VI Property & Yacht Guide - October 2012

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Virgin Islands

PR OPERTY&YACHT F E At U r E s 18

The Native Movement By scarlett steer

indigenous plants not only provide an authentic charm to local landscapes, they help preserve the environment.

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Controling Air Flow By steve Fox

An architect examines options to bring breezes from the ocean into comfortable living spaces.

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Art at the Crossroads

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By david Blacklock

Re ade rs ’ Choi ce Aw a rds the votes are in! see who takes the cake for best restaurant, steals the show for best musician, and who tops the list for best architect in the BVi.

one of our own travels to New York to view “Caribbean: Crossroads of the World”, an art exhibition that looks at the culture and history of our region.

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Village on the Rise

Fishing & Feasting in Anegada By susie Younkle

Cooking a catch from Anegada’s bountiful shores never tasted better.

By dan o’Connor

the traditional fishing community of Carrot Bay, on tortola’s northern coast, faces changing times.

40 Design on a Dime

By Fran Morrell and Kate Henderson

44 Smart Development By shannon Gore

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The Cresting Hour By dan o’Connor

Photographer don Hebert shares a collection of sunset and twilight photos from exlusive villa shoots.

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48 Property Listings

Editor's LEt tEr, october 2012

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Chief Editor Dan O’Connor

CEO Colin Rathbun Creative Director NIck Cunha Editor Emeritus Traci O’Dea Contributors David Blacklock Steve Fox Kate Henderson Shannon Gore Fran Morrell Scarlett Steer Susie Younkle Published by aLookingGlass Advertising Sales Owen Waters Stephen L. France

The phrase that resonates with table junkies in Vegas may not have much clout here, but it looks good in big, thick print. The names and places of this year’s Virgin Islands Property & Yacht Readers’ Choice Awards also look good in print. Names like Chris Smith from Coldwell Banker, who has worked hard during an economic downturn to earn the reputation among our readers as best real estate agent; or Amanda Baker, the shutterbug who has built a collection of photos, sold at her shop off Main Street, and has earned the admiration of the observing community. And there’s the places, like the Tamarind Club’s pool, from where I’ve made as many good memories as I’ve lost; or the most infamous and loved shack on Tortola—Bomba Shack—where things like minds are lost at least once a month. But the fact is, here in the Virgin Islands, everyone’s a winner and everywhere is a top-ten destination. Otherwise, why would we be here?

My favourite village in the VI is undoubtedly Carrot Bay, where I’ve yet to drive down its narrow main road without passing through a gauntlet of waves and smiles. For this issue, I revisited the traditional fishing village to examine a new proposal that would effectively change the lay of the land to accommodate a predicted surge of growth over the next 10 years. The plan also aims at providing the community with more methods to grow economically—both through historical tourism and through its agricultural product. I hope in 10 years I can revisit the community and smile as I feel the same warmth and old school value system that is alive today.

I also traveled to St Thomas to interview Don Hebert, one of the best villa photographers I know. I spoke with Don about the golden hour—when the sun nears its setting—and the period just after it sets. From this timeframe, he shared a mix of photos from his BVI villa collection that grab that last twinkle of light over the horizon and combine it with the ambiance of upscale villa living.

This issue also goes as far as New York, where our traveling scribe David Blacklock visited an exhibit that focuses on the rich history and robust culture that makes the Caribbean the tiny yet envied and influential destination it is today. New to VIPY, greenthumb author Scarlett Steer visited the topic of native plants and their importance in local gardening. She explained that homeowners too often opt for exotic flora, which can be detrimental to the local ecosystem.

We hope you enjoy this best of issue, which you helped to create. And for those of you who didn’t see your name in big bold letters this year, take pride in knowing that in the Virgin Islands,

everyone’s a winner… www.vipy.com 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 2012 by aLookingGlass Ltd. All pieces reproduced in this issue are under prior copyright by the creators or by the contractual arrangments with their clients. 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.

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

The publisher of Vi 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.

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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

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It has been a year since we first asked you to vote on the best in properties and yachts and everything that makes the Virgin Islands awesome. Some things have changed since then, and others have remained the same. This year’s poll extended to ten new categories, and heeded many similar choices as last year—but also new ones that just couldn’t be left out.

Best British Virgin Island goes to Virgin Gorda, for its boulders, celebrity homeowners, new megayacht marina, and friendly service, among many other things. It’s easy to see why everyone loves VG; we get over there every chance we can.

Best Neighbourhood to Live lands in the cozy beachside

Best Resort finds its way to Scrub Island, the private-island home to the newest Marriot Signature Series resort. Last year, Scrub won best resort pool, but hands over that title this year.

Best Architecture Firm goes to Roger Downing Partners in

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community of Cane Garden Bay. Even though the current and former editor have both lived in “the bay,” we weren’t the ones who named this hot spot as the best place to live.

Road Town. Last year, the community lost legendary architect Roger Downing, whose firm is responsible for a number of landmarks in the BVI.

P r o P e r t y P o l l r e s u lt s

Best Sunset goes to the Bananakeet Cafe, where sunset watchers can sip on cocktails, dine on Chef Spice’s creations, or even take a dip in ther pool while taking in the red-streaked skies over St Thomas to JVD. Best Real Estate Agency goes

to Property BVI, the Road Town-based firm that employs some of the hardest working agents in the territory. Our friend Chris Smith over at Coldwell Banker received the most personal votes for his efforts out of his Nanny Cay and Virgin Gorda offices.

Best Spa cozies up with the seclusion and serenity at Peter Island Resort & Spa, where pampering and paradise are synonymous.

Best Landscaping Company

finds its roots firmly planted at Minines Plants and Landscaping, where their array of services, selection and quality of work have allowed them to blossom in the BVI.

Best Museum, for the second year in a row, goes to the Old Government House, which has recently doubled as a venue for this company’s launch party for the Taste cookbook. But we didn’t let our bias come between your votes—honest.

Best Pool makes its splash at the Tamarind Club in Josiahs Bay, a personal favourite among aLookingGlass employees, who have spent countless wet and wild Sunday’s imbibing in the inviting pool.

