blamona

We are fortunate enough to have a home in Turks and Caicos. (It was my lifelong dream) I'm hoping you'll tell me where your home is, and how it's working for you. Thanks!

Sunnyboy

Arrrggghhh! I've resisted answering this question in an "open forum" many times but I guess if one were to read all my Craibbean posts you could pretty much figure out my home is on Nevis. Like you, my wife and I had a life long dream of one day owning an island home and about 10 years ago, after many years of vacationing in the Caribbean, we began our search for property to build our dream home. We visited about 20 different islands (some several times) looking for the property and island that was right for us (you have to look at them differently than you would if you are there on vacation). On some we found beautiful pieces of property but we didn't like the island, on others we loved the island couldn't find property. When we got to Nevis we knew we didn't have to look any further. It took us a year from our date we purchased the property to design our home and break ground and another 18 months to completion. Despite the frustrations, delays, cost overruns, headaches, thrills, joys, continual maintenance and upkeep, and everything else that comes with owning a second home we would do it over again in a heartbeat. We love island life and try to spend as much time as we can enjoying our new home.

blamona

I'm so sorry I put you on the spot! I didn't mean too. I do feel that after those experiences, you really get to really know an island, and island life in general. We bought an already built house, and that was frustrating enough.(but well worth it). I think it gives total creedence to discribing the islands, and I appreciate you sharing. It's great, not only to have a dream, but to see people achieve it!!! Thanks!

ejcrowe

I almost replied to this post saying "Sunnyboy won't say, he's quite private about that" and now here he's revealed to us all. Congrats to both of you for fulfilling a dream most of us have. Nevis--you lucky sumbitch!

Sunnyboy

Oh, you didn't put me on the spot. I could have easily ignored your question. You are right, it does help how you describe not only the island where you have your home but other islands as well. You look at things from a different perspectivegive you a great feel for island life.

For all those out there who have the same dream my best advice is 1) Do Your homework - research EVERYTHING yourself and don't rely on others, 2) Remember things move on "Island Time" - if you are in a rush don't do it and 3) You can't do this "on the cheap" - no matter how accurate your pre-purchase or pre-construction estimates are you will be significantly over-budget and behind schedule almost from day one.

Sunnyboy

To ejcrowe - I guess blamona caught me at a weak moment but I'll still keep which house is mine a secret. By the way, your posts are very informative and accurate.

lizpereira

Sunnyboy, you should become a member of new forum for St. Kitts & Nevis lovers.

http://www.discover-stkitts-nevis-beaches.com

Your input on Nevis would be helpful to future visitors.

brenandg

Sunnyboy,
I have been reading your excellent posts since last year and will admit that it was an ongoing thing with me for what reason I don't know, to figure out where your second home was. It was like solving a puzzle reading your posts. I am surprised to say that I figured it out. I initially thought it might be Virgin Gorda. End of the mystery. I'm happy for you and your wife to have fulfilled that dream

Sunnyboy

To brenandg - Ah! Virgin Gorda was a good guess. It's one of my favorite islands and we seriously looked there but we couldn't find a piece of property in our price range that met our needs.

ejcrowe

I had though VG at first, too, then switched my guess to Nevis. It's about the only island in the upper part of the BWI chain that when Sunnyboy was giving advice that he didn't say "I live on a nearby island" or words to that effect.

So thanks for all of your great advice through the years--and especially for the help with my Nevis trip last fall. The next time my husband and I are there we'll raise a glass in your honor.