Article
01 Mar 2010
Barbados
John Cutts
Chairman & Chief Executive
Parkridge Holdings
Breathtaking Barbados
John Cutts - Parkridge Holdings
Feature article from The Red Book 2010
Barbados has long-established itself as a hub for the international elite having always attracted a diverse mix of politicians, business leaders, sports stars and celebrities. The island’s climate is certainly a welcomed change for many; and the relaxed elegant lifestyle which can be enjoyed here offers visitors a plethora of activities such as great golf, an abundance of watersports, and fine restaurants across the island, all of which make this destination such a paradise. Many of the visitors to Barbados instantly fall for its charm and beauty and go on to acquire homes here so that they can enjoy stronger ties to the community and return time after time to enjoy its unique lifestyle.
In my mind some of the factors that combine to make Barbados a popular second or third home destination, include but are not limited to the island’s fantastic international air links with Europe, the U.S. and Canada. Easy access to a market means that foreigners can visit more often and hence enjoy their investment more. Secondly the cosmopolitan culture of Barbados offers its residents many of the attributes of large city life – fine dining, premier attractions, and sophisticated products and services that many other small domiciles do not posses. The stable political and economic landscape also make Barbados a secure investment. Government has embraced foreign developers being proactive in their approach; and the barriers to purchase property are within reason very low. And of course there are the wonderful beaches. The government has maintained that all beaches are the property of the state and as such can be used by everyone, local and visitor alike. There are countless white sand coves around the island and regardless of the properties set along them everyone is free to enjoy a stroll, swim or simply soak up the sun as they desire. In essence international buyers have flocked to the island,
not just because it offers a home away from home, tropical landscape, world-class leisure facilities and the highest standards of luxury, but also because it represents a very stable investment proposition.
This demand has inevitably fuelled somewhat of a boom in the Barbados property market over the past decade, which has seen an influx of international buyers for both primary and secondary residences and as an excellent investment opportunity. The superb developments here have raised the standards of property available throughout the island and has forced new developers to be even more creative and meticulous in their approach. I have had a home in Barbados for over ten years and despite property development being our business at Parkridge Holdings, I resisted the temptation to become involved in development here for a long while, until I saw Apes Hill Club, which is simply breathtaking.
The ultimate luxury lifestyle on offer at Apes Hill Club, has set a new standard of excellence for residential development on the island. This exemplary lifestyle and sporting community features world-class golf and polo facilities. Even in the current uncertain market we are proceeding with our launch of Moonshine Ridge in Apes Hill Club because we strongly believe in physically showing the market the next generation of luxury homes. Our exquisite 9,500 sq. ft. show home will be complete in winter 2010 and we feel to actually build is even more important in the present economic climate. Obviously with the economic downturn any property development has to be carefully considered. This said, the investors in Moonshine Ridge have absolute confidence in this island, we are proceeding and we are committed for the long term.
The management team behind Moonshine Ridge have been involved with major developments throughout the US, UK and continental Europe in addition to having
over 10 years’ experience in Barbados residential development, including the luxury residential development at Sandy Cove. Everyone involved in this exciting new project has a home in Barbados and enjoys strong local business and social connections. Moreover, as part of its commitment to the local economy, our team will utilise local labour and local suppliers wherever possible. We look forward to continuing to work with the local government to ensure that the relevant permits and permissions continue to come with the speed and professional approach we have seen to date. It is important for developers to continue the close partnerships that have been established with the Barbados Government, ensuring that the pace of progress in this area is sustainable.
Although Barbados is a small market on the world stage and despite competition from other destinations it is no coincidence that this island is the place that many people choose to visit time and again, and at some point buy second homes.
The Red Book 2010
Page 4
Feature article from The Red Book 2010
Barbados has long-established itself as a hub for the international elite having always attracted a diverse mix of politicians, business leaders, sports stars and celebrities. The island’s climate is certainly a welcomed change for many; and the relaxed elegant lifestyle which can be enjoyed here offers visitors a plethora of activities such as great golf, an abundance of watersports, and fine restaurants across the island, all of which make this destination such a paradise. Many of the visitors to Barbados instantly fall for its charm and beauty and go on to acquire homes here so that they can enjoy stronger ties to the community and return time after time to enjoy its unique lifestyle.
In my mind some of the factors that combine to make Barbados a popular second or third home destination, include but are not limited to the island’s fantastic international air links with Europe, the U.S. and Canada. Easy access to a market means that foreigners can visit more often and hence enjoy their investment more. Secondly the cosmopolitan culture of Barbados offers its residents many of the attributes of large city life – fine dining, premier attractions, and sophisticated products and services that many other small domiciles do not posses. The stable political and economic landscape also make Barbados a secure investment. Government has embraced foreign developers being proactive in their approach; and the barriers to purchase property are within reason very low. And of course there are the wonderful beaches. The government has maintained that all beaches are the property of the state and as such can be used by everyone, local and visitor alike. There are countless white sand coves around the island and regardless of the properties set along them everyone is free to enjoy a stroll, swim or simply soak up the sun as they desire. In essence international buyers have flocked to the island,
not just because it offers a home away from home, tropical landscape, world-class leisure facilities and the highest standards of luxury, but also because it represents a very stable investment proposition.
This demand has inevitably fuelled somewhat of a boom in the Barbados property market over the past decade, which has seen an influx of international buyers for both primary and secondary residences and as an excellent investment opportunity. The superb developments here have raised the standards of property available throughout the island and has forced new developers to be even more creative and meticulous in their approach. I have had a home in Barbados for over ten years and despite property development being our business at Parkridge Holdings, I resisted the temptation to become involved in development here for a long while, until I saw Apes Hill Club, which is simply breathtaking.
The ultimate luxury lifestyle on offer at Apes Hill Club, has set a new standard of excellence for residential development on the island. This exemplary lifestyle and sporting community features world-class golf and polo facilities. Even in the current uncertain market we are proceeding with our launch of Moonshine Ridge in Apes Hill Club because we strongly believe in physically showing the market the next generation of luxury homes. Our exquisite 9,500 sq. ft. show home will be complete in winter 2010 and we feel to actually build is even more important in the present economic climate. Obviously with the economic downturn any property development has to be carefully considered. This said, the investors in Moonshine Ridge have absolute confidence in this island, we are proceeding and we are committed for the long term.
The management team behind Moonshine Ridge have been involved with major developments throughout the US, UK and continental Europe in addition to having
over 10 years’ experience in Barbados residential development, including the luxury residential development at Sandy Cove. Everyone involved in this exciting new project has a home in Barbados and enjoys strong local business and social connections. Moreover, as part of its commitment to the local economy, our team will utilise local labour and local suppliers wherever possible. We look forward to continuing to work with the local government to ensure that the relevant permits and permissions continue to come with the speed and professional approach we have seen to date. It is important for developers to continue the close partnerships that have been established with the Barbados Government, ensuring that the pace of progress in this area is sustainable.
Although Barbados is a small market on the world stage and despite competition from other destinations it is no coincidence that this island is the place that many people choose to visit time and again, and at some point buy second homes.
The Red Book 2010
Page 4
