We explored the virtues of the Windward Islands in a previous issue and so now turn our attention to the neighbouring northwestern islands in the lee of the trade winds. St Kitts and Antigua are two of the outermost islands of the Lesser Antilles, a magnificent volcanic arc that has transformed these destinations into modern tropical sanctuaries.
There is no shortage of prime property or respected Hollywood actors like Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep here, and yet St Kitts and Antigua are still fabulously understated. Leigh Stewart, international editor for Tranio, an online overseas property broker, believes that Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis will likely escape the headlines this year as the USA eases restrictions on Cuba, including tourist travel.
“More northern locations may struggle to fill resorts and cover development costs as American travellers start planning for the last Cuban frontier,”
she says,
“but Antigua and St Kitts are targeting visitors with a different set of expectations. In fact, St Kitts and Antigua have Citizenship by Investment programmes that include property purchases in exchange for residence permit and citizenship. Property on these islands cater to the world’s elite, with infinity pools set over plunging tropical beaches, home cinemas and high-speed Wi-Fi.”
The island of Saint Barthélemy (St Barts) may only cover eight square miles but it has more than its fair share of fabulous beaches, superyachts and designer boutiques. Over the last decade, St Barts and St Martin engaged in a process of political evolution. This came to fruition in February 2007 with the adoption of a new status, resulting in the new Overseas Collectivity of Saint Barthélemy that July when its first territorial council was elected. Zarek Honneysett at Sibarth Real Estate, an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, reports,
“Following a record year in 2014/2015 for our company, the market in St Barts has remained very active even with the international turbulences recently experienced. St Barts is a small island but a very high-end destination and historically it has remained a very stable and safe investment.”
The main buyers are originating from the US and Western Europe and it appears that properties with beautiful views, a swimming pool and privacy are a must.
“Last year,”
says Mr Honneysett,
“the average sale price for a villa was around €4 million. The current activity remains within this price range with a few exceptional properties selling above €10 million.”
Lurin, St Barts
Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, with views of the bay of St Jean, Villa CRX has a prime location in Lurin. Built by the architectural firm of Malin Kirscher, it comprises five large bedrooms, a sleek and contemporary swimming pool, large sunny terraces and a corner lounge area. Perfect for socialising and relaxing, the property also has an independent building that includes a bedroom with a bathroom that is currently being used as an office and gym.
£9.5m / €12m / $13.4m
Christie’s International Real Estate +590 590 29 88 91
Christophe Harbour, St Kitts
This 2,500-acre resort community will feature a state-of-the-art marina, the Caribbean’s first Park Hyatt hotel, Tom Fazio championship golf course, a members-only club, restaurants, shops and boutiques. From Caribbean cottages to beachfront estates, Christophe Harbour also offers a diverse selection of properties. One of the most exclusive examples is 129 Morning Rise Lane. The villa’s 3,948 square feet of living space includes an outdoor living area, floor-to-ceiling windows and double French doors to beckon the outdoors in. It features a wet bar and media centre in the alfresco living space plus a pool terrace with stunning views.
£2.63m / €3.4m / $3.7m
Christophe Harbour +1 869 466 8738
info@christopheharbour.com
Tamarind Hills, Saint George, Antigua
The Tamarind Hills residential resort has two fabulous properties available: the ‘Barracuda’ and ‘Searay’ villas. These sea view properties come with a gorgeous ‘glass wall’ living room opening up over the sea to a patio with a floating edge infinity pool as well as three to four spacious bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and a private terrace or balcony. The villas come complete with designer European kitchens and fixtures, high-speed Internet, 24/7 security on site and even a home theatre (Barracudas only).
From £634,600 / €804,500 / $900,000
Tranio Overseas Property +44 (0)20 3608 1267
Christ Church, Nichola Town Parish, St Kitts
This single-storey villa and guesthouse are on a private plot of 3,624m² providing fabulous sea and jungle views from hilltop position. The living room has a floor-to-ceiling glass door that leads out on to a deck and infinity pool. There are two lounges and three airy en suite bedrooms. These spacious rooms feature high ceilings and designer furniture as well as separate dressing rooms. The property also has several parking spaces and is just a stone’s throw from the nearest golf course.
£4.125m / €5.23m / $5.85m
Tranio Overseas Property +44 (0)20 3608 1267