Best Historic Ruin finds residents and visitors with a preference for the Copper Mine on Virgin Gorda. It’s not a bad place to catch an epic view, either.

Best Eyesore found its way to the north shore of Tortola where the Bomba Shack stands as a reminder that uncensored fun is still alive and well for the debauchery-seeking revelers that come to our shores from miles away.

All photos by Dan O’Connor or provided by respective winners.

Best Villa Rental revisits Golden Pavilion on Tortola’s East Side. The bright yellow cliffside abode stands out as a gem of the island. Readers also voted numerous times for 100 Pond Bay, Baraka Point and Guavaberry on Virgin Gorda.

Best Government Project probably heeded the most hilarious responses, but topped out at the renovations to the Crafts Alive Village in Road Town. Also in the running were the cruiseship pier and airport extension, and one reader simply likes “roads.” www.bvipy.com

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Yacht Polls yA C H T I N G P O L L R E S u LT S

Best Marina once again docks in at Nanny Cay, the all-inclusive marina Best Place to Skinny Dip —my personal favourite, as well— that beat out Leverick Bay, Scurb Island, the new YCCS megayacht marina, and others to take home this coveted title.

goes to Rouge’s Bay (Lava Flow). What happens at this secluded and often empty Tortola beach stays there. Sometimes so do bikini tops and swim trunks.

Best Regatta once again goes to BVI Spring Regatta, the most attended regatta in the territory that brings crowds from all over the world to compete and watch the battles on the packed waterways.

Best Sailing School goes to the back-to-back winner Rob Swain, who runs his operation out of Nanny Cay.

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Best Beach in the BVI is Smugglers Cove, according to readers who prefer the beach that has recently vacated its vendors from its shores. Perhaps the newfound privacy provoked some to vote for Smugs.

Best Place to Snorkel in the BVI

Best Daysail goes to Mystique of the

Best One-Day Regatta goes to Foxy’s

Voyage Charters fleet, the catamaran that never fails to host a great time on the BVI’s azure waters.

Wooden Boat Regatta, where their motto is “A real regatta means old boats, like they used to make ‘em.”

Best Provisioning returns to RiteWay, where readers overwhelming choose to shop for their boat- and villa-stocking necessities.

is perceived by most to be at the Caves by the Indians off Norman Island. Decisions, decisions.

Best Sailor again goes to Alec Anderson, the All-American collegiate

Best Watersports Instructor sails in with Alison Knights

BVI sailor. In this close race, renowned local sailors Presley King, Colin Rathbun, Robin Tattersal and Sam Morrell all pulled in their fair share of votes.

Bramble, who heads the BVI Watersports Centre in Manuel Reef on Tortola. The recent author of the children’s novel Eye of the Storm also leads the Special Olympics BVI sailing team.

Best Dive Shop

Best Charter Company goes to Horizon, the Nanny Cay Marina-

repeated honours with Blue Water Divers, which finished a fin ahead of its competition.

based company whose fleet includes the famed Bavaria series.

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T H E LO T P O L L R E S u LT S All winners will receive, other than bragging rights, a certificate boasting the fact that they were YOUR choice as the BVI’s best. Additionally, the voter who won our drawing will receive a gift certificate to our “Best Restaurant” winner, The Dove.

Best Place to Get Fresh Threads hangs in at UMI Fashions, where original style is delivered in a territory where selection and variety aren’t always its best attributes.

Best Musician goes to the multi-talented artist and Cane Garden Bay

Best Artist goes to Aragorn Dick-Reed, the Trellis Bay artist whose

Best Shack Bar—in the BVI and debatably worldwide—goes to the Bomba Shack. Despite its reputation as an eye sore often preceeds the infamous surfside bar made from salvaged wood and decorated with colourful panties and busty bras.

variety of clay and oil-based paintings have found favour among more readers than even other notables like Lutai Durante, Ruben Vanterpool and Joseph Hodge.

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resident Quito Rhymer, whose song “Reggae Express” recently went online as the songwriter’s first music video.

Best Restaurant goes to the elegant Road Town mainstay The Dove Resaurant, which only continues to gain in popularity and press—including a spread in American Way magazine this year.

Best Bartender goes to Sean Anderson, The Dove mixologist who is responsible for the extensive drink menu at the high-end restaurant. He’s also been responsible for more than a few of our hangovers here at the office.

Best Cocktail again goes to the Painkiller, the locally concocted fruit drink that combines a blend of sweet fruit juices and rum to deliver relief to the common case of boredom.

Best Full Moon Party repeats itself at Trellis Bay, where Mocko

Best Photographer in the BVI is Amanda Baker, according

Best Late-Night Haunt goes to Le Grande Café, the Road Town bar and restaurant often referred to Le Cabanon by patron’s who have been partying late hours at the establishment before it changed names about two years ago.

to readers who had to make the tough decision over other professionals like Paul Hubbard, Jim Scheiner, Todd VanSickle and Dougal Thornton.

Jumbies, fungi music and burning balls define this popular Beef island party.

Bomba Shack again took a close second to Trellis.

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OCTOBER 2012

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Villageon

Rise

the

Roadside bars and restaurants and fisherman weighing stations help to define Carrot Bay.

Story and phots byDan O’Connor

CArrOt BAy COnSiDErS PlAnS fOr GrOwth

n the late afternoon, as the sun sets in the distance over St John, dinghies and small fishing boats make their way into the neighbourhood landing. Fishermen young and old line up to weigh their day’s catch, as passersby bid for their evening dinner. The mood is joyful and emits a sense of appreciation for all of life’s simple pleasures and rewards. This is Carrot Bay, and the scene today carries a striking resemblance to the bustling village town as it is remembered by its elders.

Today, however, the topic of change is hot in the air.

The question of whether the traditional village can maintain its old school charm while facing a predicted population growth and increased foot traffic has the community and its leaders considering plans to bring widespread change to its infrastructure and design. Since 2010, developers and community members have been meeting to discuss proposed plans that could bring a dock to local fishermen, a multi-purpose centre containing a combined fish

and agricultural market, a local heritage centre and an off-shoot of the Maritime Museum from the H Lavity Stoutt Community College. Plans to widen the narrow roads are also on the books, and could include further reclamation of land off Carrot Bay’s coastline.

