A Blog About Turks and Caicos Real Estate by Karen Shaw
We have the luxury of having one of the owners of our company that has been living here since 1967 (and I have a hard time remembering what it was like 14 years ago) and can only imagine the changes he has seen! We often hear stories of the “good old days” from him and I thought it was about time to share some of them…especially this one.
He had recently finished surveying a large section of land known as Blue Mountain and ended up with an odd shaped parcel that he thought might be difficult to sell. Since there was very little commerce (or people for that matter) back then, he decided why not try and barter with the land for something that he really, really, really wanted and was hard to come by. After some very quick deliberation, he came up with ice cream…yes…ice cream. Can you imagine? Well he did indeed make a deal with the owner of the ice cream shop (now long gone) for a year’s worth of free ice cream anytime he wanted in exchange for that parcel of land. He even had a framed deed of the transaction in his old office (that was unfortunately destroyed by a fire) that no longer exists but his memory of that ice cream sure does!
Just a quick note in closing…property in Blue Mountain today is worth anywhere from $200K to $500K. I wish I had an ice cream shop back then!
Karen Shaw
Well really it’s not, but an entertaining evening was had by all when the TCREA Social Committee hosted the premier of the movie “It’s Complicated” with Meryl Streep last night to raise funds for the Gartland Youth Center of Providenciales.
Thanks to all who attended and enjoyed a mojito or two for a good cause.
Check back with us to see what’s on tap for the next fundraiser.
Sole ownership of a dream vacation home has some competition these days…fractionalizing. I recently visited two beautiful homes here in Turks and Caicos that Elite Destination Homes is using to do just that.
Fractionalizing your property allows you to maintain ownership of your dream home, while monetizing a part of its equity. It can also help you reduce the overhead and worries of ownership — and possibly even generate revenue.
Essentially these specialists in fractionalizing can put together a small private ownership group to acquire available shares of your home. They may join you as a partner, managing your property and providing all the owner services expected, or will have a representative on island to take care of your needs before and during your stay. You can have your personal things in an owners lock up to be put out for you only when you are using your home, eliminating the feeling of a rental property.
It may not be the right option for you but certainly worth a look for some discerning buyers!
Karen Shaw
Another successful triathalon was held in the Turks and Caicos Islands this past Sunday with individual, team and youth participants some 64 strong. The meet consisted of a 600 meter swim starting on Grace Bay Beach, then to a 10 mile bike ride along the road to the Golf Course and back to the Sands resort twice, and finally a 3 mile run to Leeward development and back…whew…I’m tired just writing the stuff never mind participating! Well, I was an official timer so I guess that counts as participating!
The next event is scheduled for February 28th so if you are planning to participate plan your holiday travel around it…it’s a great way to see the sites, play among the locals and rest on the beach after you’re done.
Karen Shaw
Today we are sitting in our office brainstorming on how to get ready for the season and have decided what we need to is go to the beach! Why not? How else can we get jazzed up about our islands and it’s great beaches like those in Middle Caicos that rival the best in the world?
The short ferry ride will take us to North Caicos first where we will stop and visit our listings there, and then drive over the new causeway to Middle which has made this sister island so accessible (and desirable as beachfront land is still affordable for many).
With any luck we will have time left over to navigate part of the caves that are also a highlight for any visitor to the Turks and Caicos Islands…hmm…well maybe not all of us!!!!!!
Visit again next week where we will report on our trip.
For those of us who can’t afford to buy beachfront land in the Turks and Caicos, we have alternatives that put you literally steps away at a fraction of the price! Elevation, great views and easy each access make it the best of both worlds.
Our newest listing is in the community development known here as Richmond Commons and offers unobstructed views overlooking our world famous Grace Bay beach. The staircase located just a feet away from the lot takes you down to the access path at about the 12 mile mark of the beach!
You CAN live the dream with the next best thing to owning on the beach!
Karen Shaw
Now that I am up north celebrating the holidays and shoveling snow, I think to myself, why not look at the white sand of Grace Bay beach as the new snow! If we get lucky enough to have a full moon around the holidays the shimmer over the water casts a light on the sand that indeed makes it look like snow (but it’s oh so much warmer between your toes).
Next year my white Christmas is going to be with the “new snow” in the Turks and Caicos Islands! With so many more direct flights at discounted prices flying down to us, my family and friends will have no problem coming to me for a change.
Karen Shaw
We recently listed a few canal front properties in Long Bay Hills that have breathtaking views and access to the Caicos Banks. Problem was, when the land was originally surveyed and the canals were cut back in the 60’s, it was hard to determine exactly where to cut, so like the wild west they followed the land and hoped they were close.
The result was narrowish canals that looked like they might not accomodate larger boats, but thanks to some clever surveyors and dredging equipment the new improved canals look great, are wider than ever and ready for docks to be built.
The paving of the main highway is slated to start January 15th, 2010 so access on totally paved roads make these canals the best deal in Provo.
Karen Shaw
Who says there is no theater in the Turks and Caicos Islands?
With stunning underwater sets and costumes, The Little Caribbean Mermaid has all the elements of the typical British pantomime – unforgettable song and dance numbers, witty in-jokes, audience participation, the spooky monster, slapstick comedy, a hilarious grand dame, the inevitable chase scene, mysterious characters who are not who they appear to be, and the “Oh, no you don’t; Oh, yes, you do” and “Behind you!” Guaranteed to tickle your funny bone, thrill you, chill you and keep you laughing and humming for weeks, this TCFAF production is a wonderful Christmas gift for the entire family to enjoy.
Opening Thursday 3rd December for 8 shows at Brayton Hall, Mermaid is the 3rd original Panto that the Friends of the Arts has produced. Tickets are on sale online at www.TCFAF.com, as well as Unicorn Bookstore, The Saltmills Diner and Graceway IGA.
Visit the Friends of the Arts on line to see all of the wonderful thngs planned for the new year!
Karen Shaw
Another successful triathalon was held in the Turks and Caicos Islands this past Sunday with individual, team and youth participants some 64 strong. The meet consisted of a 600 meter swim starting on Grace Bay Beach, then to a 10 mile bike ride along the road to the Golf Course and back to the Sands resort twice, and finally a 3 mile run to Leeward development and back…whew…I’m tired just writing the stuff never mind participating! Well, I was an official timer so I guess that counts as participating!
The next event is scheduled for February 28th so if you are planning to participate plan your holiday travel around it…it’s a great way to see the sites, play among the locals and rest on the beach after you’re done.
Karen Shaw
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