process that could take decades to notice.

But today, the current proprietors and the beachfront restoration project manager remain hopeful that the existing properties will flourish for years to come. Chris believes that the existing sandbags will hold strong, keeping the beach rejuvenated without maintenance for up to 15 years. In the meantime, they’ll cross their fingers and hope that Anegada doesn’t live up to its reputation as a “sunken island.” PY

A Cookbook for Daydreamers

Many of us aspire to be chefs, hence the popularity of cooking

of service a chartered yacht crew provides.

shows and celebrity cooks. Yet, I don’t believe the idea of

Recipes featured in Dining on Deck include such treats as coconut

working in Gordon Ramsay’s abusive kitchen appeals to most.

tuna ceviche, pistachio-crusted pork tenderloin, ginger poached

Instead, some of us dream of running a gastro pub or a B&B or,

pears, and a mysterious beverage called “Ti’Punch.” Some dishes

in my case, a soup and salad counter. The pleasure of cooking

seem light and playful while others are refined and decadent. In

is making food that pleases others—hearing guests unable to

fact, the recipes could act as an accurate representation of the

suppress an “mmmmmm” sound as they savour the flavours so

many types of charter yacht crew personalities, and after reading

lovingly prepared for them.

the cookbook and the many recipes, I definitely have a feel for the

Before moving to the BVI, my imagination was limited to reveries

participating yachts.

of prepping my creations in stationary kitchens in not-so-exotic

The boat-friendly, spiral-bound cookbook also serves as a

locales. Never in my food-chopping fantasies did I envision serving

fundraiser for the Charter Yacht Society, and the launch party for the

canapés on the top deck of a luxury yacht tucked into a hidden

publication will take place on Tuesday, November 8, during the

bay encircling the pristine Caribbean Sea. This dream job, held by

Charter Yacht Show welcome party at Village Cay Marina. All are

the participating chefs of the Dining on Deck cookbook, trumps all

welcome. Copies of the book will be available for $15, and some

my visions of rustic pubs in chilly London or trendy lunch counters in

chefs will be on hand to sign their recipes. PY

New York. Chef on a private yacht? Yes, please. I think that would work for me.

Alas, unlike the chefs who have revealed their galley secrets in

Dining on Deck , I lack the training and experience to cook for the most elite clientele in the world. Rather, I’m destined to a life (mostly) on land, cooking for friends and family whenever I can.

Now, by consulting Dining on Deck, I can at least pretend to be serving high-end hcarter guests. The enviable chefs of the crewed yachts, all members of the Charter Yacht Society of the British

British Virgin Islands Bareboat & Captain Charters • Monohulls: Beneteau & Jeaneau (35-50 ft.)

• Catamarans: Admiral, Lagoon, R&C Leopard,

Voyage (38-43 ft.)

• $275-$745/Day Low to $400-$1145/Day High &

Seasonal Specials

Virgin Islands, have divulged recipes that shall be a delight and a

Services

challenge to recreate. No course is overlooked—from appetizers to

• Mooring Balls

• Yacht Management

desserts to cocktails and main courses that I look forward to serving while I imagine being anchored near a secluded beach. Though I must admit, I probably wouldn’t spoil my guests with the same level

Harbourview Marina, Fat Hogs Bay, East End, Tortola | Rite Breeze Grocery Store next door | Five-Minutes from Beef Island Airport (EIS)

1-866-PROVALOR (776-8256) | provalorcharters.com | pvc@provalorcharters.com

www.bvipy.com

NOVEMBER 2011

25

BlindLove

By Dan O'COnnor

Merreth Smith cracks a smile at her husband, Gregory.

Photos by Dan O'Connor.

G regory Smith wakes before sunrise to begin his day. Alongside his wife, Merreth, he ventures out to their two plots of farmland while it's still dark outside.

Merreth makes herself busy by weeding the gardens and harvesting their crop; Gregory prepares the soil, hoes the rows and waters the plants. Eighteen years ago, this might not have seemed like an extraordinary feat. But eighteen years ago, Gregory still had his vision.

In 1993, Gregory was misdiagnosed for an allergic reaction and given a medication that countered with his glaucoma eye drops.

“Within three days after I took those tablets, I got up, went outside and I said to my wife, ’Yup. It’s cloudy. Looks like rain,” he said. “But then I stepped further out the door and the warmth from the sun could have knocked me down. That’s when I knew I couldn’t see at all.”

26

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Those tablets would change Gregory’s life forever. Within a week, he was completely blind.

“I didn’t want to leave home at all. At all, at all,” he said. “I wanted to just pull my hair out, not go nowhere or no place. I said to myself, ‘It’s all over now.’”

But his wife wouldn’t have that. His six children needed him to be strong. At the time, Gregory was 32. This year, he marked 50, “And I’ve never been happier,” he said.

The transition wasn’t easy, he explained.

He spent five months in Jamaica for mobility training and basically “had to learn everything over again. How to eat, where to walk, how to talk comfortably,” he said.

“And I came back and it was hard. But now I know the whole farm, I know everything and everywhere to go.”

I first met the Smiths on October, 2010, shortly after Hurricane Earl flattened their

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Right: Gregory irrigates the rows.

Far right: Merreth looks for ripe papayas.

“We are two very happy people,” Gregory said. “Of course, we’re happy until death does us part. It’s a good life.” vegetable and fruit farm. After watching Gregory navigate the land, I was shocked to later find out that he was completely blind.

When I ventured back to their Paraquita farm last month, the land was overgrown, but healthy. The mango, papaya and jackfruit trees were healthy and tall, and the herbs were bushy and full. The rows of young seedlings were neat and budding. Merreth credited the harvest’s revival to hard work and the grace of God. “Once you’re a farmer, you’ve got to be perseistent,” she said. “If not, you’re going to see it just gone—with a disaster or disease. But we don’t give up so easily.”

In 1989, when Gregory still had his vision and worked at Peter Island Resort as a pastry chef, Merreth tended to their small farm in Capoon’s Bay. That summer, Hurricane Hugo destroyed their crop. www.bvipy.com

NOVEMBER 2011

27

But that same year, they picked up and moved to Paraquita Bay, where they started fresh and began working for the Agricultural Department. Today, the two still work for the Agricultural Department during the day, but Gregory no longer cooks.

“But thank God I’m doing better than ever now,” he said. “I’m happier than ever.”