Carrot bay Community Development Plan 2010-2020, which was made public to the community for one month, currently sits at the office of Town and Country Planning before it is expected to reach legislators for final approval. www.bvipy.com

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Longtime resident Leroy Donovan mulls over the development proposal.

Along with a goal to meet sustainability with growth, the plan also points to “pressures” for immediate improvement, including: • • • • •

Pressure for subdivision and development approvals on unstable, environmentally-sensitive land Severe erosion of hillsides and ghuts which badly affects the village Prolonged damage by ground seas to existing coast protection and the seawall Inappropriate development in potentially difficult locations Lack of any formal guidance on future development opportunities

Louis Potter and Associates were officially asked to undertake the work, in conjunction with Town and Country Planning, and jointly embarked on the project’s planning in July 2010. According to Development Planning Statistics, Carrot Bay currently has about 252 “dwellings” and 25 other buildings, and a population of roughly 700. The development committee suggests that that number could increase exponentially over the next 10 years, increasing the human

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footprint on the community to an alarming rate under its current infrastructural parameters.

The plan suggests a range of proposals, including one that would reclaim a wide area of land across the village’s 480-foot coastline; a “coastal defense” plan that would reposition the coastline and seawall; an agricultural regeneration plan to reestablish that industry in the village; a village conservation plan; and also one that would promote ecotourism in the traditional village. As the proposal currently sits with Town and Country Planning, it’s unclear what the future holds for Carrot Bay. However, Frank Mahoney, president of the Carrot Bay Community Council, said he remains optimistic about plans for the village’s future.

“What we’re doing is taking a responsible approach to how we develop in the long term, especially with how we build and precautions we need to take,” he said about sprawl that could move further up into the hillside. “We didn’t just look at today, but we’re looking at what Carrot Bay will look like in five years, fifteen years, fifty years from now and what changes we’ll face.”

The Carrot Bay resident spoke of “positive impact” plans will be aimed at growth that promotes the community’s history and heritage.

When other community members were asked about the proposal, some shared Mr Mahoney’s enthusiasm, while others questioned its feasibility. Leroy Donovan, a 75-year resident of the community, hadn’t had a chance to mull over the proposal, but agreed that some changes need to be made for the betterment of the community.

“I want to see them widen that waterfront, especially where there’s shallow water and [the reefs] are all dead,” he said, stressing the importance of widening the roads. The longtime resident shared a similar view as others who were asked about the community’s growth, reiterating that growth should be embraced but approached cautiously. “Quiet is good, but we need those tourists around,” he said as we sat next to a roadside table where his neighbours sold an assortment of local fruits. “In Carrot Bay, we have our unity in our old strength—and we should live and grow that way.” PY

The Native Movement Story and photos by Scarlett Steer

We hear it all the time: our natural habitat is disappearing. In the mad dash to claim and maim the world, the environment got the rough end of the pineapple and is in serious decline. We hear it, we feel sad, we mutter about the state of the world, and then we change the channel to something a little less depressing. Because, hey, we are only individuals and can’t change anything, right?

Not necessarily. A possible answer lies closer to home, in more ways than one.

Native plants. But what exactly are they? And why should a Broadleaf Mahogany rank higher on a resident’s planting list than, say, an Elephant Hedge Bean Tree? In a nutshell: a native plant is one that occurs naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, or habitat without direct or indirect human intervention. And why does support for their inclusion in our gardens continue to grow? Let’s briefly break this down.

Resource Conservation When Harry Met Sally fans will know that there are two types of people in the world: high maintenance and low maintenance. The same is true for vegetation. Lawns and manicured shrubbery can be likened to the Kardashians of backyards. Here’s a scary statistic for you: according to the US National Wildlife Federation, 60% of water consumed on the West Coast of the United States, and 30% on the East Coast, goes to watering lawns. And a lawn without sufficient water is not a happy occasion. Think Kim in KMart denim and Crocs, minus make-up. However, native plants are more along the lines of, let’s say, Sheryl Crow—harmonious yet hardy—and well acclimated to their environments. In other words, they can take care of themselves. This built-in resilience makes native plants and trees far less susceptible to pests and diseases, meaning that pesticides can be recapped and retired, and fertilizers used sparingly.

And what about our water? Conserve it, preserve it—we know what we need to do. And drought-resistant native plants are here to help. Once established, they require minimal watering, if any at all. So when it’s as hot and dry as an Anegada summer, you can rest assured that your native garden will endure without you having to empty your cistern or your savings.

The flip side of the drought coin is flooding. The good news is that “born here” vegetation is more likely to be tolerant to alternate flooding and drying cycles. Indigenous plants and trees also often

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have deep root systems which are good for erosion control, as well as absorbing runoff and allowing the water to filter back into the local water table.

All Creatures Great and Small Another major plus to native plants is the fact that they attract other kinds of natives – songbirds, butterflies, frogs (the non-Cuban kind) and a myriad of insects. Whoa, I hear you saying. INSECTS?!

I can do without them. Dr Doug Tallamy, professor and chair of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, and a widely known and respected advocate for the native plant, explains in his book, Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens, that while our animosity towards

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a number of Lignum Vitae trees were used in the 2004 beautification project at the Terrance B. Lettsome airport

“Think globally, act locally” insects is understandable, it is seriously misplaced. “Of the nine million or so insect species on earth,” the professor writes, “a mere one percent interacts with humans in negative ways. The other 99% of the insect species pollinate plants, return the nutrients tied up in dead plants and animals to the soil, keep populations of insect herbivores in check, aerate and enrich the soil, and provide food either directly or indirectly for most other animals.”

The simple fact is that we those little guys. And according to specialists, approximately 90% of insects depend on native plants for food.

