Hawksnest Cottage is on the coveted North Shore, a supreme location shared by only few other houses, minutes from St. John's world- renowned National Park beaches, surrounded by National Park, yet a short drive from Cruz Bay. Perched 97-feet above Hawksnest Bay, the spectacular home looks across the water to Caneel Bay peninsula, and further west to the sunset over St. Thomas and other outer-islands. The green hills of the national park frame the breathtaking view--no houses in sight. The cottage has been lovingly and completely renovated, twice: once just before Hurricane Irma, and a second time following Irma's devastation. Thanks to eco-pioneer and architect Doug White, Hawksnest gives guests the unique experience of living in simple elegance, surrounded by the sights and sounds of one of the most beautiful parks in the world. Air conditioning is available in the bedroom suites if needed. Ceiling fans and breezes are throughout the house.
A sample of a day at Hawksnest: For breakfast, enjoy the screened-in open air intimacy with the sights and sounds of nature. Walk the trail to Denis Bay at dawn. Take a swim at Gibney/Oppenheimer beach, a walk or short drive away, or in the new infinity plunge pool. Hop on an open air taxi to take you to the starting points for wonderful National Park hikes. Visit a different beach every day, or return to your favorites. Enjoy spectacular sunsets from the living room, view or pool decks. For dinner, try the restaurants of Cruz Bay (8 minute drive) or Coral Bay, or serve up fresh fish and Josephine's greens on the screened dining porch. Retire to the master suite, which includes a custom King bed, a dressing area, bathroom and an al fresco stone shower, or the privacy of the downstairs suite, also with a custom King, where the view is equally beautiful. Cap the day with a dip in the infinity pool, under stars dimmed only by moonlight or the sparkling lights of St. Thomas.
Hawksnest Cottage has a history that reflects the beauty and resilience that are St. John. Built by hand, she sheltered her original owners and their guests for 25 years. A year of renovation by current owners gave old guests and new a sweet nine months until the fall of 2017, when Hawksnest lost her roof to Hurricane Irma. Ten days later, Hurricane Maria added two feet of water into the open house.
With patience and care, Hawksnest Cottage was restored again, this time with steel bones, a mountain coral floor, and an infinity plunge pool and sundeck inspired by nearby Mampoo House. It was a labor of love and stewardship, and we were so pleased to be able to again welcome guests starting in December, 2019. Hawksnest Cottage meets the rigorous standards of St. John's Island Green Living Association for low impact design and use of sustainable materials. We have used sustainably-harvested tropical hardwoods wherever possible; we recycle our gray water for plant use, and we have a full array of new solar panels on the roof. We hope our guests will both appreciate this and live within this spirit of conservation during their stay.
The beauty of Hawksnest Cottage and its location makes it tempting to stay put. But there is so much to explore! The National Park/North Shore road is a 5 minute walk/2 minute drive up the cottage driveway and along a hillside dirt road. It's a short walk and quick drive to many of the North Shore beaches, and just a 10 minute ride to Cruz Bay, with its galleries, shops and restaurants. In the other direction, the rest of the spectacular North Shore unfolds. Most guests choose to rent a car--usually a jeep--to be able to more easily explore the island, and carry cooler and other beach equipment; if so, you should reserve a small 4 or all-wheel drive vehicle on St. John. Our short driveway is steep, but wide enough to turn a 2 door jeep around easily. A larger vehicle can also turn around in the driveway, with a few points and a little patience. Taxis do not make the 1/4 mile trip from the North Shore Rd. to the Cottage, so guests who do not rent a car will need to plan for a 4-6 minute walk, with one steep section, and bring a good flashlight for nighttime. You can easily arrange for grocery delivery.
We look forward to your visit and have no doubt that you will want to return. It is a special privilege to fall asleep to the sound of gentle waves, wake up to the glow of the sun rising over the hillside behind you, with a day of exploring or relaxing ahead--all without needing to drive anywhere, if you so choose. St. John is unique among Caribbean islands. Hawksnest Cottage is unique on St. John.
Keywords: Hawksnest Cottage, Private Home, North Shore, St. John, Inside the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park, Walk to Beaches, Ecological design
