Not expecting to see castles on the remote isle of Grand Cayman? Take another look — there are many to be found.
Take a drive along South Sound Road and you will find some showpiece castle-like homes, including one currently on the market for only $39.9 million! The Castillo Caribe is known as one of the finest beachfront estate homes in the world.
Offering endless indulgences, the 48,000-square-foot property offers pretty much any luxury, comfort and convenience that you could want. For those who truly want to live like royalty — and for whom money is no object — Castillo Caribe is second-to-none. It’s the most expensive single-family home listed here, and while it may seem like a king’s ransom to some, this lavish three-story, eight-bedroom and 14.5-bathroom home is definitely unparalleled.
“Castillo Caribe is unique in every sense of the word,” says Sheena Conolly, owner/broker of Cayman Islands Sotheby’s International Realty. “It’s a masterpiece. Every room in this house is completely different, and each one is a Rembrandt.”
From a helipad, banquet room and resort-style spa to a 400-bottle wine room, Cuban-style courtyard and a hot tub room made to look like the inside of a grotto, this is a place with panache. The kids can run wild in its 4,000-square-foot children’s playroom, which comes complete with a bouncy castle, swing set, slide, ball pit, seesaw, sofas and bean bags. Sitting on approximately 250 feet of pristine beachfront property, the mansion also incorporates cutting-edge home automation technology.
Its 5,000-square-foot Great Room, the heart of this magnificent home by the sea, was recently featured in HGTV’s “Million Dollar Rooms.” Included among the features of this extravagant living space, which soars up through three levels of the house, are indoor trees and flowers, a dramatic woven wood ceiling, stone walls, polished and honed Jerusalem Gold stone flooring and two grand staircases.
The home is being marketed worldwide through the Sotheby’s brand, which reaches 80 percent of the world’s billionaires. Conolly says it has been drawing phenomenal interest from potential buyers, namely high-net-worth and high-profile individuals, including those in the sports and entertainment industries. (There was quite a buzz when pop sensation Justin Bieber was reportedly looking to buy, but that was merely a rumour.)
“It is one of the most expensive beach homes in the world, and justifiably so,” says Conolly. “Just try looking for beachfront homes anywhere in the world over 25,000 square feet, and you’ll see how unique this property is.”
For those who desire the exclusivity of owning a luxurious property, but want to be near all the action of George Town, then the Beacon Point South Sound home is the answer to their prayers. Currently listed at nearly $6.5 million, this stunning property is part of the prestigious beachfront community of South Sound and is located minutes away from Seven Mile Beach, which was voted best beach by the readers of Caribbean Travel + Life.
James Bovell, broker/owner with RE/MAX Cayman Islands, states: “For an estate located so close to amenities, it is rare to find one that has over 200 feet of beach and unobstructed ocean views. Beacon Point South Sound home sits on 230 feet of beach… is flanked on either side by other high-end residences and spills out onto the beach, making it a very private setting [that is] still close to the action.”
Aside from its exciting location, Beacon Point South Sound home boasts six bedrooms, six-and-a-half bathrooms, rich wood detailing, travertine and wood flooring, a gym, a three-car garage and an amazing beach deck with half-moon pool and spa. The separate pool house includes a bar and a full bathroom.
In the tranquil district of East End is Twin Cove Estate, listed at $17.9 million. It is perched on a bluff with steps leading down to two white-sand swimming coves — another rarity in Grand Cayman. There are eight bedrooms and 11 baths, and among its eye-catching features are a hand-carved alabaster stone fireplace, onyx mosaic floor inlay and a glass elevator.
Brisas del Mar is a spectacular mansion in Savannah. This sprawling oceanfront estate is also set atop a bluff offering breathtaking views. Calm and peaceful, the main residence has five bedrooms with vast terraces overlooking a huge infinity pool, and the sea beyond. There is a caretaker cottage, and guest apartment. It’s priced at $9.375 million.
Market Upswing
Bovell says Cayman offers good value for those seeking to invest in property, particularly compared with sun and resort destination communities akin to Hawaii, St. Barths or Monte Carlo where prices for similar properties would be significantly higher. “People are seeing that Cayman has a stable environment and a proven track record and they are looking to secure an asset for the long-term.”
He says the luxury market is heating up in Cayman. “In the last two years we’ve had more transactions over $5 million than in the previous five years. The market has greatly changed. Before we didn’t have houses of that kind – they were a rarity. Over the last few years we’ve been introducing more luxury properties, and clients are more prepared to invest that kind of money.”
Among the developments that are raising the bar on luxury living is Vista del Mar, an exclusive gated community featuring world-class marina estates set along the North Sound. The 52-acre site is a sanctuary of privacy, peace and privilege, with great care taken to preserve the natural environment. Salt Creek is another high-end development on the secluded shores of the North Sound. Surrounded by scenic waterways, it is ideal for the boating lifestyle, offering the ultimate in luxury waterfront living. Both communities are just minutes away from the world famous Seven Mile Beach and its numerous shops, bars and restaurants as well as the upscale new town centre at Camana Bay.
Those seeking one of the most prestigious addresses on the island — and prefer the ease of condo living — will want to check out the latest development on Seven Mile Beach, The WaterColours. Currently under construction, it is designed for seamless luxury living, indoors and out. It offers a range of services associated with the most glamorous five-star resorts, spanning from valet parking and concierge services to a beachfront infinity pool and outdoor conservatory complete with a chef’s kitchen. There are 60 residences in the nine-storey building, among them the select “Grand Residences,” one-of-a-kind double units. At more than 7,000 square feet, these residences offer lavish living spaces rarely found on such a prime beachfront address.
In Grand Cayman, platinum living comes with the territory: a winning combination of lifestyle, luxury and location.
Why live in the Cayman Islands?
Among the appeal of this U.K. overseas territory is its tax-free status. There are no property, capital gains or local taxes, and there are no restrictions on foreign investment and ownership.
“It’s very attractive right now as taxes are going up everywhere,” says Sheena Conolly. “Cayman is very good value. It’s a very nice place for a primary residence — or a second or third home.”
While the Cayman Islands are laid-back, they offer a cosmopolitan feel with world-class cuisine, shopping, hotels and top-flight services as well as sophisticated communications technology and infrastructure.
Conolly also notes that the three-island chain enjoys a high standard of living, and offers a safe, family-friendly environment. While there are gated communities here, they are the exception.
“In Cayman, some of the most amazing properties are open to the road,” she says. “We are lucky we can live this way.”
Source: caymanairwaysmagazine.com