It is 5:30 pm on a Wednesday and I am aboard a boat that’s skimming its way across the perfectly flat and calm water of Virgin Gorda’s prestigious North Sound. It is not my usual Wednesday evening, but it is an unusual property that I’m going to see. Tucked away on an unspoiled bay in what might be the world’s most exclusive neighbourhood, is Little Bay. A magnificent seven-acre oceanfront property with a four-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bathroom home set on a pristine 2000-foot stretch of prime waterfront.
As the setting sun starts to dip behind the hills and the golden shine lights up the water and the islands around me, I keep my eyes peeled for the property we’re visiting. As we round one of the headlands, I see a wide expanse of white sandy beach and the house comes into view – just set back from the water and distinctively painted in greens that blend with the hillside behind. The large deck of the Beach House is bordered by an immaculate lawn area dotted with palm trees. We pull up to the larger of the two private docks and alight to explore the property.
The plot is an impressive seven acres of oceanfront property with a beautiful stretch of beach flanked by two elevated rocky headlands. One of the headlands (Camelia Point) has been developed with two cliff-top guesthouses that benefit from stunning 280-degree views and a constant cooling sea breeze. These delightful stand-alone guest accommodations consist of a one-bedroom, one-and-a-half bathroom cottage and a two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage. Both with open plan kitchen/dining areas and a combined space of approximately 1,500-sqft. The guest cottages also benefit from spacious covered and uncovered decks that allow you to relax in comfort and take in the spectacular island views. Down on the seafront are the main Beach House and the landscaped gardens, just a few feet from the water’s edge. The estate then includes a vacant Western peninsula, which would make a fantastic location for a further house or swimming pool. This second headland has been cleared and would make the ideal spot for a future dwelling with panoramic views of the neighbouring islands. A smooth concrete access road wraps around the back of the villas and connects the Beach House with the docks and the private cliff-top guest units, with easy buggy transportation between them. The spectacular property provides unparalleled views of the North Sound, Prickly Pear, Saba Rock and Necker and Moskito Island.
Little Bay is a haven for a sailor or water sports enthusiast. With two private docks – the largest of which is 180-feet long with a 10-foot draft – it is amply equipped for the berthing of several sizeable yachts or pleasure craft. A second 90-foot service dock and swim platform are situated on the western edge of the bay. One of the highlights of the property is this private water access, because although it is located on Virgin Gorda mainland, there is no road access. The property is only accessible from the water, or via helicopter. Thus, the estate brings the complete privacy of a luxury island retreat while conveniently just a short boat ride from some of the Territory’s premiere hotels and resorts. The North Sound is undeniably one of the best anchorages in the BVI and Little Bay is the perfect Caribbean sanctuary.
Inside the main villa, the Beach House, the decor is minimal – smooth white plaster walls and clean lines with an ultra-contemporary feel. Sparsely but comfortably furnished with huge floor-to-ceiling windows and concertina glass doors to make the most of the natural light and showcase the Caribbean island views. The interior space feels elegant and modern with white oak floors throughout and light flooding in. A series of detailed pen and ink art pieces featuring sea life adorn the cool white walls adding a beautifully chic and understated talking point. The design team has utilised a sumptuous mix of natural textures, including rope, glass, canvas, wood and cork. The living and entertaining spaces of the Beach House are on the lower level, as is one of the guest bedrooms. A further three bedrooms, including the spacious primary suite with double ensuite bathrooms and walk-in closets, are on the second floor. The upper bedrooms benefit from generous covered decks, which capitalize on the breathtaking sea views.
Little Bay is a haven for a sailor or water sports enthusiast. With two private docks – the largest of which is 180-feet long with a 10-foot draft – it is amply equipped for the berthing of several sizeable yachts or pleasure craft.
The main house was exquisitely designed by architects Smith Arneborg, built by the construction team at Yates Associates and expertly overseen by construction engineers David Brockelbank and Richard Grinnell. The finish of the properties is impeccable, constructed to the highest specification with flawless attention to detail and finished with the sleek modern, minimalist interior style by Design Within Reach.
The generously sized gourmet chef’s kitchen is a private chef’s dream. Well equipped with a professional six-burner gas range and double ovens. There is plentiful glossy white cabinetry and drawer space, a large prep-station and a dedicated butler’s pantry. Stainless appliances, a wine cooler, a Sub-Zero fridge and freezer and a spacious island allow for effortless entertaining and elaborate meals. A breakfast nook off the kitchen is a welcoming spot to enjoy a morning coffee and take in the sea views.
The stretch of manicured lawn, beautifully landscaped with a small palm grove is adjacent to the Beach House main porch area. The large hardwood-covered deck wraps around the front of the villa and along the beach side and a glass outdoor dining table and chairs are perfectly situated to enjoy al fresco dining. It is a wonderfully inviting place to spend an evening under the stars, sitting inches from the ocean, listening to the waves lap gently at the edge of the water and watching the lights from the nearby islands twinkle in the distance.
All practicalities have been considered and additional on-site facilities include mains power with supplementary solar panels, a backup generator, high-speed Internet, large cisterns and an RO plant, making the property completely self-sufficient. The maintenance shed, conveniently next to the dock, houses all of the water sports equipment, tools, fuel and supplies.
The North Sound, Virgin Gorda is known for its 5 star luxury resorts and private islands. It is a water sports Mecca with near-perfect sailing, windsurfing and kite boarding conditions all year round. A haven for those that love to be on, in or under the water. Visitors flock here for the sunshine, the warm waters and trade winds, enjoying the safe anchorage and protected waters. It is home to some of the most exclusive resorts in the Caribbean, and neighbouring properties include Saba Rock Resort, the Bitter End Yacht Club, Oil Nut Bay and Sir Richard Branson’s Necker and Moskito islands.
The long stretch of sandy beach at Little Bay invites you to paddle board, kite board or snorkel just footsteps from the Beach House. Calm and protected it is ideal for launching a Hobie Cat or kayak to explore. There is easy snorkelling right off the beach and towards either of the two rocky headlands, you will find a host of diverse aquatic life, tropical fish, turtles and rays. Snorkelling and diving in the warm Caribbean waters of the British Virgin Islands is some of the best in the world.
Little Bay represents an incredibly rare opportunity to buy in Virgin Gorda’s coveted North Sound. The beautifully secluded nature of the property offers a unique opportunity to buy a piece of land that is technically a part of the mainland but with a private island feel. Enjoying the practical benefits of having the infrastructure of Virgin Gorda but the total privacy of an island resort due to the lack of road access. And while Little Bay has always previously been a private abode – the potential exists to develop a luxury rental or high-end boutique resort on the estate. The demand for accommodation and interest in the area is high.
Property Manager, Christopher Tilling of Cocoplum Management has managed the Little Bay estate for the last two years. Previous to that he worked with other luxury estates, including Valley Trunk, Cooper Island and Bald Head Island. He says of the property “After nearly 40 years of managing exclusive properties throughout the Caribbean, I was invited to be the custodian for Little Bay. For those among us who treasure privacy; but not seclusion; security without encumbrance or beauty without limit, Little Bay has no parallel. Located in one of the most prestigious residential areas of the Caribbean, a rare opportunity has presented itself to own a stunning waterfront property in one of the safest anchorages in the Territory.”