He joy seems most apparent when he’s with his wife, in their garden. Merreth can’t help but finish his sentences. “Tell him about how you eat from your plate like it’s a clock … what about when you were in Jamiaca ... and now you can do it all by yourself,” she’d say. “Sit up when you speak, now.”

Merreth admitted that life isn’t always easy.

Sometimes the crops don’t take to the water, and the market doesn’t heed a profit, she said. “But

Merreth explains Gregory's daily duties.

that’s life. And it goes on,” she stated, pointing to her religion and her husband as her guiding light

The two celebrated their 28th anniversary this

through life’s struggles. We sat on box crates and

year, and have admittedly never been happier.

empty tires as they spoke. Almost to break the down

Merreth enjoys traveling and visiting her children

mood of the conversation, Merreth jumped up and

and grandchildren in the States. Gregory seems the

headed to the grounds to demonstrate how she

type that goes along for the ride—with a wide grin

weeds in the morning and in the evenings after work.

and his eternal optimism.

Gregory walked carefully in tow, and picked up a

“We are two very happy people,” he said. “Of

hoe and meticulously took to the neat irrigation

course, we’re happy until death does us part. It’s a

rows. Their chemistry is undeniable.

good life.” PY

AN EXCULSIVE BUYER AGENT, WORKING SOLELY FOR THE BUYER. Unique and committed relationships built on trust to assure the best possible home buying experience.

Violet Gaul - Realtor Licensed BVI & USA T(284)443.1777 | Info@tropicaisle.com | www.tropicaisle.com P.O. Box 83, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, VG1110

28

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Leo House, 65 Main Street, Road Town Tortola, British Virgin Islands, VG1110

Casa Del Mar - Tortola’s north side

Sea Grape Condo - Olde Yard VIllage, Virgin Gorda

Overlooking the beautiful Brewer’s Bay beach. A brand new 4 bedroom family home awaits you; call to view.

A beautifully furnished 2 bedroom Condo with all the amenities can be yours. Call us today!

Cooten Bay Home

Beautifully designed and finely executed this 4 bedroom, 3 bath main house along with a 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment located in Cooten Bay is a steal of a deal. Purchase today and use the income from the rented apartment to pay your mortgage. Bring your clothes and move into this architectural beauty which features Brazilian cherry wood flooring, granite counter tops, modern fixtures and luxurious furnishings; call us today to view!

T(284)494.2500 | F(284)494.6969 | E monica@trudebvi.com | Skype truderealestatebvi Residential & Commercial Sales . Property Management . Long & Short term Rentals For additional information on properties for sale or rent email or visit us online at www.trudebvi.com www.bvipy.com

NOVEMBER 2011

29

Own a Home?Join the Club

By Willa Tavernier, O'Neal Webster BVI

Recently, a client handed me a fairly thick document, with a look of trepidation on his face. It was the by-laws of the Homeowner’s Association (HOA), and Declaration of Covenants, for a property he was buying. It’s easy to be intimidated by these documents. Many people don’t even read them. Some people hate the whole concept.

I decided, therefore, to compile a list of the top five reasons that purchasers seem to be put off by covenants and by-laws:

• The Association or developer can charge you fees every year for maintenance • They contain lots of rules for things you either must do, or can’t do on your own property • They use intimidating words, like charge, caution, lien, restrictions etc. in relation to your property if you don’t follow those rules Restrictive covenants are agreements restricting the use of property

• They’re never short documents

by both present and future owners of that property. They attach to (or

• You can’t opt out of the HOA—once you buy the land membership is mandatory

burden) the property, and under BVI law they must also confer some benefit on land owned by another person. Typically in the BVI, the covenants are mutual—they benefit of all the properties contained within a particular development or neighbourhood, and similarly burden all those properties.

Once this mutual benefit and burden is demonstrated to the Registrar of Lands, usually by proving the existence of a scheme of development, the covenants are endorsed on the title to the land as an incumbrance.

Once the covenants are endorsed on the title, they bind all future owners. Another method used to ensure that all future owners are bound is a requirement that the first purchaser must include the covenants in any future transfer of the property.

HOAs are formal legal entities, usually limited companies, created to ensure that the restrictive covenants attaching to the property, are adhered to. Membership is mandatory for all property owners within the development and are usually charged mandatory fees. HOAs also typically have the authority to enact and enforce maintenance and design standards. However, there are also quite a few reasons to like, even love the idea of an HOA and covenanted property.

30

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

The purpose of restrictive covenants and the HOAs that monitor

withstand future increases or will you have to sell up and move?

Once you buy the property, you can't decline to pay the dues.

If you do, a charge can be placed on your property, which can then be sold to liquidate the debt. Annual fees can range from hundreds to thousands per year, depending on the property and the amenities provided by the community.

them, is to maintain the quality of the properties in a development or neighborhood. They do this by keeping common areas looking attractive, making sure no one’s fixing cars in the street or running a flea market out of their driveway, and reducing the potential for people putting up eyesores, by seeing to it that buildings and renovations are in keeping with the general architectural concepts

• Find out if the HOA has cash reserves.

and standards of the area. Of course to do all these things, funding is

• Determine if there are term limits for the Board, and how easy it is to replace board members. In some developments it is impossible to change board members or by-laws because the developer retains an absolute majority of voting rights.

necessary, which can lead to fee increases that cannot be declined (unless sufficient votes are garnered to change the by-laws).

All told, the foregoing helps to preserve property values, which is the core underlying rationale of HOAs and covenants. Your decision on whether to buy into a neighbourhood governed by covenants and an HOA should take into account the following: • Read the Declaration of Covenants recorded against the property and make sure you can live with the conditions and restrictions contained in the document prior to signing a sale and purchase agreement.

• Find out what amenities are provided.

• Determine if there is litigation pending involving the HOA. One current suit in the BVI involves the community association suing a member for running a professional office in the property.

In another community, the owner sought and obtained the consent of the other property owners for the operation of a light commercial enterprise, which was not viewed as detrimental to the property values.

Whether or not to buy into one of these communities is an individual

• Find out what the current dues are, and what they’ve been over the past 5-7 years to get an idea of the trend. Will you be able to

but very important decision, that should be made with the benefit of as much information as possible. PY

Simplicity is Everything

‘Railings in Steel’

by Nautool

Nautool Machine Ltd T: 284.494.3187 www.nautool.com

Road Town, Tortola F: 284.494.5629 nautool@surfbvi.com

www.bvipy.com

NOVEMBER 2011

31

With you every step of the way.

