Real Estate Review
Everything You Need to Know About Real Estate in the Bahamas |
| Issue 2010-02 |
FEBRUARY 2010
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Welcome to February, the month best known for its focus on love and relationships.
At the beginning of 2010 the HGC management team embarked on what became lightheartedly referred to as our 'world tour'. We personally met with all members of our team in each of our offices across the Bahamas. While relationship building was our focus, we concomitantly wanted to ensure that our team was equipped and in place to deliver excellent client service and grasp emerging opportunities both professionally and personally. What an amazingly exhausting and beneficial experience. Flights at 5AM, intense meeting after meeting merged with tours of breathtaking vistas. Having gained invaluable 'in the trenches' interpersonal and market insights, we emerge confident that this exercise has solidified HG Christie's position as an exceptional source for real estate in the Bahamas in 2010.
Check out my blog; 'Living with Views of Elizabeth Harbour, Exuma' at HGC Blog.
Keeping with the synergistic feel of February, this week became another whirlwind as I flew from private island to private island with a television crew from the land synonymous with love - France. Producing a feature on 'Private Island Living and Ownership', I was targeted by this team of Parisian journalists for being renowned as 'the private island specialist of the Caribbean'. During filming, I fell in love with this magnificent country all over again.
This morning I head out to the snow covered Eastern Seaboard of the United States. As I packed my ski gear and listened to news reports broadcasting blizzard condition updates, I marveled at the beauty of the sun dancing on the clear aqua sea from my window. Hmmmm.... "To Beach or not to beach???"
This February, I encourage you to cultivate your own exceptional relationships and fall in love... with The Bahamas. Check out some of our sweet deals in this month's newsletter along with other fantastic listings offering 'Elegant Island Living'. Lastly, access the superior knowledge of the Bahamas real estate market that HG Christie can surely provide.
Sending "good wibes", as Bahamians would say, to all of our valued clients and friends during the 'month of love',
HG Christie Ltd.  |
Bottle Cay, Eleuthera
Heaven On Earth
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If you have wondered what heaven on earth looked like, well we've found it right here on the southern tip of Eleuthera. Bottle Cay is the most unusual, perfectly eclipse-shaped island seen here in The Bahamas. Imagine the breathtaking joy of seeing every shade of blue imaginable day in and day out on your own private paradise? Comprising 10 acres of lush native vegetation surrounded by natural beauty, total serenity, and treasured privacy. Can we say Bahama bliss?
Bottle Cay's proximity to Eleuthera ensures all the comforts needed for island living or development. Several sand banks providing natural deep water channels and favorable depths to 5 ft., two beautiful white and pink sugar-sand beaches, sparkling turquoise shores, cool tropical trade winds and a delightful palm tree garden all greet you to this tranquil island gem. Water is provided by a rainwater well and there is a small cottage for the adventurous builder, but this is the ideal investment for a development or a private villa.
Just 5 miles away is the resort community of Powell Point at Cape Eleuthera which includes luxury amenities and a brand new full service marina, restaurant, and an intimate and exclusive condo hotel. Eleuthera, the island of freedom, lies 200 miles from Florida and 60 miles east of Nassau. The island is home to three airports - North Eleuthera Airport, Governor's Harbour Airport, and Rock Sound Airport. All three offer daily direct flights to Nassau, and two offer international flights. Eleuthera is an outdoor lover's paradise replete with recreational pursuits such as diving, surfing, snorkeling, and boating - not to mention some of the most stunning beaches and captivating sunsets in the world.
Bottle Cay is truly a rare gem and will cater to anyone looking for their own private bliss. Exclusively offered with HG Christie. Please contact John Christie at john@hgchristie.com or (242) 322 1041.
For more information, visit our listing online at ES11143.
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Meet our Featured 'Island Time' ArtistMarjolein Scott: A Gracious Mermaid at Heart
Marjolein was born on Borneo in Indonesia, of Dutch parents and grew up in Indonesia, East Africa, Hong Kong and Singapore, where she studied classical and oriental dance and fine arts. Marjolein and her Australian husband discovered the island of Abaco many years ago and soon after decided this is where they wanted to call home. Marjolein's medium of choice is watercolours on silk, using oriental and western techniques based on the Indonesian art of Batik. Many of her paintings feature dreamy underwater scenes of mermaids and sea life. The richness and depth of her colours are a result of a scintillating palette of special European silk paints and dyes layered onto each painting, and the surrounding island beauty that inspires her. For more information or to buy Marjolein's work visit: Barefoot-Contessa-Art or Abaco Island Artists.
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Run In Paradise!First Marathon Bahamas will be held Feb. 14th, 2010
This Valentine's Day will make its mark in the history books: our first, very own Marathon Bahamas will be held in Nassau on February 14, 2010.Not only is this exciting news, but we are proud that one of our HG Christie agents, Allison Lafrenier, a.k.a. 'Ripped Chix', and Kathy Knowles from our Property Management team will also be participating in the marathon. Marathon Bahamas will bring together runners and walkers from around The Bahamas as well as internationally. It is anticipated that the marathon will become an annual event attracting more runners and visitors from around the world. This event is designed for participants from a cross-section of the local Bahamian and international communities including: Club runners, National standard runners, Tourist runners, Charity runners and Elite runners.
