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HOMES & LOTS For those seeking the privacy of a home or vacation villa, many well-established areas still have lots available or homes for resale in some very scenic spots.
CAP ESTATE Once a sprawling sugar estate, Cap Estate is now in a mature stage of development. Land prices vary according to the location within its 1,500 acres. The views range from the Caribbean side and Pigeon Island, to centre island looking toward the Pitons, to the wide expanse of sea northward toward Martinique, to the wind-swept beaches of the Atlantic. Many lots on the hill overlooking the old plantation portion have sweeping panoramic views. Most are a generous half- or one-acre in size. Although some of Cap Estate's roads leave a lot to be desired, the lots on sale are good value for money. Special amongst these is the newest sub-division called Mount Hardy. Here, at a higher elevation, and enjoying the best of the cooling trade winds, the views are quite spectacular including both Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and also North across the channel to Martinique. The first section has 27 plots, most averaging around 1/3rd acre, in a price range of US$47,500 to US$120,000 per plot. A few homes are usually available for resale, so check with one of the island's real estate agents.
RODNEY HEIGHTS Rodney Bay Limited is opening a development at the centre of the rapidly growing Rodney Bay area. The hillside sites are located just off the highway above the lagoon and have fantastic views of the Rodney Bay Marina, Pigeon Island, and in some instances, Cap Estate. A nearby shopping mall enhances this development.
BONNE TERRE This development lies to the east of Rodney Bay. It offers wonderful views of the Caribbean side, including the marina, and the Atlantic coastline. Lots here are of a reasonable price and size. Again, existing homes are sometimes available for sale.
ESCAP DEVELOPMENT ESCAP is a mixed tourist and residential development in a 180-acre peninsula. The site is situated on the Southeast coast of St. Lucia, 15 minutes from Hewanorra, the international airport. The land is distinctive and dramatic, with a dominant headland jutting out into the Atlantic on the east, and to the north, a magnificent crescent and a beach. There will be 230 individual lots available for residential homes. One hundred and twenty of these are already under development. Three hotels are scheduled for construction, the largest with 250 rooms. Three hundred time-share apartments and condominiums are also part of the completed project. Land has been designated for shops, a port and a culinary school. ESCAP is designed to respect the unique qualities of St. Lucia, as well as the flora and fauna that characterises this site. The goal is to create a community with permanent family homes, vacation villas, and resort hotels as well as places to work, play and socialise. CONTACT: Douglas Rapier, Chief Executive Officer, ESCAP Development, Caribbees Ltd., P.O. Box 1766, Castries, St. Lucia. Tel:1-758 -451-3111, Fax: 1 -758-453-1985 Email: rapierd@candw.lc
CONDOMINIUMS & TOWNHOUSES If a private home is more than you're looking for, St. Lucia has several condominium and townhouse developments. These have proved to be good investments. Most are located near beaches and on the lagoon and marina-front in Rodney Bay. The benefits of common management appeal to many. Resales are sometimes available - check with your real estate agent. The following are new developments that are either planned or under construction.
THE ANCHORAGE Ten garden and 11 waterfront units make up this newest development in Rodney Bay. Central facilities include swimming pool, whirlpool and landscaped gardens. All units have centrally air-conditioned bedrooms. The developers offer a furnishings package.
ST. LUCIA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB With their superb 6,815 yards, Par 71, 18 hole golf course completed and open, the Owners/Developers are now in the final planning stages of what should be a total of 400 Condominium units and villas. Spread mainly alongside the fairways of the Golf Course, and in an "Island" surrounded by them, target prices for these 1-3 bedroom units is US$175,000 to US$375,000 to include Club Membership.
RESORT DEVELOPMENTS A growing trend for those who may not visit every year, or only for one or two weeks when they do come, is to buy/lease into a resort complex. Some (like Marigot) are small and intimate; others, such as Windjammer, are much larger hotel-type complexes.
WINDJAMMER LANDING The beauty of these white stucco, red-tiled villas cascades down the slopes surrounding Labrelotte Bay. The development looks out upon a breathtaking view of Morne Fortune and Castries, and offers both villas and condominiums. The serenity of the bay provides a relaxing atmosphere for the activities within - tennis, swimming, water sports, and one of the island's best children's programs. The properties, at the investor's choice, are managed jointly as a hotel, with each participant sharing equally in the profits. Currently for sale are custom-built villas on a plot of your choice; two- and three- bedroom duplex hillside units; and one-bedroom condo units for sale outright or on a "vacation ownership" (timesharing) basis.
OASIS MARIGOT This development provides the option of purchasing an equal share in a phase of the development. Owners have several weeks of holiday time at the property, and as members of Condominium International, they have the option of vacationing in other parts of the world. This hillside development of two-story cottages overlooks the peaceful community of Marigot Bay. Occupants of the units have easy access to the facilities at the hotel, which include SCUBA diving, sunfish sailing, yacht charters, swimming pool, restaurants, and market.
MARLIN QUAY Marlin Quay is a new resort comprising one-, two- and three-bedroom townhouse-style villas located on their own marina waterfront in exclusive Rodney Bay. The spacious villas feature their own air-conditioning, large jacuzzis on completely secluded sun terraces and private bathrooms to all bedrooms. All are fully equipped with luxurious furnishings and modern appliances. Owners share the private moorings and other resort facilities which include swimming pools, water sports, saunas and fitness room, full à la carte restaurant, bars, coffee shop and landscaped gardens. Shared-ownership options are available for buyers who want to invest in a holiday home for just part of the year.
PURCHASING PROCEDURES Persons from overseas require a government license in order to purchase property in St. Lucia. Each license is for a specific property so purchasers must secure their land or house with a deposit. License applications are handled by a local lawyer who also carries out title searches and draws up the deed of sale. A government license fee of 10% is payable and other charges such as legal fees and stamp duties amount to 6 - 7% of the property price. Land must be developed within two years of purchase. Thereafter, there are no restrictions on renting or selling.
REAL ESTATE AGENCIES Home Services Ltd., in Rodney Bay, an independent real estate agent, offers a variety of services, including property management, real estate sales, appraisals, rentals and property development. Twenty years' experience in the real estate business in St. Lucia. 452-0450; Fax: 452-0071. Island Link. Property Management Sales & Development. 453-6341; Fax: 451-6303. Property Shop Ltd. Real estate sales and rentals. 452-0506; Fax: 452-0661. Tropical Homes Limited. Real estate agent and property developer. Castries. 452-2572.
VILLA SALES AND RENTALS Tropical Villas Ltd. Property management, sales and rental. 450-8240, Fax: 450-8089.
The developments listed here are not meant to constitute a complete listing of the properties available in St. Lucia. To make sure you have the opportunity to explore all the options, contact a local real estate agency to assist you in selecting your St. Lucian home. |
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