Real estate in the BVI is at a premium and tightly regulated.

Our expertise is practically unmatched. From conception to completion, we understand the challenges of both booming markets and down-cycles, and have the depth and experience to advise on a broad range of issues – from title verification, planning and design approval, to corporate structuring and financing. This is why hundreds of buyers and sellers, including every five star resort in the BVI, have turned to us for representation in virtually all real estate and development matters.

A leading BVI law firm

Simmonds Building, 30 DeCastro Street Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. tel: +1(284) 494-5808 Ëš fax: +1(284) 494-5811 www.onealwebster.com Contact: Mrs. Willa Tavernier wtavernier@onealwebster.com

32

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Artists’ Corner:

a Window Into the past Story and photos Dan O'Connor

In the old days, Virgin Islanders were

Above: A Vanterpool piece.

Vanterpool’s paintings, seen around

industrious—they were independent and

the territory on walls and murals and

lived off the land. They often used horses

offices and textbooks, tell a visual story

and mules to lug timber and large loads

of a place many seem to have forgotten.

up steep hillsides. They grew their own

When I sat with the artist in his new studio

coffee and cocoa; they often made their

in Great Mountain, Tortola, last month,

own clothes. And when smiling school

he explained why he feels a need to

children walked home from class, they’d

contribute to history.

often take off their shoes, knot them,

“I feel that it’s my duty, being an older

and sling them over their shoulder and

head, who happened to a part of the

go barefoot to prevent wear and tear. I

past, to help tell a story—a story that is not

know this not because I was there or

generally known by the younger persons,”

because I read a book that told me

the 65-year-old artist said. “I feel it is my

so. I know because Ruben Vanterpool’s

responsibility to pass it on.”

paintings showed me.

www.bvipy.com

NOVEMBER 2011

33

The artist and his work.

34

The Tortola native perked up when I asked him about the

career artist worked as a public servant—as a teacher.

past. His lively mood helps to give his stories character as

He taught youths of all ages on all subjects. But whatever

he tells them.

class he taught, he made sure to remind his students

“Our parents told us about the older times by word

about the past.

of mouth,” he said. “We can do better than that. Some

When he retired in 1994, he took his hobby of painting

of us are writers, some of us are artists, so we can tell

and turned it into a full-time job. When I asked him to

a better story. I tell my story through my medium, you

explain his style of work, the artist said, “My work is very

through yours.”

autobiographical, because of my involvement in life at

Vanterpool has been telling stories for many years,

the time,” he said. “It’s not like I’m not moving on—that

even before he picked up the brush and easel and used

I’m stuck in the past—it’s just that I look at that time and

his canvas as a storybook. From 1975 to 1994, the now

like to bring it here through a window.”

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

need to ship?

Green has you covered . . . and size doesn’t matter Parcels and Mail

Get a Miami shipping address with TortolaExpress’ Parcels and Mail, and start shopping instantly. You can finally order everything you ever wanted online and now enjoy nonvolumetric weight charges!

Cargo Service

Vanterpool paints pictures of the past.

Today, he still teaches and reaches out to the community by offering lessons from his Great Mountain studio. He has also erected another studio on his property that he hopes will allow people from all over the world experience the Virgin Islands of the past through his work and the work of other local artists. He plans to showcase art in a building that borders Ridge Road, a route that up to 80 safari taxis transferring tourists traverses almost daily in high season. There, for a small fee, tourists and community members will be able to relive the past, just as Vanterpool does when he creates his artwork. The oil

With our extensive network, you can send your freight from anywhere in the USA to our warehouse. Just leave all logistics to us. All you have to do is decide what you want to get and where you want it from. As soon as you have purchased your bulk shipment, email us an order confirmation, and we'll tell you where to send it. Once it arrives we can have it delivered to your door here in the BVI.

and acrylic painter said he was inspired to start the project because he’s often asked by visitors how the territory used to be.

“What was the indigenous life like? What did you do for a living? How did you live?” he said, restating their questions. “I hope they will get a glimpse of that when they come here. To pass years that brought us to the stage that we are now, that’s what I hope to accomplish.”

The artist said he eventually hopes to resurrect the dilapidated ruins around the island that are often overlooked and mistreated.

Currently, he is working on a project to restore the Sugar Works mill through a partnership with the college. He is currently accepting donations for the project. But for now, the storyteller will continue to paint a window into the past.

“I’m getting riper,” he said of his old age. “I won’t be here forever but at least I have today to tell about yesterday.” PY

Sign up online at

www.aeropost.com/eis T: 284 494 0707 info@tortolaexpress.com www.tortolaexpress.com www.bvipy.com

NOVEMBER 2011

35

Awaking a

Sleeping Prison

The prison's overgrown backside.

Photo by Dan O'Connor

By Hugh Whistler

36

Her Majesty’s Prison in Road Town may be mostly

slinks out through the grill and into the courtyard.

inactive, but its long-standing presence and history in

And if you want gruesome, then rebuild the execution

the heart of BVI’s capital makes it far from forgotten.

cell—the trapdoor and hanging beam are still in

Essentially abandoned in 1995 after 221 years of

storage since its last use in 1974. In 2003, I brought

continuous use, the facility still stands strong with all

these ideas to the table with a proposal to revive the

of its walls and cells—and even surrounding barbed

still standing structure as a museum, while retaining

wire—largely intact. What a site for a museum! Some

the original 1774 walls and cells. Government officials

might ask: a museum in a prison? But several come to

accepted my plan, but difficulties to revive the prison

mind: Fort Christian in St Thomas; the military prison in

would stand in my way.

Barbados that is now their National Museum; and the

I wasn’t the first to devise a plan where the prison

old jail in Inveraray, Scotland that has a fascinating

stands. In 1992, some outside experts devised a plan

courtroom with talking dummies. Imagine a tour of a

that would have torn down the historical building and

cell at the old prison here: as you switch on the light,

in its place erected a modern glass-domed structure.

a voice from a prisoner at a makeshift table bellows,

The ambitious plan was eventually dismissed, as its

“Watcha starin’ at?” Just then, a real-life prison cat

starting price was the huge sum (for the day) of $4

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

million. My ideas perhaps were more modest, and followed those first presented by the Prison Visitors Committee, which suggested a place for prisoners of the new prison at Balsam Ghut to work and display their goods as part of a thoughtful prisoner reform programme.

