The National /UAE “LUXURY”: Hot Property: Buck Island, April 2014

03.04.14

LUXURY THE UAE’S REFINED LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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// HOT PROPERTY //

Buck Island It’s an interesting thing about islands – some are uninhabitable, others superpowers; some only breed bird populations, others house royalty. And then there are a handful of freehold, private, developed and staffed ones, such as this, that you can buy

This 43-acre island lies in the middle of the fishing paradise that is the Sir Francis Drake Channel, protected in the lee of the Caribbean’s Tortola island, a mere 300 metres away. The property, listed by Vladi Private Islands, can be enjoyed by every kind of holiday-maker and homeowner – from beach bum and adventure freak to leisure seeker and culture vulture.

The island has three hills with vivid 360-degree views.

Beach facilities include swimming and snorkelling, a barbecue pit and boats to take you to Tortola.

The dramatic cliff-top residence is open to the ocean from every side. The house is designed to create a village effect and has several separate buildings, including a two-storey master-bedroom cottage, five guest suites and a one-bedroom apartment.

The two king-size suites in the main house come with open-air showers and sitting areas with stunning

backdrops. The top level has a tower leading to a private theatre and 14-seater dining room. There’s also four half baths, a dinette area, a library and a spa room. Should you fancy a night out or want to explore the stone ruins on Virgin Gorda, a three-room house is included in this property’s mainland base at Tortola.

Buying a house that’s surrounded by water on all sides does, however, require some extra legwork.

Visit the property several times to see development possibilities and to appreciate whether the environs, people, flora and fauna suit your lifestyle. While freehold islands are allowed to have non-native owners, it’s best to hire a lawyer to sort through the paperwork.

Look into the deposit deal you’re getting (10 per cent is usual) and study the insurance policies – and then you’re good to enjoy your own slice of tropical paradise.

By Panna Munyal

Asking price: Dh110 million 12

LUXURY

WWW.VLADI-PRIVATE-ISLANDS.DE

British Virgin Islands, Caribbean