On Sunday, February 14th 2010, the beautiful city of Nassau and the entire island of New Providence in The Bahamas will awaken to the sounds of feet pounding the pavement of the 26.2 mile course. Road races are not foreign to this island city, however this will be the first marathon on New Providence since the turn of the century, bringing together hundreds of local and international runners in support of local charities. The race will start at 6:00a.m., with runners leaving Fort Montague in the east, running west over both Paradise Island bridges, through historic Nassau along the shoreline to the western end of the island, then looping around to end at Arawak Cay, home of the famous Fish Fry. Marathon Bahamas is being organized into three categories, and participants will be able to run in the full marathon, half marathon and marathon relay.
UNIQUE FEATURE:
The islands of The Bahamas will be celebrated at the water stations [spaced approximately two miles apart], which will each represent the charm and uniqueness of a different Bahamian island, and give the runners the feel of 'running through the islands of The Bahamas'. Each station will have large crowds in island T-shirts, welcoming the runners. There will also be island music and food, thereby creating a 'down home' Bahamian homecoming feel.
"Run in Paradise - Experience a taste of The Bahamas"
For more information. please visit: Marathon Bahamas.
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HGC Buzz
Made for TV
Our HGC Staff gets 'married' in Treasure Cay for UK television
HG Christie Administrative Assistant in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Katrina Lowe, assists in providing web surfing brides beautiful images of Bahamian seaside wedding. Katrina was recently asked to portray a beautiful blushing bride in a 'mock wedding' to be aired on WeddingTV.com. The 'mock wedding' was staged in Treasure Cay, Abaco - renowned for the essence of 'elegant island living', elite visitors, breath-taking beaches and destination weddings.
Katrina stated that she enjoyed the experience and it gave her ideas for her own beachside wedding one day. We believe that while Katrina awaits the 'real deal' she made a gorgeous 'mock' Bahamian Bride.
Breast Cancer Awareness & Fundraiser
HG Christie Sponsors Walk in Marsh Harbour, Abaco
On Saturday, January 23, 2010 the community of Marsh Harbour came together in a show of support and strength for a 3 mile walk and educational seminar to create a survivors directory for support within the community.
In an overwhelming response, over 415 registered walkers took to the streets of Marsh Harbour. Photos of loved ones adorned pink shirts of walkers. Precious images of mothers, daughters and sisters who had fought this deadly disease, some surviving and some who had not. Hope, Courage and Strength were not just words on handmade signs, they were visible on faces and felt in hearts of almost everyone there. Under the direction of HG Christie's, Abaco agent Leah Pinder, a talented and tireless team of professionals, friends and family united to bring awareness and information on Breast Cancer to the community.
Raising over $8000 for the Abaco Chapter of the Cancer Society, this event is one that demonstrated the importance of this issue. We all left this event touched and empowered. HG Christie wishes to extend there deep sense of gratitude to Leah Pinder and her wonderful circle of support for organizing such a phenomenal event. We look forward to next year and what is sure to be an outstanding event.
 Participating HGC Staff from left to right: Bettina Thompson, Nassau office; Trishka Knowles, Abaco office; John Christie, Vice President & Nassau agent; Leah Pinder, Event Coordinator & Abaco agent and Beth Higgs-Mabon, from our Nassau office. |
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Remembering Elisa Pyfrom
Our Eleuthera agent and friend is greatly missed
On January 22, 2010 we all lost a dear friend, family member and co-worker.
Our agents and co-workers share memories and photos of Elisa's life.
Elisa moved to Eleuthera in January 1989 to get away from the corporate world and enjoy a more relaxed out-island lifestyle. Elisa was a
creative, intelligent and warm woman who possessed a wonderful sense of
humor and passion for nature and people. Elisa would send an annual
shipment on the mail boat from Eleuthera of 'the best fruits of the
season' to share among the HG Christie 'city dwellers' in Nassau. She
loved opening her home in Eleuthera to visitors and slicing up a fresh
pick from her yard that she found so much enjoyment in.
 Elisa's beautiful art work from the garden, a place she loved so dearly. These displays were for a fund raising auction held in Eleuthera.
In a communication a few years ago she shared the following: "I started working with HG Christie in 1994/5 and in those days I basically traveled with a cutlass, a faxed copy of a map and my knowledge and yours (Mr. Peter Christie) to show land. I quickly learned that a completely packed cooler was essential..."
Elisa's in-depth knowledge of Eleuthera, it's lifestyle and history, was firsthand from a long family history of Eleutherans. Real Estate provided Elisa great joy, as it allowed her to share with others her passion for this beautiful island and its people.
One of HG Christie's Eleuthera agents, took this photo the day before Elisa's passing in Governor's Harbour. "It was tranquil and still, very early in the morning. I named it 'Ghost Pilings' and sent it to a few people, some of which knew and commented on how fitting it was. I look at it in memory of Elisa. Perhaps this could be shared in some way as Elisa loved this place so very much."