Using two hardworking prison gangs, I made a good start by demolishing some of the newer, unsightly additions so as to get back closer to the original layout—in particular the little courtyard as I remembered it when I got my passport stamped there in 1965. At that time, the prison doubled as the BVI Police Headquarters,

Her Majesty’s Prison in Road Town may be mostly inactive, but its long-standing presence and history in the heart of BVI’s capital makes it far from forgotten. and even included the immigration and fire departments. Whilst I was working there one day a middle-aged gentleman poked his head around the gate and asked if he could look around. He had done time in cells number 4 and 10 some years before, and gave me a most interesting tour. I thought to myself, “Just the man we need as a guide later!” Unfortunately, this effort ground to a halt when the government changed hands. But The history of the prison remains encapsulated within its gated walls off Main Street.

The prison sits between the Anglican and Methodist churches, a strip historically

www.bvipy.com

NOVEMBER 2011

37

referred to as “redemption row,” with the prisoners’ sandwiched location referred to as the “in-between.”

In 1958, famed US Author George T. Eggleston sailed the Virgin Islands—eventually writing a book about his travels—and stopped in Road Harbour to visit the Rev Denham Mullings at the Methodist church. Eggleston stopped at the open doors of the police station (also the prison) and talked to a pleasant man in blue denim who was sweeping the courtyard. There was only one prisoner on the books at the time. He came to me and said, “I am de prisonah!”

A lot has happened there since it was built in 1774 but little has changed on most of the ground floor or since the infamous Arthur Hodge hanging in 1811 and Cell 9 open during a site visit.

Photo by Hugh Whistler.

since the last condemned man was hung in 1974. But my thoughts then, in 2003, were that many stories could be displayed to tell its history and of those who served in the various services it housed and perhaps even of BVI military history; besides helping the prison service

BVIPG0411-2

15/4/11

15:51

Page 1

When the boss has had a bright idea, everyone has to know about it.

help those that deserved help and to provide Road Town with additional display and lecture halls. PY

Business Insurance Full service business solutions from Colonial. We’re full of bright ideas!

Flexible office and business insurance cover Pensions run like clockwork! Reports updated day 27 each month, simple billing, no hidden costs or exit fees The best health cover at the best possible price Fast claims service! Fully tested business continuity plan

Low rates, low deductibles for home and motor cover too! Your insurance is supported by a company which has settled over $300 million in claims for 11 hurricanes since 2000.

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

38

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Colonial Group International is rated A(Excellent) by AM Best.

Get on board this summer.

Beef Island to St. Maarten as low as $99.

Romasco Place, Admin Drive, Road Town, Tortola, BVI VG1110 1.284.494.2347/8 and 1.284.340.2347 Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda, BVI VG1150 1.284.495.5580 and 1.284.340.5580 travelplan@romascobvi.com

Booking Agent

Book online

www.bvipy.com

NOVEMBER 2011

39

Exceptional Island Properties

MAGNIFICENT HISTORIC WATERFRONT ESTATE TORTOLA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Located on west end of Smuggler’s Cove, one of the most beautiful beaches in the BVI t spectacular ocean, island and sunset views t total privacy t direct access to the beach t private jetty t designed for indoor/outdoor tropical living t 5 bedrooms all ocean facing t separate guest cottage t about 5.5 acres

GUIDE PRICE $6.5M

To view these & many other listings call (284) 495 3000 or visit www.coldwellbankerbvi.com. tel. (284) 340 3000

info@coldwellbankerbvi.com

www.coldwellbankerbvi.com

For A Less Taxing Life, Own a Home in The BVI.

R A M B U TA N RAKU N A I L B AY C R O O K B AY $3,500,000 $8,800,000 19 room custom beachfront 4 bedrooms with pool. Right home. No other BVI home on the beach. Indonesia meets finished to this standard. Caribbean in some style!

DOS SOLS VILLA L E V E R I C K B AY

MEDITERRANEAN VILLA C R O O K B AY

$2,200,000 $2,000,000 Walk to the beach from this fabulous Spacious 4 bed Villa, vaulted ceilings, 4 bedroom home with pool. Simply cool breezes, breathtaking stunning views of North Sound! views, moments from beach.

SEVEN PEAKS C A N E G A R D E N B AY $3,250,000 Sitting on a rare 4 acre water-

SEA’S SONG VILLA GOVERNOR’S POINT LO N G B AY MANSION HALL $2,950,000 $2,950,000 Historic Estate Home moments When you dreamt of a water-

front Lot, a 4 bedroom home

from beach & marina. Wonderful front home, it probably looked island views & breezes. like this. 3 bedrooms, 2 beaches.

with landing area. Very private.

FORT BIG PA L E S T I N A $1,550,000

T H E R E E F S AT C A N N O N P O I N T E S TAT E B A L L A S T B AY C A N E G A R D E N B AY $1,550,000 $1,600,000 4 bed hillside family home. 2 acres on the water at Brand new architect’s home Jaw dropping ocean and island Cane Garden Bay. Stunning marries contemporary luxury comfort. views over Nanny Cay Marina. views, lots of potential. with Caribbean

VILLA TOO HARBOUR HOUSE SEASCAPE S PA N I S H T O W N L E V E R I C K B AY L E V E R I C K B AY $1,200,000 $1,400,000 $1,300,000 4 bedrooms with extra 1 bed 2 bed with large pool in lovely breezy 3 bed home with guest apt on apartment. Fantastic North Sound spot. Natural stone floors. Glorious lovely 2 acre Lot, perched on hill Views. Walk to marina and beach. views of North Sound. New kitchen. above Spanish Town. Fantastic views.

MANANA L E V E R I C K B AY $995,000 3 bed with pool vacation villa, one Lot off the water. Walk

O L D E YA R D V I L L A G E VIRGIN GORDA $695,000 Fabulous 3 bed condo, finished & furnished to the highest of

to

standards. Pool, spa, restaurant, gardens

beach,

bar,

marina,

pool.

