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Rebecca's Fancy -- Only cottage on sandy Hansen Bay Beach
| Sleeps | 2 |
| Bedrooms | 1 |
| Bathrooms | 1 |
| Space | 500 sq. ft. |
| Property type | cottage |
| Minimum Stay | 5 - 7 nights |
Overview
Cottage, 1 Bedroom + Other (See Description), 1 Bath, (Sleeps 2)
Rebecca's Fancy is ideal for couples who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA, kayaking, SOP, sailing, hiking, star gazing, fishing, and beach combing right outside your door. Shallow calm waters, cool tropical tradewinds, lush landscaping, amazing rainbows, and enchanting starry nights await.
The spotless air-conditioned, one bedroom, one bath cottage has full kitchen with dishwasher, decks and patio with chaise lounges and gas grill. Rebecca's Fancy was designed and equipped with full amenities for your comfort and convenience. Nature provides all the sights, sounds and smells.
The friendly easy-going island of St. John remains one of the most pristine and uncrowded in the Caribbean. Most of St. John's land (2/3's) and surrounding waters are managed by the United States National Park Service. Rebecca's Fancy is located on the east end of St John on Hansen Bay, directly across from the accessible sandy beach.
After driving through the National Park's Hurricane Hole you arrive at the quiet East End that is remote and completely surrounded by aquamarine crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and breathtaking views. Several uncrowded beaches are a walk away. A relaxing ten minute drive to Coral Bay and you will enjoy dining, live music, horseback riding and boutique shopping. National Park activities are nearby.
Because our electricity is expensive and unreliable we installed a 8kwh solar system in 2013. We are powering the cottage and main house 100% with solar power and a battery backup system.
Keywords: One Bedroom, One Bath Stand alone Cottage By the Sea
About JAY & ATHENA CALL 340-715-3002
Greetings, after living in the Philadelphia area our entire lives and raising our 3 children there, we relocated to St. John in 2002 fulfilling a 12 year dream (plan)of living in our paradise. We have been fortunate to have traveled and visited many beautiful places around the world. When we first visited St John in 1989 we knew we found our paradise.
We designed and built Rebecca's Fancy ourselves to provide a practical and fun place to enjoy all that St John has to offer. Athena and I take pleasure in sharing our blessings with others. As our guests, you too will enjoy the magical sights, sounds and smells of St. John. Athena and Jay Swartley
JAY & ATHENA CALL 340-715-3002 purchased this cottage in 2006
Why JAY & ATHENA CALL 340-715-3002 chose East End
We choose this property because of it's proximity to the beach and the sea 100 feet away! St. John is a small 20 square mile mountainous island with a limited number of properties that are on the water. Rebecca's Fancy is less than a quarter mile from the end of the road that begins at the ferry dock in Cruz Bay. This provides us a very quiet, peaceful place to live and enjoy all that St John has to offer.
What makes this cottage unique
Living in a private, quiet and safe community is a blessing. Most of our neighbors are full time residents. We chose to live here because we are remote and we hear the lapping up of the Hansen Bay waves, very serene...
Guestbook comments from the owner
Athena's knowledge of the East End was limitless. Her willingness to show us around was more than we could have ever hoped for. Even though we were here off season and most restaurants were closed, we had great meals at Island Blues and The Tourist Trap. Our favorite snorkel was right here in Hansen Bay. We look forward to our next visit.
Amenities
Estate Hansen Bay Cottage Accommodation and Amenities
- cottage
- Guests provide their own meals
- Housekeeper Optional
- 500 sq. ft.
- Check-in: 3:00 PM /
- Check-out: 10:00 AM
- Max. occupancy: 2
- Not suitable for children ...
- Parties/events not allowed ...
- Pets not allowed
- Non smoking only ...
- Beach ...
- Beach View ...
- Ocean View ...
- Rural ...
