Friday, October 29, 2010

Luxurious Vacation Villa in St. John

St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands



http://www.vinow.com/stjohn/nationalpark/
 Most of St. John is National Park land therefore the natural beauty is unspoiled on much of the island. It also means that real estate on the island comes at a premium. However, do you love hiking, love historic plantations, and love lounging on the beach? Then this island will be heaven to you. Start by visiting the National Park Visitors Center in Cruz Bay where you'll find helpful staff to provide you with all the information you need to make the best of your trip. http://www.nps.gov/viis/index.htm

The weather in the Virgin Islands ranges from the upper 70's to the mid 80 degree range year round. The warm water can drop a few degrees in winter to below 80 which is still warm for most, but may be considered cool for some. If you are concerned about Hurricane Season, they typical season runs from June through November, but is primarily concentrated during the months of August and September. http://www.vinow.com/usvi/weather.php

To get to St. John, you will need to fly into St. Thomas and take a ferry to Cruz Bay. http://www.vinow.com/stjohn/getting_there/

Watch the Video at Hulu.com
Grace & Harith of Philadelphia, PA are looking for a peaceful getaway in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
They are looking for a property that could be rented while they are away.
The couple loves the serenity of St. John.

Wishlist:
Looking for a large kitchen with an island and big enough for entertaining.
4 bedrooms + 4 bathrooms
Location with a view
Add their touches, classy and elegant.
Large Deck and a pool
$2-3M budget

Average home in St. John is $1.6M
John McCann, Realtor is assisting Grace & Harith with their search.
John McCann & Associates at Cruz Bay Properties
http://www.realestateonstjohn.com/

#1 Luxurious Condo
4 Bed + 4.5 Bath
$2,350,000
3,000sf
New development with ongoing construction.
24' Vaulted open beam ceilings with tongue and groove Cypress.
Lots of windows and water view
New construction going on for about a year.
Large new kitchen.
Upstairs full bedroom and bath flanked by decks.
Each bedroom has it's own bathroom.
Master bedroom is downstairs, but the neighbors are right outside the window.
Custom mahogany closet shelving.
Overlooking St. Thomas
High end finishes and appliances
No privacy. Pool has to be shared with others.

*#2 Ocean Views
Point Rendevous
http://www.virginislandsplacestostay.com/vacation-rentals/details.cfm?id=4327
St. John, USVI Blog
4 Bed + 4 1/2 half bath
$3M
High celings
Travertine floors
Granite counters
Celing fans
Carribbean views
Stainless steel but not high end appliances.
Pool and hot tub
Master bedroom with a balcony and a breeze
Jetted bathtub. Large cistern for water. Dual head shower.
Master suite with 1.5 bath, gym, media room all downstairs.
Electricity may run $2000 month.
Not close to town.

#3 Beautifully Landscaped
$2M
3000sf
4 Bed + 4 Bath
Furniture is included. Rentals already booked.
Breakfast bar
Open floor plan
Balcony with a view off the living room.
Washer/Dryer
2+2 on each level
Glass block showers with travertine tiles
Lower level great room is very similar to living room and kitchen upstairs. Pool is accesible from this level.
Outdoor shower with a view near the pool. The pool is fiberglass and that's a downside.
Parking is limited as well, but walking distance from town


They decided on House #2 at Point Rendevous. They've wanted to do this for years. First big project together. They can see 5 bays and on a clear day St. Croix. Lots of funiture from travels. Love the chef's kitchen.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Greek Vacation Homes HHINT-1605H

Greek Vacation Homes Along The Mediterranean Coast
HHINT-1605H
http://www.hgtv.com/house-hunters-international/greek-vacation-homes-along-the-mediterranean-coast/index.html
Realtor Stefania O'Connor of O'Connor Properties, an expert at finding affordable vacation homes, assists Anne Marie O'Sullivan and Andonis Rokakis of Athens, Greece find a nearby vacation home on the Mediterranean coast.
O'Connor Properties
Anne Marie, a teacher and aspiring artist, and Andonis, a language teacher, both have summers off and would like to enjoy their free time away from the heat, noise, and crowds of Athens. They would like their vacation home to be close by so they can use it frequently. Their area of choice is Stoupa in Mani, Greece about 180 miles SW of Athens. Stoupa is known for its stone cottages and clear blue water.

http://www.bestplacetotravel.com/2010-02-best-new-places-to-travel-in-2010.html
Find fresh air, nightlife, restaurants and beautiful beaches in the small village of Stoupa.
Stoupa, Greece Official Website

WISH LIST:
$350K budget
Good views
Creative space for Anne Marie's artwork
Close to the sea


Similar home: http://oconnorproperties.gr/viewItem.asp?idproduct=501
 #1 "Needs Landscaping
On a hillside
3 bed + 2 baths
1400sf
$350K
Needs landscaping
$259/sf
Inviting patio
Shaded backyard and Cicadas making loud noises
Balcony off master suite would be a nice painting studio
Second floor has open living/dining plan with a loft for guests or storage
Kitchen opens to balcony

#2 Over Budget
Hills to the SE of Stoupa beach
$365K
$280/sf
Wood and stone inside the house are popular in the Mani peninsula. The stone keeps the heat out in the summer and the warmth in during winter.
Views of the sea
Pool
Separate apartment

#3 Smallest House.
On a bluff and closest to the beach.
$350K
2 Bd + 2 Bath
Open living plan.
Large Master Bath.
Marble counters in the kitchen.
Very traditional style house.
Walking distance to the beach.

They chose House Number 3. They love that the beach is so close and the overall feeling of the house, especially the views. After 3 months they still had not taken possession of the house. Buying a house in Greece is a long process.