I have seen if from below...never stayed there. The owner has agreed to let us photograph the villa when he's on island again next month, so I'll have new pics to show at that point.

Fairwinds has a history of being a spectacular villa in the best location for villas on STT, Estate Peterborg. It sits high up above all of the other homes in the area (there really aren't that many, this is a VERY exclussive residential area - pretty much full of fabulous villas and private estates of very wealthy people), offering complete privacy on 3,000 feet of deck space - which gives you both sun and shade options throughout the day. When I stay on STT, the home where I stay is just over on the top of next bluff, so I can see this villa's structure, but can't see any of he decks or windows. I can never tell if anyone is staying in Fairwinds, except if I look over at night and see the property illuminated from the villa's interior lights.

The villa was formerly represented by an elite villa agent on the island. The new owner has decided to represent the villa on his own. I am not sure how he manages access to the villa or any potential problems wiht it while someone is staying there.

Following a partial destruction of the villa by Hurricane Marilyn, the property was sold and the new owner totally rebuilt the majority of the villa about 5 yrs ago, while keeping with the design of the remaining portion, which was also gutted and redone. I've heard that the kitchen is a gourmet cook's dream. The villa has a new kitchen, new baths, new floor throughout, new windows, new walls, etc.

I personally have no doubt about the location, view, structure, design, pool, etc. I would like to get a better sense of the furnishings and amenities, which is why I am having this villa personally visited and photographed next month.

In essence, you're getting the feel of a newer villa with the location and landscape of a mature property. In terms of location, it doesn't get much better than this.

Thank you for the review of Fairwinds Villa. I appreciate the detail you provided. As soon as we stay there, I'll post a review of it.

Did you get to meet with the owner of the Fairwinds Villa and do your photo shoot? What was your impression? Of the house? Of the owner? I rented it in February, 2006 and am very interested. Thanks. Jan

Hi Jan-

He (the owner) has yet to call my rep on the island, that I know of. I was just thinking about you and this villa today (really!) as I was writing a general "St Thomas Villa Scene" summary. I'll call the owner over the next few days. I was a little concerned about the villa because the pool and veranda furniture looked plastic in the pics, which is a pet peeve of mine with "luxury" villas....so I wanted the rep to check it out. Also, as you said, it's not represented. I know which agent used to rep it and she is very clear that her villas need to be luxurious on every level of detail. The owner said it was his choice to rep it on his own, so we have to take his word on that. If the furniture is plastic, I'm pretty sure this agent wouldn't rep it. Maybe it's not plastic, and the pics are deceiving.

Again, the location is amazing and I'm sure the overall structure is an amazing villa, great pool, etc. It's the details that concern me - furnishings, linens, mattresses, etc.

We'll get the scoop. I hope the news is good.

Jan-
My rep called today and said this villa owner called him yesterday to arrange for pics (coincidentally). I'll have the pics on Friday.

Thanks for the info. Please let me know after your rep has viewed the property and dealt with the owner. I'm trying to be optimistic but cautious.

Hi Jan-

My rep visited Villa Fairwinds today and is sending me the pics tonight (he's golfing now - that's St Thomas for ya!). As I thought, the location is awesome and my rep said the home is very nice, but not luxuriously appointed (in terms of amenities). However, after checking the internet listed rates on the website for this villa, I believe the price reflects the lack of luxury in the details. A villa in that location, with a pool that size and with the view it has, would command $800+ per night if it had luxury appointments. According the website, this one is $442 per night. I doubt it you could have gotten any Peterborg luxury villa at that rate...even if it was much smaller and had a smaller pool (this one has a huge pool).

Seems like this owner purchased the villa after the hurricane and probably got it for a steal.....sunk all of his money into rebuilding the structure....and maybe isn't ready to sink more into the details/furnishings/etc. That's just my guess.

If you aren't looking for total luxury and you can deal with less than luxurious furnishings and amenities on a beautiful villa property in the perfect location, this is a good deal. Tired to PM you, but the reply indicated that you couldn't be PM'd.

I appreciated receiving your reviews on the villa. I was concerned about the property because the villa was so much cheaper than others in the area. I will try to PM you with my email address. I would appreciate seeing the pictures you receive. Thanks again for your help.