- Adventure
- Away From It All
- Romantic
- Activities Guide
- Air Conditioning
- Alarm Clock
- Basic Soaps
- Broadband Access ...
- Ceiling Fans
- Filtered Water
- Hair Dryer
- Internet
- Iron & Board
- Linens Provided
- Local Activities Guide
- Local Maps
- Local Restaurant Guide
- Paper Towels
- Parking ...
- Parking Off Street
- Sofa Bed
- Telephone ...
- Toilet Paper
- Towels Provided
- Wireless Internet ...
- Blender
- Catering Available
- Coffee Maker
- Cooking Utensils
- Dishes & Utensils
- Dishwasher
- Freezer
- Kitchen ...
- Microwave
- Pantry Items
- Refrigerator
- Stove ...
- Stove
- Toaster
- Dining Area
- seating for 2 people
- 1 Bathroom
-
Bathroom 1 -
- 1
- 1 Bedroom, Sleeps 2
- King size beds (1), Twin or Single Beds (2), Sleep Sofa or Futons (1) Twin day bed in great room.
- Books
- Books for Adults
- CD Player
- DVD Player
- Games ...
- Music Library ...
- Stereo
- Video Library ...
- Balcony
- Beach Chairs
- Beach Towels
- Binoculars
- Deck / Patio
- Lanai / Gazebo
- Lawn / Garden
- Outdoor Grill
- Outdoor Grill Gas
- Patio
- Porch / Veranda
- Small Cooler
- Unscreened Porch / Veranda
- Walkway to Water
- Water Sports Gear ...
- Low Allergen Environment
- alternative lifestyle
- wheelchair accessible
- Massage
- bay/sound
- churches
- coin laundry
- duty free shops
- forests
- health/beauty spa
- library
- museums
- playground
- reefs
- restaurants
- ruins
- beachcombing
- bird watching
- boating
- eco tourism
- horseback riding
- miniature golf
- photography
- scenic drives
- shelling
- shopping
- sight seeing
- walking
- whale watching
- wildlife viewing
- ATM/bank
- fitness center
- groceries
- hospital
- laundromat
- massage therapist
- medical services
- deepsea fishing
- fishing
- hiking
- kayaking
- mountain biking
- mountain climbing
- mountaineering
- sailing
- scuba diving or snorkeling
- snorkeling
- snorkeling/diving
- sound/bay fishing
- surf fishing
- swimming
- wind-surfing
Reviews
Wonderful!
4.8/5 -
(18 traveler reviews)
Paradise in all it's perfection
As always travelling to a new destination and property can be a little stressful, the new angle at driving the steep roads (on the Left) and managing luggage and time takes it's toll on your first day. Athena greeted us and walked us through their beautiful cottage and grounds upon arrival and she even had dinner packaged for us for that first night so we could relax and have that worry taken off our minds! We unpacked and made ourselves at home. We weren't looking for the hustle and bustle or party scene. We were looking for calm and peaceful, relaxed days and evenings. That's what you get! The bay is gorgeous and very private and has great snorkeling and gets you in the island mode instantly. The cottage was perfect for us. We drove in to Coral bay had lunch the next day and stocked up on the things we would need, groceries, beer wine etc. We literally would just sit on the patio deck and watch the clouds, sunsets and wildlife and read and just talk and relax. You can open the shutters to all the windows in the house during the morning and during the day and get a breeze through the house and at night close them to turn on the AC for a cool nights sleep. The kitchen had everything you would need to prepare lunches for your excursions or to cook dinner and sit by candle light on the deck and look out over the most beautiful sunsets and Caribbean waters. At night you could sit there and listen to the sounds of the tree frogs and night creatures, total peace! We had wonderful conversations with Jay, the host as he would take his nightly swim. We are by nature inquisitive of the areas where we stay and he gave tons of history about the East End and the Island. I can't say enough how this place fit us perfectly! If you like getting away from the beaten path and enjoy the ability to escape and relax in a beautiful setting and great private accommodations as a couple, this place is for you! You are just a drive away from low key Coral Bay where you can hit the market for supplies, Skinny Legs for a great burger, Shipwreck cove and Aqua Bistro for bay side dining with a view. You are 40 minutes away from Cruz bay and all it's entertainment and shopping as well as all the North Shore beaches. Always knowing that you have your cottage in paradise awaiting you at Rebecca's Fancy. Thanks Jay and Athena for making us feel at home and welcome. We will be back and recommend to our friends, Rebecca's Fancy! Chuck & Sandra Lewisville TX
ALL THE LITTLE THINGS....!
