The community of Shannon overlooking Cane Garden Bay is a collection of beautifully planned homes enjoying views of the North Shore. Set against a backdrop of lush hillside greenery, tropical plants grow wild. Nestled within the hillside stands Chambra House (Swahili for “farmhouse”), a purpose-built family home, rustic and serene. Situated on a ¾-acre lot, Chambra consists of two units, a main and a guest house, with a winding drive between them. The houses and its gardens were designed and built by expats, a landscape architect and an electrical engineer. The house has been built to withstand any potential assault by the weather, and the plants to adapt and flourish amid the slight changes of season. Completed in 2005, the main house is spacious. Its main feature is a two-storey, three-bedroom unit with a den, studio and entertainment room. The guest house is a two-storey unit with each level potentially self-contained. Currently it serves as a studio apartment with a large bedroom below. Access to the property is from the ridge road and the one-way road into Shannon. Location is fifteen minutes to the town and beaches, and half an hour to the airport.
Stepping into Chambra, the “farmhouse” theme begins to take shape. Acid-splashed concrete floors throughout give a rich depth to the surrounds, complemented by high ceilings and terra cotta walls. The kitchen boasts a custom concrete sink accompanied by all modern appliances. The walk-in pantry has sufficient room for a deep chest freezer and more storage. A breakfast bar divides the kitchen from the landing before arches lead off to the study and an entertainment room off to each side of the atrium. Views enhance study or relaxation time with a concrete decking outside for evening entertaining or relaxation. An infinity pool overlooking the hill will also entice you to relax at a moment’s notice. There is also a potential third bedroom with outside shower and bathroom currently being used as a studio.
Upstairs through the concrete staircase are the current sleeping quarters consisting of the large master suite, second bedroom and laundry room. Air conditioning is not needed in the property although ceiling fans are everywhere. High ceilings afford plenty of air and all windows are screened with hurricane shutters. The master suite is a den of privacy. Boasting its own balcony, this room contains a four-poster bed and furnishings from Bali. The bathroom has a sunken concrete bath with copper trimmings and fittings and an open view overlooking Cane Garden Bay and Jost Van Dyke so intimate evenings in the tub come to light.
Storage space is ample. Beneath the house is a hurricanised storage room where the plumbing for the house is neat and modern. There is a 150,000-gallon cistern with a generator powering both the main and the guest house. The walls of the house are 12 inches thick—significantly more than the standard 8 inches typically found in the BVI. This house has a very solid, sturdy feel. A large retaining wall surrounding the back of the dwelling provides additional protection; all factors pertaining to the preservation of the house have been placed tastefully out of view.
The property’s landscaping has been stemmed from fresh cuttings. Helaconia, screw pines, cedar and crotons grow proudly. Bar the mango and banana trees, the plants are fresh and young, and grow with the house. Herbs and wild ferns grow and rustle in the breezes. Above the house, Shannon’s trees stand quiet and proud, offering privacy. The greenery of the property blends well with the quiet colours of terra cotta and the house’s cobalt blue walls. The dwelling and its surrounds seem older than their few young years.
In essence, this is a family home set within a beautiful landscaped garden and ready to enjoy. The guest house is under permission for rent but also serves as a pleasing stay for friends and family. Quiet and secluded but by no means remote, this is a Shannon House, within the community and ready to be moved into and enjoyed. A charming property within a charmed hillside community.
Asking price: $1.5 million.
Caribbean Realty: [email protected] : http://www.Caribbeanrealtybvi.com : 284 494 3999