This is all very well, you might be thinking, for the likes of John D Rockefeller, but I only own and eighth of an acre. In Bringing Nature Home, Professor Tallamy encourages us to think collectively. “Your small plot is connected to other plots, which are connected to others and others and others…planting the back and side borders of your lot will provide more habitat than you might think, especially if you can get your neighbor to do the same. If your plantings are 15 feet wide, and your neighbor’s border plantings are also 15 feet wide, together you have created a 30-foot swath of habitat for the length of your yard, as well as a privacy screen that can enhance the value of your property.”

The wide world of native plants and trees is deserving of more than a few hundred words, and we’ve but grazed the surface here. Thus far though, the evidence is compelling. Indigenous plants offer numerous advantages and help to create a self-sustaining, low-maintenance habitat over time. Maybe it doesn’t matter if we are just one person.

And maybe we don’t have to change that channel. Perhaps all we need to do is look as far as our backyards and realize that effecting change involves little more than the choices we make. “Like it or not,” Professor Tallamy concludes in Bringing Nature Home, “gardeners have become important players in the management of our nation’s wildlife. It is now within the power of individual gardeners to do something that we all dream of doing: to make a difference.” PY

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Residential & Commercial Sales . Property Management . Long & Short term Rentals For additional information on properties for sale VI PROPERTY & YACHT Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.or rent email or visit us online at www.trudebvi.com

THE CRESTING HOuR Story by Dan O’Connor Photos by Don Hebert

D

on Hebert has been shooting properties and landscapes in the Virgin Islands for 32 years—and has loved every minute of it. The bright pastels, azure waters, clandestine sunsets and tropical flora have made the VI an ideal place for a photographer from Michigan. Don first moved to St Thomas in 1980 and taught as a high school teacher for five years before trading in the chalk and textbooks for a full-time job as a photographer. Although he never personally took a class on the subject, the former teacher said his hereditary roots are grounded in the arts. Today, the established photographer has a portfolio that includes over 1,000 villa shoots and countless side projects. In this collection, Don’s work focuses on that special hour when the sun crests and slowly slips below the horizon. It’s not a bad gig from the verandahs of some of the BVI’s finest homes.

TWILIGHT TWINKLE Don captured this photo poolside at 100 Pond Bay in Virgin Gorda. The luxury villa boasts one of the most magnificent views of VG’s north coastline, overlooking Savanah Bay. The linear composition from the property, and the soft, overexposed lights from the pool and the skyline help this photo to bring the view to the property. Don explained that capturing the two starkly different exposures can prove challenging in such shots.

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Dreamscape (left) This photo was taken at Symbio, a villa previously owned by actor Morgan Freeman.

The Virgin Gorda property peeks out to Tortola, from where the sun sunk to create an amazing sunset. This photo was captured shortly after the sun dropped, with very little natural light available. Don used two strobes to bring in the foreground and allow for an otherworldly mood.

The FaDing hour (right) This shot was taken at Oil Nut Bay in June, shortly after the completion of this residential development and beach club. Oil Nut sits on a private peninsula on the eastern tip of Virgin Gorda, from where it invites enchanting views like this one over its majestic blue pool, flanked by a variety of palms and festive flora.

Don used the bright red hues from plant to contrast with the bold blues of the pool and soft, post-sunset views in the distance.

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ROMANCE IN THE AIR These photos were both taken at Tingalayo Villa, on Tortola’s north side near Little Apple Bay. The warm colours emitted from the setting sun helped to set the mood for these warm photos—both of which take in the dramatic skyline. For the panorama shot, Don stitched together seven separate photos to extend the views over the spacious pool from St John to Jost Van Dyke.

Don works from his studio in Magen’s Bay, St Thomas, but travels frequently around the BVI to photograph our lush landscapes and private villas.

He shoots with a Canon 1D, which is usually sporting a 16-35mm lens. Of photography, Don says he most enjoys the lifestyle that it affords him. “It opens up a lot of doors, and gets me traveling to places and meeting people I normally wouldn’t,” he said, recounting a recent experience he had photographing Sir Richard Branson and Kate Winslett shortly after the Necker greathouse was struck by lightning. More of Don’s work can be viewed at his personal website, www.donhebert.com.

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The Estate at Spring Bay www.theestateatspringbay.com

Secreted away at the edge of a private cove, The Estate at Spring Bay is as astonishing in its size and scope as it is in its extraordinary finishes and attention to creative detail.

The Great House acts as the centerpiece for an amazing smorgasbord of terraces, bedrooms, pools, shaded pavilions, chef’s kitchen, billiard room, wine cellar, theatre, office, gym, pier, de-sal plant, generator and numerous outbuildings. Three other complete residences dot the property. All these are wrapped by a sweeping driveway, paved in native stone and brick and lined with indigenous flora. 20 acres of land leaves plenty of room for thoughtful expansion on the gently-sloped terrain.

If dreams of a private oasis fill your thoughts, this one-of-a-kind creation will excite even the most fanciful dreamer!

For further details and price on request contact: Rosie Nichols | T(340)642-8981 | E rosienichols@gmail.com www.bvipy.com

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Controlling air Flow

By steve Fox, Managing director oBMi BVi

One of the first questions we ask a new client when embarking on the design process is, “Do you want to use air conditioning in your new home?” For some, there’s no debate—the house will be a sealed box and the temperature must be controlled at all times. However, more typically, the answer is not so straightforward, and it’s necessary to spend some time considering the pros and cons before coming to any conclusions.

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Take a quick look at any of the glossy magazines which specialize in Caribbean living—this magazine included—and it’s clear that there’s a generally a commonly held notion of an ideal kind of island lifestyle: open to the light, breezes and views, tall lofty great rooms with exposed wood ceilings, an easy flow from inside spaces to outside areas, blurred boundaries between inside and outside, with decks and verandahs as important external living spaces. This kind of outdoor living is not easy to achieve in Europe and North America, where houses need to be sealed, to protect from the cold. But here in the tropics, it’s not a romantic fantasy; a well-designed house can be left open throughout the day and night, and as a consequence it can feel very spacious, light, airy and relaxed.