Wa t e r f r o n t H o m e s w i t h D o c k s

FOR SALE

JUST LISTED

Perhaps it’s the food. Maybe it’s

This immaculate 3 bed hillside home has

the ambience. Could be the staff or

been exceptionally well maintained & is

simply the convenient Main Street

‘move in’ ready. Set in almost an acre with-

location. Whatever it is, ‘The Dove’

in the gated Towers Estate, this exceptional

is one of, if not the most successful

property provides complete privacy & the

and popular restaurant in the BVI.

most spectacular views the BVI has to offer.

$700,000

STROHAUS $1,495,000

INDIGO LANDING $5,200,000 Waterfront Frenchmans Cay, dock & mooring, luxurious & secluded. Exquisitely finished.

D I A M O N D E S TAT E $6,000,000 Unique 10 acre estate. Full of charm and character. Over 1000’ of oceanfront. 120’ dock.

N A N N Y C AY M A R I N A FROM $850K Brand new 2 & 3 bed waterfront homes with docks within Tortola’s premier marina.

Visit our offices at Nanny Cay Marina (Tortola) or Spanish Town (Virgin Gorda)

Real Estate miths Gore opened its office in the British Virgin Islands in 1965.

The firm was established in the UK in 1845 and currently operates from 26 offices. While the Caribbean practice is based in the BVI, there has been a tendency to specialize in the sale, management and valuation of properties throughout the region.

British Virgin Islands Britannic Hall, P.O. Box 135, Road Town, Tortola T 1(284) 494 2446 E renata@smithsgore.com

Inside Out

Designing from the

By Dan O'Connor and Traci O'Dea Interior Design is typically interpreted based on the end

United Kingdom 17-18 Old Bond Street, London W1S 4PT T +44 (0) 207 290 1616 E michelle.persaud@sgcommercial.co.uk

aesthetic result; however, the technical process and contrast of decoration versus design are often misunderstood. Debi Carson explains design as a multi-faceted process, a culmination of ideas, experience, resources and goals. "Interior design is the coordination and development of the interior spaces of the building’s shell provided by the architect" combined with the study of the person who will be occupying the space and how

“Tis not too late to seek another world” –Tennyson

to establish and reach the project goals with regard to function, safety and aesthetics.

Debi has worked hand-in-hand with architects, clients and suppliers

www.smithsgore.com

in the Caribbean for more than ten years. Her introduction to the BVI was as senior interior designer for OBM International, an architectural firm with a strong and respected foothold in the Caribbean. She still works directly with her former colleagues and other industry professionals around the territory. She helped explain what that collaboration looks like and how multiple parties come together to develop a building from the inside out. In design, she explained, there are many different types of client spaces, for example: residential, commercial, hospitality, retail and health-care. Each has its own nuances of design to be explored and understood.

If she’s designing for a family or a homeowner, that end product would look very different from a high-traffic, high-end hotel or resort.

She spoke fondly of a recent project she did for Peter Island Resort & Spa, a task that called upon her expertise to renovate 30 ocean-view

42

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Opposite: Debi Carson cracks a smile in Arawak's showroom.

Photo by Dan O'Connor.

and 20 beachfront units at the high-end resort.

Arawak allows Debi to relay an idea that

For this job, she was faced with the challenges

in turn goes to a manufacturer who can

that come from working in a tropical climate

customize to her preference. With the Peter

with an occupant that might “keep the doors

Island project, she asked Arawak’s Roy

and windows open to maximize the experience

Keegan to provide her wood furnishings that

of our tropical surroundings [during the day]

would be able to withstand climate change

then have more climate control with air

and also products that could help utilize the

conditioning for sleeping.”

space allotted in each room. With the works

“That’s one of the bigger challenges in the

at Peter Island, Debi had an understanding of

Caribbean—designing for climate control and

the function for the spaces, and the clientele

an indoor-outdoor lifestyle,” she said, adding

that would be occupying the rooms, as

that finding the perfect material to weather

well as maintenance challenges the resort

the climate becomes another challenging task.

faces. "In a hospitality project, there are quite

For furnishings in the Virgin Islands, she said

a few clients to please. You have to meet

she often works with Arawak Interiors. “With

expectations of your end user as the guest,

Arawak, I can look at the requirements and

you have to also consider the environment,

have flexibility to design to suit those needs

natural resources, management, budget and

with custom furnishings," she said, adding

maintenance procedures." The project solutions

“Working with Arawak from design concept

had to offer ease of use and durability for a

to fabrication and installation—it's a great

hospitality space. “All the new pieces were

relationship as Roy and his team understand our

designed with a simple line overall, carved

lifestyle and environmental challenges in the

details were implemented in a sophisticated

BVI firsthand."

pattern to coordinate with existing furnishings

YOUR PRIVATE YACHT FOR THE DAY! WITH SKIPPER OR FULL CREW BVI VISITORS

I

FAMILY REUNIONS

I

SPECIAL OCCASION

I

CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT

Get out on the water and live the real BVI with a Moorings Day Sail! Choose a beautiful Moorings catamaran with skipper to sail you to the anchorages of your choice, or choose a fully crewed yacht with skipper & chef serving a 3 course lunch. Sail, swim, snorkel and enjoy beach bars and restaurants. Perfect for Tortola visitors, or residents wanting an escape for the day!

Call: (284)494.2331 MooringsHalfPg BVIPY.indd 1

Email: GoSailing@moorings.com

The Best Sailing Vacations In The World! www.bvipy.com

43

NOVEMBER9/23/11 2011 3:16 PM

and fabricated of kiln-dried teak for durability. To

components for an artistic screen. Arawak custom

replace broken highly corroded fold-out sofas; we

built teak bedroom furnishings to meet the

chose the trundle. We desired few mechanical

dimensions of the space, the function and storage

parts and implemented a glide system on casters,

needs for the client, and submitted stain samples for

providing little to corrode in our climate,” she said.

approval. “For the lounge areas, we selected

In a residential project, the client or end user is very

durable woven pieces constructed of man-made

much involved directly. Debi spoke of a project

fibers and fabrics resistant to UV rays and the

Roy's team worked with her to provide furnishings for

occasional spill of your favorite cocktail,” she said.

bedrooms, lounge spaces, outdoor areas and even

In addition to the practicalities of furnishings, Arawak also supplies designers with jaw-dropping

“That’s one of the bigger challenges in the Caribbean— designing for climate control and an indooroutdoor lifestyle,”

44

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

accent pieces. “When we needed something unique to create a focal point in a living space, I turned to Roy to source some amazing roots that have wonderful texture and dimension,” Debi said.

