cabbean
LESSER ANTILLES SPECIAL
St Lua
T
here is one easy word to describe St Lucia: stunning. This island offers dramatic natural beauty unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean. From its soft sandy beaches, move a little further inland to experience incredible rainforest-covered mountains and lush valleys and even the world’s only drive-in volcano. The island also offers high quality property at an attractive price compared to some of its regional neighbours, along with all kinds of modern amenities and easy international access via Hewanorra International Airport. British and French influences remain strong on St Lucia. It was first settled by the French in 1660. Over the next 150 years, the island was fought over by the British and French, switching hands 14 times until it was the British who finally took control in 1814. In 1979 the island became an independent nation, today St Lucia enjoys membership of both the Commonwealth of Nations and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie and this dual nationality influence stretches across the island from its political and legal structures and even to its place names. Robert Cooper is director of 7th Heaven Properties who specialise in the sale of property across the Caribbean: “The vast majority of buyers on St Lucia are from the US and Canada. A smaller proportion are from the UK and continental
Europe. Detached homes in popular areas such as Cap Estate, Rodney Bay and Marigot Bay, range in price from approximately US $500,000 to US $2.5 million. There is currently strong demand for homes in the US $500,000 to US $750,000 bracket.” He says in all those brackets, buyers are looking for homes with a fantastic ocean view, in a secure and convenient location, with easy access to the airport and beaches. “Property prices are currently very attractive. The market is still considered to be emerging. On St Lucia, property is available at a discount of approximately 30% compared to more mature real estate markets such as Barbados where there are generally more super luxury properties available.” He added that over the last few months there has been a surge in demand as more people realise that they can work from their dream location anywhere in the world rather than being tied to a corporate office. “We expect prices to rise in the medium-term, as St Lucia’s international profile rises and demand continues to grow.”
Mediterranean-Style Luxury This elegant Mediterranean-style home offers stunning views, a great location and elegant design. Set on three quarters of an acre of grounds in Vigie in the north of St Lucia, the property boasts spectacular 300-degree views of Castries Harbour, the Caribbean Sea and across the north and west of the island. The location also offers proximity to the white sands of Vigie Beach, the amenities of the capital Castries and George F. L. Charles Airport, the smaller of St Lucia’s two airports which connects travellers to destinations throughout the Caribbean region. The impressive home features a double-height atrium with wrought iron staircase, spacious living and dining rooms with views of the pool and the sea and 4 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms – all finished to a very high standard. Outside the property includes a large wraparound veranda, outdoor dining area with bar, a salt-system pool with pool-side gazebo and an indoor gym with sauna. From £1.5m / €1.6m / $2m 7th Heaven Properties t: (UK) +44 (0)20 8960 1010 | (USA) +1 855 364 8776 e: rob@7thheavenproperties.com www.7thheavenproperties.com
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