So of course, the decision on whether or not to use air conditioning is critical. The introduction of air conditioning means that rooms have to be sealed to maintain a controlled environment.

Opening of doors and windows needs to be kept to a minimum. If there’s any air leakage, the equipment needs to work harder. It’s a whole other way of looking at Caribbean living; no more free-flowing inside-outside spaces. When designing properties for rental, we’re often informed that visitors—particularly visitors from the United www.bvipy.com

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States—expect to have air conditioning; it’s an absolute requirement which can put a completely different spin on a design approach, and can potentially (and ironically) kill off that ideal romantic lifestyle!

We’re not rigidly opposed to the use of AC in homes, but we’re conscious of the negative aspects. AC equipment is expensive to buy, install and maintain. And running costs are among the highest of all household appliances, right up there with electric ovens and dishwashers. Given the very high cost of electricity in the BVI, it makes sense to try to minimise usage—or eliminate it altogether. Some owners consider installing renewable solar or wind energy systems to generate their own power, but the power requirements of AC equipment are generally too high to be operated by the average renewable system; a typical photovoltaic array will generally only cover the more manageable household loads.

A well-designed, naturally ventilated house can provide as much, if not more, comfort than an air-conditioned one. Although air conditioning

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A well-designed, naturally ventilated house can provide as much, if not more, comfort than an air-conditioned one.

can allow a high degree of temperature and humidity control on the inside of the home, it creates a separation from the outside, and a large temperature differential; the difference between in and out becomes exaggerated and uncomfortable. So it makes sense to develop the design to negate the need for air conditioning. A naturally ventilated home which picks up breezes and is well shaded, with attention paid to good window and door placement, and materials which discourage heat buildup, should result in a cool, balanced environment where AC is not needed. Air flow and shading can be improved through the use of internal courtyards and planting.

With this kind of well thought-through and imaginative design, the connection to the outdoors and to the natural surroundings is celebrated, with fresh air, breezes, good light and views. The relationship to the site and the landscape is harmonious, the running costs are lower, the atmosphere is healthier, and damage to the environment is reduced. Part of our job as architects is to challenge assumptions, and the general reliance on air conditioning in hot climates is one of the important issues we like to question. PY

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3/8/2012 12:58:41 PM OCTOBER 2012

Is there a more evocative geographical region than the Caribbean? The name conjures up the scent of hibiscus, sparkling blue waters, blinding white sand and the distant lilt of a steel drum tinkling and clanging through the wind-shaken trees. To the holidaying visitor, it summons up leisure and indulgence—too much rum, dancing in the moonlight, dozing in a hammock.

Art

An Exhibition of Caribbean Art in new york

By David Blacklock

at the

From the viewpoint of many of its residents, it is an area of precarious livelihood, separated families, nostalgia for a distant home. This bifurcated view has long been the paradox of island life—a privileged class cared for by workers whose position is often tenuous and subject to the vagaries of unknown forces.

These paradoxes are the subject of a magnificent art exhibition being shown this summer and into early 2013 in New York City. Caribbean: Crossroads of the World is presented in three venues and remains open (in two of those venues) through January 2013, closing on October 21in the third. Spread among The Studio Museum in Harlem; the Queens Museum of Art; and El Museo del Barrio, the exhibition tells the story of the evolving consciousness of the residents of the various countries, changing power structures, the development of economies, the struggle for identity and the ever-present pulsing beauty of the region’s

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Left: Visitors peruse the gallery.

Right: an untitled portrait by Ebony Patterson. all photos courtesy of the Caribbean: Crossroads of the World exhibition.

Crossroads cultures and landscape—and the points where they all meld together.

When Columbus first landed on the shores of the Bahamas, one of the first things he noticed was the gold dangling from the native Arawaks’ ears.

This sighting ignited a pursuit for that noble metal that laid waste to great civilizations and brought suffering and misery to untold millions, from Hispaniola to the lands of Central and South America.

Howard Zinn, in his People’s History of the United States, quotes Columbus’ journals thus: “the Natives are so naïve and so free with their possessions that no one who has not witnessed them would believe it.”

Perfect candidates for enslavement. Thus was established the new reality of the Caribbean. Natives vanquished, Europeans ascendant in their newly seized fiefdoms, Africans dragged from their homeland and subjected to unimaginable cruelties to supply the labour—and increasingly the brain power—to operate and manage the vast estates that were established in Jamaica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Barbados and the hundreds of smaller islands scattered up and down the Antilles chain, as well as on the eastern coasts of Central and South America.

The establishment of the European social structure in the Caribbean, with its parodic reflection of the ordered life “back home” required furnishings and decorations to embellish the newly built great houses and plantation headquarters and to define and reflect the status of the occupants. Painters travelled from Europe to catalogue the wonders of nature and to bring back treasures from the islands as well as from the great civilizations of the Americas.

The idea of the region coalesced gradually and the concept of a Caribbean culture and the contemporary understanding of the region can be given a start-up date: 1791, the year the Haitian Revolution began— which was the first successful attempt to establish an independent state as the result of a rebellion of enslaved peoples. From that, all the subsequent changes in the political alliances flowed. This post-Haiti history is the subject of Caribbean: Crossroads of the World. The exhibition, the first to attempt to bring together disparate artworks from the many countries and cultures represented, is a triumph. The range and depth of the artists and works presented is a view of a new world, setting off flashes of illumination, www.bvipy.com

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Paiting by Jamie Colson, titled Merengue.

Where in the world is there another geographic region that has given birth to so many important and vibrant musical styles? rather like a fireworks show, so that suddenly certain aspects of life and art are lit up to be replaced by another and another. The colour and originality of subject and form make it truly exhilarating.

The idea of the Caribbean as a crossroads of cultures is spotlighted by the riot of styles incorporated into artworks that range from primitivist, or faux-primitivist, carvings and dolls to contemporary media such as photography and video. In one video piece a dancer is seen reflected in mirrors as she twirls to music of the early 19th century, a reflection upon the bold action of Peter von Scholten when, as governor of the Danish West Indies, he opened Government House in St Croix to newly emancipated slaves so that they might take their place as free citizens and participate in a seasonal ball. For his troubles he was recalled to Denmark and put to trial.