“They were each about 10' long installed vertically and backlit to create a dramatic effect.” Though technical and precise as an interior designer, Debi’s artistic leanings still came through to create a stunning (and practical) living space. PY

+1.284.494.5240 Road Reef Plaza, Road Town, Tortola

Provisioning

Learning to

Fry Like a Bajan

By Susie Younkle

Fish fry photos by Kari Thostenson.

One of my first Caribbean vacations was a week

in Barbados, we ventured across the island via bus to

in Barbados with my husband Matt. The Mount

the famous Friday fish fry at Oistins, where locals and

Gay rum distillery was a big draw, along with

visitors alike gather for excellent fresh fish. We were

the island’s reputation for fresh fish and terrific

pleased to discover that Bajans love their fish frys

hospitality. We certainly found all in abundance.

as much as we do. We were even more delighted

I love fish and planned to eat plenty of it during

to find that Bajan fish frys aren’t limited to Fridays.

my Barbados holiday. By the end of the week,

Each day in the late afternoon, no matter where we

my tally was 11 different types of fish, much of

were on the island, we started smelling what I simply

it local. I experienced my one and only taste of

called the “fried curry” smell of Barbados. The scent

barracuda (delicious, but risky due to the potential

would inevitably lead us to a terrific meal of fried

for ciguatera) and sampled wahoo for the first time.

flying fish.

What most captivated my taste buds was the Bajan

I was determined to import Bajan-style fish frys

preparation for flying fish: deep fried with a mouth-

to my friends and family in the US, but first I had to

watering curry-scented breading.

ascertain the types and amounts of spices for the

Matt and I grew up in Wisconsin, known for fresh

fish. In the main city of Bridgetown, I searched shops

water fishing and brewing beer. So it’s no surprise

for a cookbook—always a favourite souvenir of

that Friday fish frys with beer battered fish are a long-

mine—to find a recipe. Unfortunately, none looked

standing part of our Wisconsin culture. Upon arrival

quite right. My inquiries at restaurants weren’t www.bvipy.com

NOVEMBER 2011

45

particularly helpful either, as advice usually involved “a little bit of this” and “a pinch of that” or contained something as elusive as the cook’s mother’s secret spice blend.

After some trial and error—mainly by Matt, who took on this project as a culinary challenge—we came up with a recipe that mimics the fish served in Barbados. Flying fish are the classic fish for a Bajanstyle fish fry, but they can be difficult to find. (Check Sailor’s Ketch at Tortola’s East End, which sometimes stocks frozen Caribbean flying fish). Fortunately, this easy recipe can be used with any firm white fish. Wahoo is my top choice, although mahi mahi and grouper are also excellent.

A deep fryer helps maintain a consistent oil temperature and keeps frying safer in your kitchen. If you don’t have a fryer, carefully fry the fish in a large, deep pan on the stove, ideally using a thermometer. Serve the fish with a mustard-based hot sauce (look for sauce with a yellow colour), such as Pusser’s.

Do as Bajans do and pair your fish fry with a cool Mount Gay rum drink. Enjoy this fish fry any day of the week, not just Friday.

Bajan-Style Fried Fish Fingers

Adding the same seasonings to both the egg mixture and the breadcrumb mixture ensures very flavourful fish.

2 lbs wahoo or mahi mahi fillets, skinned and cut into 1” wide strips

In a medium bowl, beat egg well with a whisk. Add milk

Canola oil, for frying

and spices and stir. Add fish and stir to coat. While the fish is soaking in the egg mixture, combine breadcrumbs and

Egg Mixture:

remaining seasonings in a zip-top plastic bag. Remove

1 egg

fish from egg mixture and add fish to breadcrumb mixture.

1/2 c milk

Shake the bag well to coat the fish.

2 tsp seasoned salt 1 tsp each: granulated garlic, cumin and curry powder Breadcrumb Mixture: 1 c plain breadcrumbs

immediately. Serves four. PY

2 tsp seasoned salt 1 tsp each: granulated garlic, cumin and curry powder

46

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Fry fish in batches in canola oil, at about 350°F, until fish is golden brown. Drain on paper towel, then serve

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Property & Yacht Directory Use the legend to reference the businesses listed.

Legend: Regions

BB EE FB NC PA

Brandywine Bay East End Fish Bay Nanny Cay Pasea

PI PP PR RR RT

Peter Island Port Purcell Prospect Reef Road Reef Road Town

ACTIVITIES

SB SH TB VG WE

Sea Cows Bay Soper's Hole Trellis Bay Virgin Gorda West End

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Dolphin Discovery (PR) – (284)494.7675

ALTERNATIVE & BACKUP POWER

Alternative Energy Systems (PP) – (284)494.1478 Caribbean Technology (RT) - (284)494.2762

ARCHITECTS

Coldwell Banker Real Estate (NC)– (284)495.3000 Dougall & Associates (RT) – (284)495.3003 Smart Home BVI (PA)- (284)542.7000 Smiths Gore (RT) - (284)494-2446 Sotheby’s International Realty (RT) – (284)494.5700 Trude Real Estate (RT) – (284)494.2500

shipping

OBM International (RR) – (284)494.2148

Tamarind Consolidated - (954)763.2234 Tortola Express (RR) - (284)494.0707

Electronics

Cay Electronics (RT) – (284)494.2400

Sunsail (RT) -(888)416.8420 The Moorings (RT) -(888)416.8420 TMM (RR) - (800)633.0155

Marine

BVI Marine Business for Sale Marine Services and Yacht Management Company, Profile includes all equipment, tools and miscellaneous. Tortola BVI. Interested parties call (284)343-8479 after 6pm

Travel

FURNITURE

BVI Airways (RT) – (284)494.3247

Arawak Interiors (RR) – (284)494.5240 Poolworks (PP)– (284)494.0989

Yacht Charters & BrokeRs

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Clarence Thomas LTD. (RT) – (284)494.2359 Drakes Traders LTD. (FB) – (284)494.3282 Think Simple (RT) - (284)494.2801

