Gun Point

A magnificent 5-1/2-acre peninsula is the site of this historic island property - Gun Point's exceptional location within a private estate on this promontory provides a profound sense of peace and solitude. The very top of Gun Point was long ago used as a cannon emplacement which fired out to sea at pirate ships venturing too near the coastline. Now a nature trail leads to this serene and breezy spot for cocktails at sunset, with superb sea views of passing yachts and green islets and cays. This very English estate was built in 1969 around Gun Point's original 18th-century gunpowder store; as there were no roads in those days, all building materials had to be brought in by sea to Gun Point's jetty and then trotted to the site by a donkey named Liz.

This dock nowadays is the perfect spot for snorkeling and swimming, and the estate is still in the family. The property was completely renovated in 2005 to a high standard of updated luxury, reviving the holiday magic enjoyed at Gun Point decades ago. Gun Point now offers five air-conditioned bedrooms in two pavilions, all facing out to sea and built adjacent to the new state-of-the-art, low-chemical pool. The Main House comprises the living area, equipped with a high-end media system, and a custom kitchen which opens out to a covered living/dining terrace with a built-in gas grill. This spacious terrace looks out to the beach at Smugglers Cove.

Gun Point's air-conditioned bedrooms are all named in a British family tradition: in the Main House, the king master bedroom/bath suite, which is built within the original gunpowder store, is "Union." This suite has its own private terrace and also accesses the main terrace. "Jack" is the other bedroom/bath suite, which also has french doors opening to the main terrace. Steps from the covered terrace lead to the infinity-edge pool and sun deck, an outdoor pool shower, and to three paths. One path leads you to your own private dock, 150 feet from the house, with steps for easy access into the ocean. The dock house is full of amenities for fishing and snorkeling, and a deck on the dock house roof is perfect for lunch or sundown cocktails. The second path takes you to the top of the Point where the cannons used to be, and the third path threads through tropical landscaping to Smugglers Cove beach.

A native stone walkway connects to Gun Point's Guest Pavilion, with three more bedrooms and a study: "Fish," a king suite, and "Chips," a suite with a king or two twin beds, both have air-conditioning, ensuite baths and private terraces. And "Salt" is the double-bed bedroom which shares the bath with "Chips." On the slightly-lower level is "Pepper," offering a study with air-conditioning, a home office with computer, a double sofabed and a half bath with a covered alfresco shower just outside - perfect for teenagers.

This wonderful, electronically-gated family estate offers serene, secluded luxury for guests of all ages, a sense of history, and a spacious and relaxing island hideaway for groups large and small. Enjoy the Caribbean seascape in one of Tortola's most peaceful and private homes - gourmet magic in the kitchen, superb snorkeling, sun-kissed days at the beach and romantic nights of stargazing, the sound of soothing waves, and the natural beauty surrounding this very special place will enchant you.

This villa can accommodate two additional guests on a sofabed. Please call for these rates.

Amenities

• 2 satellite TVs (a 36" TV in Great Room + a 32" TV in 'Union' master suite), DVD player, Sonos surround sound + outdoor-zoned system, iPod docks with clock radios in all bedrooms, movie collection, books, games. A/C in study + in all bedrooms, DSL line with Wi-Fi throughout villa + at pool for your laptop, office with laptop computer, answering machine; wine fridge, hair dryers, safe for valuables, built-in gas grill; 2 full size wooden baby cribs, 2 highchairs + child rails for bed; hammock, fishing gear available plus a large selection of snorkel gear for guests; automatic generator, electronic entry gate, dishwasher. Personal laundry will be done at no extra charge by housekeeper. Gun Point's private dock is just 150 feet from the terrace for excellent snorkeling. Walk to the white sands of Smugglers Cove beach via a shaded path from Gun Point (just a 5 or 6-minute walk, approximately 600 yards away).

Bedrooms

• Main House: "Union" 1 king + "Jack" 2 twins (OR 1 king, your choice). Guest Pavilion: "Fish" 1 king, "Chips" 2 twins (OR 1 king, your choice), "Salt" double bed, + "Pepper" double bed in A/C'ed study. Double sofabed in living room.

Bathrooms

• + 1 alfresco covered shower outside, and 1 outdoor shower at pool

Beach

• Nearest Beach: Walk to Smugglers Cove beach along a shaded path (about 5-6 minutes' walk), or snorkel + swim right off the private dock

Pool

• 12' x 21' x 4.5' deep (a state-of-the-art low-chemical pool with infinity edge)

Staff

• Housekeeping: Five days per week (your choice of which five days)

Villa Notes

• Children Welcome

Additional Villa Notes

• Most photos by Don Hebert.
• A 7-night minimum at full Thanksgiving rate required on all rentals which occur during any portion of the Thanksgiving holiday week.