Beach living at Josiah's Bay – Tucked away near the entrance to Josiah’s Bay is the charming and quaint cottage of Lime Leaf. Previously owned by Tortola-born jazz musician Jon Lucien, the cottage has been decorated by his daughter, and its tasteful décor exudes sophistication and style.
As a stone and poured concrete property, this one-bedroom house has a split unit air conditioning system, but also benefits from the extra cooling effects created by the wall spacing between its high-tongue and grooved roof and mature tall tree canopy. Built by Elihu Rhymer in 1980, it is a mere minute’s walk from the beach. For years it served as a holiday rental and is now on the market for $475k.
The home’s compact design is functional, and you’re sure to find everything you need. As you enter past the covered and spacious stone porch and enter the large french doors, you’ll encounter the petite living room and separate en-suite bedroom on the left, and to your right, the open plan kitchen with dining room.
It is the décor and fittings that make this cottage stand out. The walls are painted a terra cotta shade on the inside with West-Indian-inspired colours of lime, aqua green and pink on the exterior. The furnishings, which are included, are of teak with a Balinese flavor, and sized accordingly to the property. Fitted by artists, the cupboards display a unique tin stenciling of a caribbean reef scene. Although small, the furnishings and décor add depth and definition to what would otherwise appear to be a tiny beach cottage. The linoleum floor could easily be replaced with tiles. The kitchen is fully fitted and comes equipped with most modern appliances.
The beauty of Josiah’s Bay is all around, and you can hear the ocean as the waves crash onto this sandy beach that is so well known for its surf. The property was originally part of the Josiah's Bay Beach Cottages but this particular unit and its neighbor was subdivided and sold as a private homes. This home is perfect for those who want to spend a long day at the beach or hiking the surrounding hills. Nearby is the acclaimed Secret Garden Restaurant and the Josiah's Bay Plantation Gallery and historical ruins.
Although the Lime Leaf property is not extensive, there is room to cultivate a garden, and Norfolk pines, coconut palms, a unique sandbox tree and various crotons, hibiscus and other flowering bushes adorn its wooden fence perimeter. There is also room for expansion, as the property can be extended up or within its 0.12 acres. The building is sturdy, and hurricane shutters are fitted. Lime Leaf has full power, town water, a 13,000-gallon cistern and an additional storage room behind the kitchen where the garden/pump room is located.
Without a doubt, this property delivers the best of what the island has to offer right on its doorstep. You can walk to the beach or enjoy the quiet tranquility of stargazing amidst historic Josiah’s Bay shops and restaurants. The view that may be missing is a mere minute’s walk away and like all beaches in the British Virgin Islands, is unencumbered and completely accessible.
This is a cool, carefully planned, sophisticated property located only a few minutes away from the airport. While you may have an enclave of neighbors around, Lime Leaf is part of a very collegial beach community, and for beach lovers, it represents the perfect property.
Asking price: $475k
