You would be hard pressed to pick one location as the best view on Tortola, but from the top of Romney Park, a steep and narrow road rides up to one of the most spectacular views I have ever seen on location. With a two-storey structure made of wood, concrete and steel, Romney Park Landing is a dream house secluded by foliage. Without a doubt, this is the perfect place for island living.
Unlike many houses, the bedrooms upstairs and downstairs are secluded completely from the other rooms. The upstairs main suite comprises the bedroom and bathroom with a most inviting hot tub with a view of the rock garden outside. One gets the feeling that enjoying nature and taking time to relax are the two main concerns whether inside or out. Downstairs, bedrooms are tastefully decorated with smoke-frosted doors, built-in closets and a glorious, tiled outdoor shower.
On arrival, a gravel path leads up wooden stairs to the main living area. Each sliding pocket door is oversized, and the air and breeze quickly filter through the house. The natural feel is tantalized with a large, mahogany breakfast bar in the middle of the kitchen and tall cypress tongue-and-groove ceilings. The walls are wedged from the top to the bottom where appliances are stored and give a great sense to the height and depth. Designed and built by a European contractor, this is a version of island living that would probably best function not necessarily as a family home but possibly as two separate residences. The signature of structural engineer Bob Wells is present in the steel beams and wraparound solid wooden decks.
Surrounded by foliage and rock, palms and bougainvillea adorn the property. Below, two old, large trees provide natural shade, whereas upstairs on the balcony the best views can be seen. From here we can look up the channel, and on the day of shooting tracked the yachts on their passage by St John and Frenchmans Cay. If we had waited longer, we would have easily seen the boats dock into Sopers Hole. As we looked over at St Thomas, our broker told us that on a clear day, both St Croix and Puerto Rico could also be seen. We dared to imagine the night sky and the hours of potential stargazing as trade winds rustled the palms in the garden.
Outside dining here is simply the best option and though the lines of the main living area point up to the great wooden roof, the deck is as inviting as any area to sit, relax or entertain friends. Below the property is a vast structure with its own driveway that makes up the garage or workshop. Planning permission has been granted to build a pool and a bigger master suite on the first (upper) level. Though not completed, it is easy to see the potential and that this property has plenty of storage while the construction is in process.
The kitchens both up and down have separate laundry areas and every modern appliance. The bathrooms are tasteful with sunken sinks and extreme detail to fittings. Wooden cabinets neatly organize all utilities. A mix of wicker and wooden furniture decorates the interior living spaces and compliment each other well.
In essence, this is island living, up high with cool breezes and spectacular views. Though only ten years old, it already exudes a rustic charm of another world. Thankfully, that other world is right here, and on the market! Asking price – $950,000