The regional cultural ferment is perhaps best exemplified through the variety of its music. Where in the world is there another geographic region that has given birth to so many important and vibrant musical styles? The Rumba and Salsa from Cuba, the Merengue from the Dominican Republic, Reggae from Jamaica, Calypso from Trinidad and many other forms have spread throughout the world and have become incorporated into vernacular styles everywhere. In a similar fashion, and brewed from the same ingredients—West African motifs and styles, European perspective and techniques—new styles of visual art and representation engage the historical and political past and future.

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Photo taken by Mattz Leo Pavo, titled Real del Mar.

The gold that first brought Columbus and his successors to the region has been replaced, but the pursuit remains the same.

Echoes of folk art, traditional weaving patterns and wood carving techniques bounce off contemporary video and photography—in another video, a motorcycle drives around the island of Vieques, until recently property of the US Navy, off-limits to Puerto Ricans. Its exhaust pipe terminates in a trumpet and the blaring engine sounds allude to the brassheavy music that defines the Spanish-speaking islands. On a more political note, photographs from Venezuela describe the impact of oil platforms as they increasingly dominate the landscape in Lake Maracaibo. The gold that first brought Columbus and his successors to the region has been replaced, but the pursuit remains the same.

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A note on a gallery wall at El Museo del Barrio defines the Caribbean historically “as both a utopian place of pleasure and a site of illicit or deviant activity.” The view, popular during colonization and in the Cold War era, of the Caribbean as a place of adventure and danger, replete with Commies, zombies and pirates, lingers still. As tourists flood the region, the rich and notorious gather to frolic in private playpens on certain preferred islands—St Barths, Mustique, Turks and Caicos—pirate history is retold in Hollywood blockbusters and reenacted in the financial centres, as drugs and guns and humans are trafficked from one end of the region to the other, that definition requires no qualification. PY

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Fishing & Feasting in anegada

By Susie Younkle

If you’re looking for the freshest fish in the Virgin Islands, October offers a fun and (slightly) competitive way to find that fish. Head to Anegada for the St Ursula’s Day holiday weekend, and experience the adrenaline rush of catching your own fish during the annual Lowell Wheatley Memorial Fishing Tournament. My husband Matt and I have a particular affinity for this event. It was both of our introductions to sport fishing in the Virgin Islands and our first trip to Anegada, an island that we instantly fell in love with.

Susie shows off dinner after the tournament. Photo by Matt Younkle.

A few years ago, Matt and I were new BVI residents and also proud new owners of a sport fishing boat. While sipping cocktails at the Royal BVI Yacht Club, we saw a poster announcing a fishing tournament in Anegada. We couldn’t resist the opportunity to spend a weekend fishing around Anegada, one of the Caribbean’s top-notch fishing areas. After one too many rum cocktails at the Yacht Club, we boldly decided to sign up for the tournament, despite never having attempted any type of offshore fishing.

Fortunately, we received some first-rate coaching from a Tortola-based couple with extensive knowledge of local fishing grounds. They gave us advice about lures and other equipment, and even shared a few of their GPS waypoints marked for favourable fishing. continued on page 37

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We were grateful for the advice and found the rest of the competitors to be just as collegial.

Still, upon pulling up to the dock at the Anegada Reef Hotel, Matt and I were quickly reminded that we were out of our league. The other teams were far more experienced than we were, and our pristine and clean boat practically screamed “newbies.” In fact, at sundown the night before the competition started, a friendly fisherman from St. Thomas stopped by our boat to help us. In a hushed voice, he took Matt aside and shared one of his prized lures for catching tuna. We were grateful for the advice and found the rest of the competitors to be just as collegial.

As we headed to the North Drop on Saturday morning, Matt and I decided that our weekend would be a success regardless of what happened. All the participating boats contribute fish for a cookout at the end of the day Sunday.

Even if we got “skunked” and caught no fish, we’d still enjoy a meal of the best and freshest fish in the Virgin Islands. Plus, we like to think that any day is a good day on the water, especially in gorgeous Caribbean waters.

To our delight, we caught five fish over the course of the weekend: three wahoo, one mahi mahi and one blackfin tuna. I won the prize for “best lady angler,” complete with a lovely necklace. (Full disclosure: There were only two women participants, and the best lady anglers in the BVI were unable to attend the tournament that particular year.) Matt and I were proudest of the fact that we could contribute a nearly 20 pound wahoo for Sunday’s barbeque—a feast that lived up to our expectations.

We returned to Tortola with a cooler full of fresh fish, and we continued feasting. We were in food heave—a seemingly endless supply of just-caught fish. I had packed plenty of recipes when I moved to Tortola, but this time my cookbooks stayed on the kitchen shelves. The fish was so fresh that cooking it was unnecessary. Few foods are as fabulous as sashimi from a fish you just caught, served only with a little soy sauce and wasabi. No recipe required.

This year’s Lowell Wheatley Memorial Fishing tournament is October 20-21.

Contact the Anegada Reef Hotel at 284-495-8002 for more details. A limited number of local fishing boats may be available for charter. PY

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3:16 PM

Design on a Dime

By Fran Morrell and Kate Henderson

At this time of year, frustrated customers come in the shop wanting to change the look of their houses for the new season, incorporating the inspiration they have gleaned from their summer holidays but not having the budget to redecorate. We always suggest making a few inexpensive changes, which can make a huge impact on a room.

Paint Yes, it does take time, patience and preparation to paint but the change can be massive and the cost of paint is relatively low. If you are lucky enough to own your own home, then you have the freedom to experiment with colour. Most landlords are quite lenient and walls can always be returned to their original colour. However, it is easier to ask permission than forgiveness so always good to check.

If you are nervous of the results then start small with a bathroom or closet and expand from there.

Outdated tiles can be given a new lease of life with specialist tile paint. Blackboard paint is great for accent

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walls in kids rooms and areas in kitchens and pantries for those never ending shopping lists.