INSURANCE

Colonial Insurance (RT) – (284)494.8450 Nagico Insurance (RT) – (284)494.6433/4

BVI Charter Yacht Sales (RT) (284)494.4868 est. 1986 | Fleet size: 46 | Sells Boats: Yes | Charters Boats: Yes | Brand(s): Beneteau, Jeanneau, Lagoon, Leopard, Norseman, Island Spirit, Athena, Hunter | Year Make: 1996-2004 | Type(s): Sailboat Cats and Monohulls | www.charteryachtsales.com

INVESTING

VP Bank (RT) – (284)494.1100

BVI Charter Yacht Society (RT) - (284)494.6017

LAW FIRMS

Harneys (RT) – (284)494.2233 O'Neal Webster (RT) - (284)494-5808

Representing the finest selection of luxury crewed charter yachts in the BVI | bvicrewedyachts.com

Marine & Yacht Clubs

Nanny Cay Marina & Hotel (NC) - (284)494.2512 Royal BVI Yacht Club (RR) - (284)494.3286 YCCS Marina (VG) - (284)346.2000

PHOTOGRAPHERS

est. 1974 | Fleet size: 45 | Sells Boats: Yes | Charters Boats: Yes | Brand(s): Beneteau, Lagoon, Leopard, Fountaine Pajot, Seawind | Year Make: 2000 - 2009 | Type(s): Sailboat Monohulls and Catamarans | bviyachtcharters. com | www.bviyachtcharters.com

Yacht Shots BVI (NC) – (284)495.7550

PROPERITES

Baraka Point (VG) – (800)969.9713 Oil Nut Bay (VG) – (284)495.5400 Sol Y Sombra (VG) - (284)494.2446

Provisioning

Want to see your property listed?

Riteway Food Markets (RT) – (284)494.2263

48

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

BVI Yacht Charters (RT) - (284)495.4289

Conch Charters (RR) - (284)494.4868 Pro Valor (EE) - (866)776.8256 Racing in Paradise (NC) - (284)494.6781 Southern Trades (RT) -(284)494.8003

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

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.

Property Listings A

B

1

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

M

N

O

P

Q

Legend: Regions

2

R

S

T

The Settlement

Anegada

Tortola

3

Virgin Gorda Jost Van Dyke

4

Northern Islands

5

Prickly Pear Island Moskito Island

Southern Islands Anegada

6 7

Jost Van Dyke

8

Little Jost

Virgin Gorda

Marina Cay Spanish Town

Beef Island Road Town

Buck Island

The Valley

n

Fallen Jerusalem

Long Bay

10

Road Harbour Round Rock

Cooper Island

Nanny Cay

Great Thatch

Ginger Island

Frenchman’s Cay

Dead Chest

12

Carval Rock

Salt Island

13 14

Scrub Island

Cane Garden Bay

Sandy Cay

Little Tobago

11

Oil Nut Bay

Great Camanoe

Little Camanoe

Tortola

Green Cay

Great Tobago

Necker Island Eustatia Island

The Dogs Guana Island

9

L

Pelican Island

Peter Island

Flannigan Island

Norman Island

TORTOLA H9 Lovely Lot at Ballast Bay: Beautiful Ballast Bay Lot now available.

Glorious views of Cane Garden Bay and Jost Van Dyke. US$120,000 | (284) 495 3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com 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. US$750,000 | (284) 495 3000. | Contact chris@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! US$225k | (284) 495-3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com H8 Cane Garden Bay Cottages: Two delightful cottages set within landscaped palm fringed gardens, less than 50 yards from the beach. Set in under 2 acres, prime investment property. US$1.295k | (284) 495 3000 | chris@ coldwellbankerbvi.com | 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. US$750,000 | (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. US$2,495,000 | (284) 495 3000 chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com 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.

Delightful views of Cane Garden Bay from very private guest house. US$1.1m | (284) 495 3000 www.coldwellbankerbvi.com | chris@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 G10 3 BEDROOM, 6 BATH CARIBBEAN STYLE HOME: Located on over 1.5 acres, this sprawling villa is ideal for indoor and outdoor living with three detached pavilions including kitchen, living room, library, master bedroom suite and two guest bedrooms. Spacious swimming pool terrace, covered dining area, charming porches, verandahs and courtyards. US$1,250,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com G10 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH CONDO: Set within Long bay Beach Resort and operated within the hotel rental pool, the apartment has one full kitchen and one kitchenette and affords beautiful ocean views. Direct access to the hotel amenities and within walking distance to the beach. US$299,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com K8 CHARMING PROPERTY AT GREENBANK: Overlooking Brewers Bay and built as semi detached pavilions around the swimming pool terrace, this beautifully designed villa features living room, gourmet kitchen, spacious covered porch with living and dining areas, game room, private master suite and two guest suites all with private patios and majestic views. Two bedroom one bath caretaker cottage with separate driveway. US$3,550,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com

www.bvipy.com

NOVEMBER 2011

49

J9 SPACIOUS 3 BEDROOM VILLA AT KINGSTON: Two separate buildings connected by a swimming pool terrace with split level living-dining area and large kitchen. Master bedroom suite and two guest suites. Prevailing breeze and expansive channel views only five minutes away from Road Town. US$1,099,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com K9 5 BEDROOM BEACHFRONT VILLA WITH PRIVATE DOCK: Beautifully positioned on historical Fort Hodge Point, with extensive water frontage including two sandy beaches and full serviced dock. The 5 bedroom residence with swimming pool terrace encompasses approx. 4,500 sf and captures spectacular views of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Spacious great room with covered dining porch. master bedroom suite and separate pavilion with three guest suites and game room. Self-contained lower studio apartment. US$5,900,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com Elysium: Elysium, a two Villa property set on almost 1 1/2 acres on the Northeast coast of Tortola. Each Villa enjoys ocean and beach views and is just a few minutes walk down the hill to Little Bay, a white sand beach off the tourist track.

US$1,485,000 | (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM J8 Hope Hill: Thirteen lots of gently sloping and breezy, undeveloped land at Hope Hill only 10-mins drive to Road Town. Close to Ridge Road with spectacular views overJosiah’s Bay to Guana Island, Great Camanoe and around to Virgin Gorda. Unpaved access and utilities to the entrance. US$90,000 ++ | (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM K9 Harbour View Marina: Located in the East End Harbour protected by Red Rock Reef. An expanding community and emerging as a commercial centre with all the amenities that facilitate growth: good access, close proximity to the airport, supermarkets, restaurants and bars combined with a natural harbour. 4 Bedroom Hotel. 0.4 acres. US$2,800,000 | (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM Gecko House: 2-bedroom, 2-bath house overlooking Hodge’s Creek Marina in a quiet neighborhood. 10 mins drive to airport and 15 mins to Road Town.