It started with our 1st inquiry about this property...
ALL THE LITTLE THINGS
~how quick Jay & Athena were to respond~ALWAYS
~their patience in answering all our questions
~sharing tons of "need to know" info before we even left for St John
ALL THE LITTLE THINGS
~how "at home" we felt the minute we arrived at Rebecca's Fancy, as if Jay & Athena were welcoming old friends
~being greeted with a freshly baked rum cake (paradise indeed!!)
~a bouquet of local flowers for the table
ALL THE LITTLE THINGS
~a clean, cozy, comfortable cottage with all the comforts of home
~a well appointed kitchen with everything you could possibly need
~spaghetti & meatballs in the fridge on our day of arrival after 2 long days of travel(talk about thoughtfulness!)
ALL THE LITTLE THINGS
~being directly across the street from the beach (Hansen Bay is one of the best snorkeling areas on the island!)
~the beauty and peacefulness of the East End
~the donkeys surprise visit in the driveway one evening
~the bull finches demanding some of our breakfast every morning on the deck
~the hummingbirds, bananaquits & nightly serenade of frogs & crickets
~the beauty of the East End (oh, I already said that!)
ALL THE LITTLE THINGS
~the wealth of local knowledge Jay & Athena will readily share with you (if you want to know about it)
~the conversations Jay & Athena will have with you IF you invite them for a chat
~the feeling like you are at home (oh, I already said that too!)
It was ALL THE LITTLE THINGS that added up to one incredible stay at Rebecca's Fancy. Thank you Jay & Athena for EVERYTHING and for sharing your beautiful property with the rest of us, who can only pretend for a mere week or two that we live on a Caribbean island. You, both, make Rebecca's Fancy as special as it is. Thank you for your kindness, your generousity, and for thinking of ALL THOSE LITTLE THINGS!!!
Secluded Hide Away
If you like hilly terrain and not-crowded beaches, then the east end of St. John is for you. If you like night life, shopping, restaurants, and a broad selection of groceries.... not so much. This little cottage on a very steep hill is a wonderful get-away in the midst of the Caribbean madness. Just two rooms (bedroom and great room, containing a small dining table and kitchette) plus a 3/4 bath, it is great for a couple. Any more than that (even one kid) would be TOO MUCH. Clean, tidy, and comes with pretty much everything you need other than groceries: full fridge, double sink, dishwasher, microwave, stovetop, toaster-oven (in lieu of a real oven, so no frozen pizzas, no baking). Utensils, knives, openers, paper owls, dishes etc. linens, towels (including beach towels), and you can borrow their beach chairs and snorkel equipment.
It is as far away from population centers as you can get, so no dealing with the crowds of St. Thomas or Cruz Bay. But that means a 25-minute winding drive to the nearest mini-mart or mediocre restaurant (Vie's Snack Shack closed up, so no food for sale on the far east end of St. John anymore). The very pretty beach right across the road is never completely empty of people, but also never crowded, and you can rent water-sports equipment there. Great snorkeling right in that beach, a 3-minute walk from your door. Other nice beaches a mile or so away, and many others within a 40-minute winding-hilly drive. You will absolutely need to rent a jeep to stay in this place, as there is no other reliable transportation to get you to or from there.