On a recent trip to Eleuthera it was shared how much the community will miss Elisa and we at HG Christie feel the same.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with Elisa's family and loved ones.
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Our Blog:
Horizons
Keep up with our HGC Real Estate Blog
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Upcoming Events:
Don't Miss These Exciting Events!
Saturday, Feb 13 , 2010
Night of Love Under The Stars
Celebrate
Valentine's Day with a pre-Valentine's dinner boat cruise inclusive of
a romantic four course meal and live entertainment onboard the MV Lady Roslynd. Boarding time, 7pm. Boat leaves from eastern end of Potter's
Cay Dock, 8pm. Cost: 75$/per person; $140/per couple. T: 433-9612 or
434-4085.
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February 14, 2010
Marathon Bahamas
Nassau, New Providence
Saturday, Feb 13 - Sunday, Feb 14, 2010
St. Valentine's Day Sailing Regattas on Montagu Bay
The 23rd Annual St. Valentine's Day Massacre Regatta on Montagu Bay features, on Saturday, three C-Class native sloop races and then junior sailor's optimist class races from 12 noon to 5 pm. On Sunday, the 'Catch Me If You Can' race features A- and B-Class sloops. A-Class sloops include the re-built Lady Muriel, Tida Wave, Rupert's Legend, New Courageous, Redstripe, Who Dat, Good News and The Southern Cross. Come enjoy all the sailing fun and great Bahamian food! www.bahamassailing.org
Saturday, Feb 13 & Sunday, Feb 14, 2010
Photographic Fine Art Show For Valentine's Day Weekend
Richard Hokemeir holds his Valentine's Photographic Fine Art Show at the Poop Deck West, Sandyport on both days of the weekend Friday and Saturday, noon through 9 pm. Richard's photos display the warmth and beauty of The Bahamas, and are printed on exotic woven linens, cottons and papers imported from around the globe such as sugar cane paper and torchon. Call: 364-4625. E: hockeypuck@coralwave.com
Friday, Feb 19 - Sunday, Feb 21, 2010
Cape Eleuthera Institute's 2010 Sustainability Conference
Cape Eleuthera Institute presents its second conference of the Sustainablity Series that focuses on basic needs like food, clean water and waste processing. Keynote speaker Christine Todd Whitman confronts development challenges ahead through partnerships and innovative policies. This conference also presents some of the successful models developed at the Cape Eleuthera Institute and The Island School and delivers an action plan to stimulate what is needed to make a green and sustainable Eleuthera attainable. E: conference@ceibahamas.org
Feb 23 - Feb 27, 2010
The Sidney Poitier International Conference and Film Festival
The College of the Bahamas invites students, critics, historians, filmmakers, cultural practitioners and artists to participate in this international conference and film festival dedicated to Bahamian-born actor, director, author and diplomat, Sidney Poitier. Cost: $125/students, $250/academics and filmmakers, $50/day-pass. Contact T: 302-4381 or E: poitierconference@gmail.com. See www.poitierconference.synthasite.com
Saturday, Mar 6, 2010
Red Cross Fair 2010
The Bahamas Red Cross Society holds its annual fair, 12 pm in the Lower Gardens, Government House Grounds. Enjoy a fun-filled day of family entertainment complete with popcorn, conch fritters, hoopla, hamburgers, bingo, disco, game and so much more! Tickets at the gates.
Saturday, Mar 20 - Sunday, Mar 21, 2010
29th International All Breed Dog Show & Obedience Trials
The Bahamas Kennel Club hosts this year's International All Breed Dog Show and Obedience Trials, 9am-2pm daily at the Botanical Gardens. Breed Judges: Barbara Alderman and Rita Bell. Obedience Judges: Gregory Feathers and Kathryn Griner. Tel: 393-1360. E: www.bahamaskennelclub.org
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HG Christie Office Directory
| NASSAU |
Head Office:
Millar's Court
P.O. Box N-8164
Nassau, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 322-1041
Fax: (242) 326-5642
sales@hgchristie.com
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| ABACO |
Abaco Main Office:
P.O. Box AB-20106
Marsh Harbour
Abaco, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 367-5454
Fax: (242) 367-5452
abaco@hgchristie.com
Hope Town/Elbow Cay
Abaco, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 366-0700
Fax: (242) 366-0701
hopetown@hgchristie.com
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| ELEUTHERA |
Eleuthera Main Office:
P.O. Box EL-25148
Governor's Harbour
Phone: (242) 332-3404
Fax: (242) 332-3406
eleuthera@hgchristie.com
Windermere Island
Eleuthera, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 334-2298
Fax: (242) 334-2818
windermere@hgchristie.com
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| EXUMA
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P.O. Box EX-29122
George Town, Exuma, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 336-2274
Fax: (242) 336-2272
exuma@hgchristie.com
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| GRAND BAHAMA
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P.O. Box F-42498/#360
The Mall Drive
(Opposite International Bazaar)
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| TURKS & CAICOS |
P.O. Box 264
Providenciales
Turks & Caicos Islands
Phone: (649) 231-2110
Fax: (649) 946-5425
sales@hgchristie.com | |
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