A less committed option is wallpaper. There are some fabulous wallpapers on the market today, made of wipe-able vinyl and is self adhesive, movable and removable without leaving residue on the walls. Perfect for small rooms or accent walls.

Fabrics and window treatments It is amazing what a huge impact textiles make to a room. Throw cushions can be recovered quite inexpensively. A yard or so of fabric can be used to make a decorative throw for a bed, adding a new splash of colour. Installing curtains or exchanging curtains or blinds from one room to another can make a huge difference to your colour scheme and costs nothing but time.

If you feel that you would like to buy new curtains, there are some less expensive ready-made curtains available but the best advise here is to stay as neutral and as simple as possible. If curtains still seem too expensive, check out local fabric stores.

There are some beautiful fabrics available by the yard and often these are finished at either edge or selvedged, so you just need to hem either end and hang them up.

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Changing a space It may sound obvious but moving the furniture around in a room, if possible, can be a breath of fresh air. Sometimes, it is even possible to change the use of room’s altogether. It’s very easy to get used to looking at the same layout of a room, so shaking things up a bit can be very refreshing.

Second-hand Furniture

Designing or redecorating on a budget can be fun and a worthwhile project to embark on this time of year. Look around and take inspiration from magazines, friend’s houses and brainstorm ideas with others. A change is as good as a rest and can save you lots of money. PY

Photos provided by House.

We live in a transient community, so the second-hand furniture market is extensive. Check out BVI Bring and Buy on Facebook or the classifieds in the local papers. Pieces of furniture which look a little worse for wear can be painted or re-stained to renew them to their former glory or give them a new look altogether.

Alternatively, decoupage with your favourite images from maps to comic books, to create a customized eye-catching piece.

Bringing the Outside in Freshen up rooms with flowers, either real if you have a garden at your disposal or if not the silk alternative can look very realistic. Treat yourself to a new vase or re-utilise something you already have and do not use. Old jugs and pots and be given a new lease of life by switching uses. Large potted trees also will give the room a new perspective and bring a tall room together.

Palm fronds are in plentiful supply and just two or three artfully places in a simple glass hurricane can look stunning. Visit the grocery store and make a statement with jars of lemons, limes or oranges. Similarly, try beach combing and pick up shells and sea glass to leave on a tray or plate.

Book Shelves Magazines and design books are now dedicated to how to organize book shelves and cupboards. Book shelves are not just for books. Mix it up with small pots, vases or collections. Many decorators now cover books with plain white or brown paper to create a monochromatic scheme.

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Numerous articles have been written regarding island erosion, coral reef degradation from sedimentation and impacts from the loss of wetlands, but these are all actually just small parts to a bigger picture. A watershed is an area of land in which all water that is under it or drains off it flows into the same place. The term never seems to come into conversation when arguing about environmental degradation but without watershed management, we will lose the very same resources people come to see—white sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, healthy reefs and lush green dramatic landscapes. On top of that, local residents will experience more landslides and flooding.

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

By Shannon Gore

For islands like Anegada that are relatively flat, the entire island is the watershed.

The simplest way to explain what multi-dimensional and highly complex systems watersheds are is to use the ridge to reef concept that states both upland areas (up to the top of the hill) and receiving coastal waters (coral reefs and seagrass beds) are affected by all development between the two. Our high volcanic islands consist of numerous watersheds, in fact, according to a 1990 watershed survey carried out by the Agriculture Department, Tortola alone has 41 watersheds.

For islands like Anegada that are relatively flat, the entire island is the watershed.

There are ways to minimize impacts from development but unless you understand what a watershed is and how it works, mitigation measures will fail miserably. People simply forget that for every action, there is an opposite and equal reaction. Not understanding what reaction could happen, will more likely cost you a lot of money to fix the problem or at the least, make for angry neighbours.

The first step in understanding watersheds is to realize the underlying geologic structure of the bedrock guides how stable a hillside is and whether or not it is prone to landslides. Without going into the geologic complexities of our islands, the Department of Disaster Management has employed various technical experts to carry out the research necessary to better understand our islands’ geologic makeup and also conducts hazard vulnerability assessments on new developments.

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Prevention is the key but in many cases, as development continues, these problems continue to occur throughout the Caribbean.

Throughout the BVI, the soil overlaying bedrock is thin and with low permeability of underlying bedrock, rainfall runs over the surface and down steep hillsides through ghut channels and either directly into the bays or into wetland areas. This simplistic hydrologic model is complicated when human activities such as deforestation, infilling of wetlands, road cutting and carving gigantic holes in the hillside occur. There is nothing wrong with development but people forget the reaction to such actions results in accelerated erosion rates of soil that ends up in coastal waters degrading water quality and killing the reefs. There is also the reaction of flooding in areas where it never flooded before, especially after a pond has been filled in since water no longer has anywhere else to go but places such as outside your front doorstep. Mitigating these reactions to development is all part of watershed management.

Prevention is the key but in many cases, as development continues, these problems continue to occur throughout the Caribbean. So what do you do? To start with, the amount of water on the hillside has to be reduced before reaching the bottom of the hill. Every individual building on an island contributes to the collective amount of water that is redirected from what would have otherwise been a natural route towards a ghut or filtered and absorbed through vegetation; instead, the water finds a new way down the hill. Improving the efficiency of drainage around a building such as through the use of swales (to slow water down) or redirecting water towards natural ghuts is a start. Also creating more permeable surface areas to compensate what was lost from making the building footprint impervious. Terracing not only provides more permeable surface area to hold water, but plants make for a much better landscape than a concrete retaining wall. Terracing is also a lot cheaper than putting up a big grey wall.

There is always going to be water that makes it to the bottom of the hill, which is why wetlands and ponds are so important.

Wetlands provide a place for water to settle before being filtered out to sea. However, the concept to re-establish ponds by digging a big hole where it used to be sounds like a good idea but it’s a bit more complicated. First off, it’s not always possible since new buildings don’t move very easily. Secondly, more water volume flows off most hills these days than 50 years ago since there are a lot more buildings.