The cottage itself is fairly new, so it is in great condition. Balcony on 2 sides lets you watch the beach in the morning and the sunset at night. Jay and Athena are great and very interesting people, who will let you completely alone if you want, or will spend all the time you need talking with you on any topic whatsoever. They are wonderful hosts and wonderful people.
Jay collects and treats his own water, so the tap water is fantastic (no need to buy bottled water, except for excursions to the beach). He has also put the whole place on Solar power, so when the power goes out (which it did every day but one of our stay), you generally don't suffer, because your power is from his solar (not from the grid). ONE exception is A/C: that's from the grid. So if you need cool nights to sleep, be warned that the A/C might be iffy at night. We would definitely return.
Wonderful Rental on East End; Rebecca's Fancy
We just returned from our third stay at Rebecca's Fancy. We are already planning our next visit.
The immaculate one bedroom guest house...so comfortable...one bathroom, air conditioned with solar power for possible power failures is amazingly lovely and comfortable. The wraparound deck where we had many a dinner gazing out at Hansen Bay and the night and the stars gave us such pleasure.
The cottage has cooking facilities in a well furnished kitchen area and a grill and patio in the back. It is a short walk to Hansen Bay which has wonderland snorkeling,,,both healthy, beautiful coral and all kinds of sea life. It is also a great beach for just swimming.
The owners are so knowledgable, great to talk to, make sure you have whatever you need and unobtrusive so you always have privacy. We look forward to our next stay at Rebecca's Fancy.
Judith and Stuart Parker
Heaven!
We first stayed at Rebecca's Fancy over Thanksgiving 2016 and loved it so much....we returned on Christmas Day and stayed through New Years 2017! It is perfect for a couple who really want to get away from it all. The cottage is adorable, very clean, comfortable, well stocked with everything one would need (minus a full size oven, but that is ok for us because we love to grill). You wake up to roosters and the sounds of the sea which is literally across the road with nothing else around you! The view is beautiful and Hansen's Bay is remote, doesn't get crowded except for Sunday Funday when the local folks love to come and bring their dogs, which we loved. We met lots of interesting people and got our dog fix especially with the official Hansen Bay pooch, Fred who is a sweet black pit bull who loves to retrieve coconuts out of the water and wants to swim with everyone! We loved Hansen Bay because we love to snorkel and the water is pretty calm there and there are lots of reefs to explore. Kayaking and Paddle boarding are great here as well. The owners of the property live above the cottage and are incredibly warm and helpful. If you're lucky, you may even get a jar of honey that the owner gathers herself! I would say that you must have a car if you're staying on the East End and that taxi's are tough to get out there. If you go at Christmas, you MUST reserve your jeep as far ahead of time as possible! Skinny Legs and Indigo Grill are a short drive away and were our favorites. We love to cook so we got a big load of groceries from Cruz Bay and stocked the fridge...I would recommend doing that because even though it isn't far distance wise, the speed limit and terrain can make that trip longer. Overall, there isn't much traffic except for downtown Cruz Bay. We highly recommend staying here if you love serenity and nature!
Paradise!
What a beautiful location! We loved the natural beauty, the quiet, and the laid-back vibe. The donkeys, chickens, sheep and goats were just another aspect of the away-from-it-all charm of this place. Snorkeling in Hansen Bay was the best!
Jay gave us lots of helpful advice, and the cottage was comfortable and nicely decorated.
Thanks again for sharing your little piece of paradise with us.
Map
Scuba, Snorkeling, sailing, paddle boarding, kayaking with great hiking trails, historical ruins explorations.
Photos
Rates & Availability
- Available
- Unavailable
Additional information about rental rates
| Damage Deposit | $500 |
All Rates are subject to the 12.5% VI Hotel Occupancy Tax which is added to the rate quoted for your stay.
60 Day Cancellation - Full Refund. Less than 60 Days we will refund up to 50% if we re-book the same dates.
Owner's Cancellation Policy
- 50% refund if canceled at least 30 days before arrival date.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date.
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