Magnificent view from lovely deck. US$497,000.00 | (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM Frenchman’s Lookout Estate: Luxurious Frenchman’s Lookout sits atop one of the highest points in Tortola’s West End, overlooking the exquisite beauty of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. The 360-degree, unobstructed views are breathtaking and expansive, yet this exclusive villa is completely secluded and private. Come feel the Caribbean’s gentle trade winds and experience the ultimate in island elegance. US$10,000,000 | (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM L8 THREE BEDROOM WATERFRONT HOUSE: Located at the southern end of Tortola with views of Beef Island and the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Close to beaches and amenities. US$795,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com G10 2 BEDROOM HOUSE AT BELMONT ESTATE: Overlooking Smuggler’s Cove and offering spectacular views of Jost Van Dyke. Main house with great room, kitchen and master bedroom suite. Separate guest cottage. 0.8 acres.

US$775,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com K8 3 BEDROOM HOUSE AT LITTLE DIX HILL: Located on 0.416 acres this 3 bedroom, 2½ bath villa encompasses approximately 1,800 sf and includes great room, TV room, kitchen, master bedroom suite and two guest bedrooms sharing a full bath.. Spacious swimming pool terrace. Beautiful landscaped grounds and private location. US$565,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com Casa Del Mar: Newly constructed 4 bedrooms exceptional family home located on Tortola’s north side. This home is situated in a very private community, near to Tortola’s great beaches, Cane Garden Bay to the west and Brewer’s Bay to the north. This beautiful home sits on 0.399 of an acre.

US$890,000 | contact monica@trudebvi.com | (284) 494-2500 | www.trudebvi.com Sea Cow’s Bay Land: Located near Oleander Estate in the hills above Sea Cow’s Bay, these 6 Lots have spectacular views; these lots are perfect to build your dream home. Lots are from .6 of an acre 1.0 acre, these lots are ready to build with water, electricity and cable available. US$85,000+ | contact dameon@trudebvi.com | (284)494-2500 | www.trudebvi.com.

H9 Cane Garden Bay: Hillside Land with stunning ocean views located in Cane Garden Bay; 0.596 of an acre; 1.472 acres & 2.00 acres, any of these lots could be yours today to start the home of your dreams.

Contact dameon@trudebvi.com | (284)494-2500 | www.trudebvi.com Private Lots for Sales 0.5 Acres: Located on the North Shore are two parcels of land, with stunning views, available to build your own dream home.

View at www.trudebvi.com | US $100,000+ | contact Monica (284) 494-2500

50

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Great Mountain Area: 4 Lots in a Private Estate for sale | prices start at US$67,000 | Contact dameonn@trudebvi.com | (284)494-2500 | www.trudebvi.com.

Cooten Bay Home for Sale: Owner Motivated – New on the market Beautifully designed and finely executed this 4 bedroom, 3 bath main house along with a 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment located off the Ridge Road, is a steal at this price. Purchase today and use the income from the rented apartment to pay your mortgage. Bring your clothes and move into this architectural beauty which features Brazilian cherry wood flooring, granite counter tops, modern fixtures and luxurious furnishings. US$975,000 | contact monica@trudebvi.com | (284) 494-2500 | www.trudebvi.com Looking for an Investment Opportunity? We have the deal of a lifetime for you; an apartment complex with 5 income generating apartments and there’s room to add others. At $675,000.00 this property will not be around for long; call us today to finalize your sale! dameonn@trudebvi.com | (284)494-2500 | www.trudebvi.com L8 1/2 acre Lot: available at Hawks Nest. Simply stunning views back to Virgin Gorda. Very buildable. US$145,000.00 | contact Chris (284)495 3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com J8 1 acre Lot: available at Trunk Bay. Breath taking beach and island views, all the way down the island chain to Necker Island! US$295,000.00 | contact Chris (284)495 3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com K7 ½ acre Lot: available at Little Bay. Walk to beautiful beach from this very buildable Lot. US$185,000.00 | contact Chris (284)495 3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com

VIRGIN GORDA P9 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. | US$550,00 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. US$3.5m | (284) 495-3000 chris@ coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com P8 THE VILLAS AT LITTLE DIX BAY: A 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 these 3-4 bedroom villas offer a magnificent setting, luxurious amenities and remarkable privacy. Rental pool option. From US$3,300,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com P9 HOME SITE AVAILABLE AT CROOKS BAY: Located a few minutes’ walk to the beach, on a quiet residential estate, this 1.4 acre site boasts spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and benefits from cool tropical breezes. Utilities to site.

US$500,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com P8 Sea Grape Condo: Magnificent ground floor 2bedroom, 2 bathroom condo fully furnished, A/C, full use of resort amenities, tennis courts, pool, gym.

The option is yours; live on property or rent the condo | US$395,000 contact Monica @ monica@trudebvi.com | (284) 494-2500 | www.trudebvi.com South Sound Virgin Gorda: Lots available for sale starting at US$200,000.

Own a piece of “paradise” today | contact Monica at monica@trudebvi.com | (284) 494-2500 | www.trudebvi.com

NORTHERN ISLANDS 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,.200,00 | (284) 495 3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.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.

US$6m | (284) 495 3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com

2010 Winner, “Best Vacation Experience.”

–Fodor’s Gold Choice Award

SOL Y SOMBRA Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

US$8 Million This spectacular beachfront villa boasts four beautifully decorated air-conditioned suites, each furnished with custom-made teak furniture. Outside amenities include an ocean-front infinity pool and lit tennis court, bound within lush tropical gardens. Inside, take advantage of a European-style kitchen, private movie theater, daily maid service and state-of-the-art gym. An in-villa cook is available upon request. www.solysombrabvi.com

Smiths Gore Limited : : British Virgin Islands

T 1(284) 494 2446 F 1(284) 494 2141 E bernadette@smithsgore.com

The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Virgin Gorda is partnered with Oil Nut Bay, a prestigious Victor International resort community and Biras Creek, a Relais and Chateaux Hotel.

52

www.biras.com 877.883.0756

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

www.oilnutbay.com 284.495.5400

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

www.yccsmarina.com 284.346.2000