If the same ponds did still exist, they would be over capacity. Redesigning a pond that will be functional requires, at minimum, the expertise of an engineer, hydrologist and wetland specialist, but finding all three on the same island is extremely rare.

So, the next time you see problems such as flooding or murky water near the coastline after a rainfall, ask yourself if where you live or work has contributed to the problem.

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Property Listings 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 | www.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$850,000. (284) 495 3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com h8 1 ACrE lOt, GlOriOuS CAnE GArDEn BAy viEwS: A rare Lot on Luck Hill with fantastic views of Cane Garden Bay. Beautiful sunsets. Very buildable. One not to be missed! US$225K. (284) 495 3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.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 *PRICE REDUCTION*: 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$795K. (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 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 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

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Lambert Condo: Fully furnished studio apartment in Lambert Beach Resort. Enjoy the pool and amenities of Resort. Beach only a few steps away, as is the restaurant. Nearby laundry and ample parking. US$210,000. (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM Turtle Dove Cottages - *NEW*: Tortola, Apple Bay. One 2-bed villa and three 1-bed cottages on 1 acre lot 300 ft above the golden beaches of Long Bay and Apple Bay. Excellent investment opportunity. US$1,500,000. (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM G10 Waveland: Waveland is a uniquely private, 3-bed, 2-bath luxury villa with a spectacular elevated position and a magnificent view. A covered lanai with full wet bar connects the living area, two guest bedrooms and master bedroom with unique his and her bathroom suites.

US$695,000. (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM K9 Hodge's Creek Land: 0.8 acres beautiful parcel of land with a magnificent view over Hodge's Creek Marina. US$400,000 US$275,000. (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM G10 Far Pavilion: A spacious deck makes a wide-open living space where a new definition of “lounge” can be created. The magnificent view constantly calls your attention. On the other side of the pool is a charming guesthouse with ensuite bathroom. The proximity to Long Bay Resort provides easy access to all its amenities: restaurant, spa, pool and of course, the beautiful beach.

US$1,300,000. (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 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. US$100,000+. View at www.trudebvi.com Contact Monica (284) 494-2500 Great Mountain Area: 4 Lots in a Private Estate for sale | prices start at US$67,000.

(284) 495 3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.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. (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. (284) 495 3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.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)4 94-2500 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

K7 ½ acre Lot: available at Little Bay. Walk to beautiful beach from this very buildable Lot. US$185,000.00. (284) 495 3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com

R6 Looking for waterfront Land in Virgin Gorda?

(284) 495 3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com

I8 3 bedroom beach house at Brewers Bay: With direct beach and water frontage, this property is unusual in the BVI. Located right on the beach at Brewers Bay overlooking the bay and Jost van Dyke. US$850,000. (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com

Q6 Vacant Lot available at beautiful Nail Bay: New life has been breathed into this stunning development. Now is the time to buy and build your dream home.

G10 Exquisite Caribbean style house on the hillside of Belmont Estates: This charming 3 bedroom house offers a perfect balance between elegance and relaxed comfort. Main house: great room with living and dining areas, galley kitchen, master bedroom suite and guest suite. Independent one bedroom guest cottage. Artist’s studio. Lovely swimming pool terrace with covered verandah. US$2,150,000. (284)494 2446 | www.smithsgore.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$550,000 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 worldrenowned 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

Q6 ‘Mystic Water’, Nail Bay: Three bedroom main house with pool, 2 x one bedroom guest cottages each with own pool and full kitchen, beautiful gardens, great rental villa. $1.8m.

(284) 495 3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com Q6 ‘Sugar Mill’, Nail Bay: Built close by to the site of an historic Sugar Mill, unique 3 bedroom villa with pool takes its design from the original mill. Stunning views. Walk to the beach. Lots of rental potential. $1.6m. (284) 495 3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com Q6 Renovated 4 bedroom villa with access to private beach: Located on 1.6 acres of manicured hillside on Virgin Gorda’s west coast, the house is designed so each bedroom suite opens onto a private deck with panoramic views of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Direct access to Mountain Trunk Beach by a private pathway. US$3,250,000. (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.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 | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com

Authorized Dealer for:

Your Store For: • The only certified paint consultants • Largest inventory of paints, paint sundries & Coatings • Most advanced color equipment • Consistent color matching • Contractor and quantity discounts • Top quality product lines • Quick and reliable service • Reasonable pricing

T: (284)494-1800 | F: (284)494-1803 E: paintfactory@surfbvi.com | www.paintfactory.com Located between Tool Town and Tortola Carpets, Port Purcell, Tortola, BVI

SUPERIOR PROPERTY SERVICES LTD Cleaning Services

“The most reliable response to your need for clean”

Commercial & Dome c Maid Services Window cleaning Carpet steam- cleaning Tile / Grout cleaning & sealing Natural stone refinishing Vinyl floor stripping & polishing Concrete flooring cleaning Upholstery steam-cleaning

Tel. (284)494-5580 Fax: 284)494-5446 Email: spsservices@surfbvi.com www.bvipy.com

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As a Territory without any fossil fuel reserves, the energy security of The Virgin Islands is highly vulnerable to global shocks in the production, distribution and price of fossil fuels.

– Virgin Islands - Climate Change Green Paper, Section 3.4 pg 65

2011

2050

1900

EARTH HAS a

What powers the BVI?

Alternative Energy Systems R E NE WABLE EN ER G Y • A B UN DA N T • S U STAINABLE • INDEP ENDENT • A CARIBBEAN S OLUTION +1.284.494.1478

energy@aesbvi.com www.aesbvi.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

“Oil Nut Bay is the greatest gift I can give my family.”

your

life ti m e

i s

o n ly

t h e

b e ginning

...

As faraway places diminish in their access and modern day luxury becomes more commonplace, there remains a little known outpost where legacies will live on in safety and seclusion, and generations of families will gather together as one – now and forever.

This opportunity is as limited as the land itself. When it’s gone, it’s gone and may very well stay that way for generations to come.

y o u r m o s t r a p i d r e s p o n s e i s h i g h ly s u g g e s t e d .

284.495.5400

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