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Nestled into the hillside, 500' above the ocean, Summer Heights is situated on Tortola's south coast just a short drive from the beaches, shops and night life of the island. Guests who stay at Summer Heights, describe the villa as a peaceful hideaway with amazing views that seem to go on for ever. We believe it is one of the best views in Tortola! Overlooking the Sir Francis Drake channel one can see over the first mountain range of St. John into Coral Bay in the west to Ginger Island in the east. On a clear day, you can even see St Croix, over 30 miles away. If you are an early riser, the sunrise is spectacular! At night, the clear,uncluttered sky offers a wonderful opportunity for star gazing.
The villa is approached up a winding road through the breezy green hills of the private residential area known as Havers Estate. On arrival, a broad staircase of Mexican coral tile leads through the double entry doors to a sunny enclosed courtyard with an expansive deck of crushed coral. This is where you find the swimming pool, lined with cobalt blue tiles.
A roofed poolside area provides a beautiful setting for casual dining, with the adjacent gourmet kitchen and bar immediately at hand. A curved glass brick wall separates the kitchen from the very spacious lounge. Here you find comfortable, overstuffed sofas for lounging in front of the TV, as well as a large teak dining table that seats eight people in comfort and a computer desk.
Just along the deck from the lounge, are the four similar, air-conditioned king bedroom suites with baths. The two lower suites open onto a semi-shaded deck hung with a double hammock while the upper two suites open to private balconies. Each suite features a beautiful, teak king four-poster bed, and has its own cable TV with VCR. All suites have ocean views.
Summer Heights is a relaxed and restful haven conveniently located to town, shops, restaurants and West End beaches. It's an easy 10 minute drive to Road Town where you will find the three main fully stocked supermarkets. The closest beach is at Long Bay, a ten minute drive west and Smuggler's Cove, which we think is Tortola's best beach, is just another few minutes further on. Nanny Cay Marina, a watersports and boating centre,is less than five minutes from Summer Heights. Here you will find Blue Water Divers, where you can rent snorkel gear or arrange to go SCUBA diving. There is also a tennis court, if you feel energetic!
Barry & Rosalind Rice, the owners of Summer Heights, personally built and now maintain the villa in immaculate condition. Originally from England, their own accommodations are tucked away on the lower eastern side of the property, completely separate from the villa's amenities. For more than 20 years, they have hosted guests on their beautiful 72-foot sailing yacht, Endless Summer II, in the BVI. If she is not on charter, ask about the possibility of a day sail to one of the neighbouring islands. Barry & Roz are always available to offer advice on where to go & what to do. However, they will respect your wish for total privacy, if you so indicate. |