Brochures might not always show it, but there’s a broad diversity of real estate for sale in the Virgin Islands. St. John, with its limited housing availability, is a prime example. An off-the-grid cabin in the wild, a snazzy apartment near town, a barren plot of land to build on, a hilltop house celebrated on a TV show about amazing homes — St. John has them all.
Looking for a place to get away from it all and unplug for a while? This one-room eco cabin in peaceful Bordeaux might be the spot. There’s literally nowhere to plug in. Located at the edge of the National Park, the cottage used to have solar power and a composting toilet, according to listing agents at 340 Real Estate.
A short hike through bay rum trees at the end of a road, the 420-square-foot cottage does not have permits and is non-conforming but located on a very buildable slope with a lovely view of the British Virgin Islands. Although realtors list it as a “must-see” property, do so at your own risk. The seller, asking $399,000, will not accept liability.
Too remote?
Walking distance to Cruz Bay, the right buyer could get an 825-square-foot efficiency apartment for $525,000. That may seem small compared to other vast estates, but it is pretty big considering the average Manhattan apartment is just over 700 square feet. If the condo between Enighed and Bethany was in the garbage-strewn Big Apple, some quick math has it selling for nearly $1.33 million. And there’s no chance of snow in St. John.
Dubbed Juliette, it is one of two studio apartments available at the Serendip Road condos, which has 10 units, a shared pool, a barbecue area, and two dedicated parking areas. It offers sunset views, professional landscaping, an on-site grounds manager and more. For sale furnished, the well-decorated studio has room for a queen-size bed and a king-size bed to sleep a total of four people, and a private patio with furniture. Built in 1969, the masonry building has no hurricane damage. Condo fees are $1,149.25.
Something more private?
The two-bedroom, three-bathroom Caribe Breeze villa is perched high on a hillside overlooking Nanny Point. Roughly 1,300 square feet of decking, a masonry swimming pool, and three outdoor showers offer interesting options for vast down-island views. Built in 2005, the 1,650-square-foot indoor space has new doors and windows, large closets, and solar infrastructure by Tesla. All this was documented on the HDTV program House Hunters International. Split unit air conditioners, washer and dryer, refrigerator and stove make it a move-in ready property at $1.099 million. It’s also a proven popular short-term rental.
Rather build your custom dream home?
A short walk from the water in, aptly-named Estate Hard Labor, a quarter-acre of relatively flat land could devour the attention of an ambitious developer. Along Finnigan’s Reef Road—off Coral Bay Road—the unimproved property is a quick walk away from Miss Lucy’s popular restaurant. Listing agents say it’s an easy-building site with a gentle grade and loads of old-world island charm. Current owners are asking $110,000.
