Sternengucker

Never have I come across such breathtaking views as those often witnessed from morning, noon and/or night, throughout the year, at Stargazer on Privateer’s Bay Estates, Great Camanoe. Anyone can easily become awestruck and distracted drifting away from the world’s concerns and madness, as they gaze out over the glorious sunrises and ever-changing pallets of sunset or simply staring up at the endless galaxies, planets and stars on a cloudless night.

Various covered lounging areas and open-air dining decks surround this newly renovated spacious home. 7 foot high by 10-20 foot wide sliding glass doors maximize the multi-island views found on 3 of the 4 sides of the main living, dining and lounging great-room. This remarkable getaway and meandering retreat consists of three private and equally spaced master suites. Two bedrooms are located in the main building structure and the third getaway guest house stands all on its own about 20 feet from the circular stone path entrance with only a few steps, making it convenient for the young and old alike.

This glorious slice of heaven offers a serene retreat with Atlantic Ocean views looking northeast toward several of the islands of North Sound including Necker, Eustatia, Prickly Pear and the Dog Islands. The deep blue horizon continues to stretch westward past VGorda, Fallen Jerusalem, Round Rock, Ginger, Cooper, Peter, Norman, Beef Island, Tortola, including St Croix, St John and Guana Island. The never-ending horizon with constantly changing scenery is a true respite as one sits and enjoys watching various yachts and vessels weave or chart their course through the 60 plus island archipelago. 

Stargazer was originally built by Fred Whipple, the famous American astronomer (1906·2004) who chose this particular gentle bluff location due to it’s gentle hilltop bluff location which never disappointed delivering absolutely breathtaking ever changing panoramic views. The new roof over the main living was rebuilt and strengthened after Hurricane Irma and now stands as a fortress boasting cathedral ceilings of heavy 3x8 and 3x10 pressure treated pine rafters and beams with wind and water shield waterproofing topped with and galvalume corrugated metal roofing. The structures are designed to withstand the most inclement weathering storms. Natural local stone walls were used throughout as a decorating face stone placed against reinforced concrete and steel structural columns. The house was re-engineered to allow for the majestic views to remain seen through heavy-duty hurricane resistant glass doors and windows. Insulated roofing and ceiling fans in the main living room makes you think the house is air-conditioned, since the cooling trade winds are ever-present. 

The adventurous outer island living offers both peace and solitude, and yet Stargazer is only a short ride down the hill and a 5-15 minute boat ride to the mainland shops, airport, ferry terminal, restaurants which are conveniently located at Beef Island. Marina Cay and/or Scrub Island. Most owners keep a small panga or power boat on a trailer in the communal boat storage area near the Privateer’s leasehold dock and a mechanic from the mainland can be employed and can readily be available to help launch upon the owner’s request when coming or leaving the island. 

A communal library, book exchange and message center, with small restroom and large covered lounging area can be found on the small bluff adjacent to the communal dock and beach. It’s surprising how easy it is to get from Beef Island Airport and back home again to one’s private island retreat within only a 15-20 minute boat excursion. Retired sailors and/or adventurous young boaters find life on Camanoe a most rewarding lifestyle. Parents tend to pass their properties down continually through the decades. Several families and visitors comment on how they treasure the memories of the quiet escape, away from the world’s madness.