Castle St. John or Adventure Villa

Dome526 · Post by **Dome526** » Wed May 02, 2012 7:26 pm

OK, we are FINALLY down to choosing between 2 places, and your feedback with any history/experience with these villas is appreciated. Castle St. John http://castlestjohn.com/index.html is an interesting stone, round building near Coral Bay. It has a hot tub, and is at the end of a dirt road (big surprise). Adventure Villa http://www.adventure-villa-usvi.com/ is a 4,100 sq foot villa. Has anyone stayed in either of these 2 places? Thoughts? Feedback?

mindehankins · Post by **mindehankins** » Thu May 03, 2012 2:18 pm

We've never stayed in a villa or in Coral Bay, but I want to try to help you with your inaugural and anniversary visit anyway. Some things to consider, and hopefully others will chime in here, are AC in bedrooms (if you need it), driveways, screened windows, curtains or some window covering if you want to sleep in some, privacy for sunbathing. Some people don't like owners on premises, some don't mind.

I'm not much help, but maybe answering will bump this so some experts can answer ya!

waterguy · Post by **waterguy** » Thu May 03, 2012 2:49 pm

Am I missing some thing but it looks like the castle has big sections of the house with out any screens if that is true I'd be worried about if there a bug outbreak

mindehankins · Post by **mindehankins** » Thu May 03, 2012 6:51 pm

I saw that too, and wondered. That's why I pointed that out in "questions to ask." When I looked closer, though, I thought I saw reflections in those windows, which would suggest glass.

Midas · Post by **Midas** » Thu May 03, 2012 9:43 pm

We have stayed at the castle prior to purchasing Sun, Moon & Stars (last home before reaching the castle). The castle is and interesting place - we really liked its uniqueness when we stayed for our honeymoon. It is open air, west indian style living, but the bedrooms can be closed off and the turret bedroom has AC (unfortunately windows can't be opened). The bugs were not too bad due to the strong tradewinds high on the hill. Great views, especially from the top of the turret - the exterior spiral staircase to get there is an adventurous climb for those fearing heights! I hope that helps - I have not stayed at Adventure villa....

Dome526 · Post by **Dome526** » Fri May 04, 2012 10:33 am

We booked the Castle.... too many unique things about it to pass up! It also has a hot tub... we are cutting down our stay at Ciinamon Bay campground to stay longer at the Castle.

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Fri May 04, 2012 11:10 am

The Castle is an interesting property - be prepared for a very adventurous road

Pia

Dome526 · Post by **Dome526** » Fri May 04, 2012 12:49 pm

Yes, I saw pictures fo the entire road leading to the Castle. It is 4WD only!

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Fri May 04, 2012 12:53 pm

When I showed this home it was the only time one of my customers had to get out of the vehicle and assist in directing me over one section of the road

Pia

Midas · Post by **Midas** » Fri May 04, 2012 6:19 pm

Congratulations - enjoy your trip! Pia, how long has it been since you went up the road to the castle?

Dome526 · Post by **Dome526** » Fri May 04, 2012 7:28 pm

Big day.... we booked a jeep in St. Thomas to bring over to STJ, and (drum roll) FLIGHT is now booked! Decided that since we will arrive on 2:35 flight into STT, that with a car rental, we would go shopping, (code for BEER, food, WINE, supplies, RUM, etc.) and bring on the ferry. Then, instead of going to Cinnamon Bay, we are coming in 1 day earlier on Sunday, and will stay in Cruz Bay for 1 night. We will relax, have a beverage or 2 or 3, and have a nice dinner. On Monday morning, we will take our time, and make our way over to Cinnamon Bay. I will continue on the adult beverages when I am no longer operating a vehicle! This SUCKS! I have to wait until November!

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Fri May 04, 2012 7:49 pm

It has been a few years Midas.

Pia

Midas · Post by **Midas** » Fri May 04, 2012 8:03 pm

Pia, you wouldn't recognize the road now! When we purchased on Calabash August 2010 the road was barely passable - I think that is why SMS didn't sell. Now all the switchbacks are paved, waterbars were installed to control stormwater runoff (and rutting!) and the HOA pulled funds together to bring in truckloads of fill and now the road is great!

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Fri May 04, 2012 8:36 pm

Excellent - that very last stretch was crazy - I never found the section to the last switchback bad

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