Geri Haber
Haber & Quinn Public Relations
954-764-6011
gh@HaberandQuinn.com

Amid the Many Private Island Hideaways of the Exumas, A Few Remaining Beachfront-to-Dockfront Ocean Estate Lots with Remarkable 40-foot Elevations are Attracting Buyers to Staniel Cay

On the quiet island of Staniel Cay in the Exumas, a small team of construction workers nears completion on the roof of a charming dock-front cottage. The 2,000 square foot cottage will complement a spacious oceanfront Balinese style home some 40 feet above the aquamarine expanse of the sparkling Caribbean Sea. On the neighboring lot, land is being cleared while plans are developed for yet another Caribbean estate hideaway.

These few parcels are among the ocean estate lots at Ocean Ridge, a gathering of special properties 40 feet high on an exceptional ridge known as “Ocean Ridge” by the residents of Staniel Cay.  Of the original eight lots, three are built or under construction and five remain available.

Construction Underway
“Despite the downturn in the economy, I’m happy to report that we’re still attracting qualified prospective buyers and those who have bought are moving ahead in building their Caribbean dream homes,” said Jim Ellis, owner of several lots.  Jim Ellis is also the President of Fort Lauderdale, Florida based Ellis Diversified, Inc., which is affiliated with the on-site developer.

Ellis, a veteran real estate developer and financier with experience in both large and small projects, believes that part of the attraction of the ocean estate lots at Ocean Ridge is the simplicity and accessibility of construction. There are no grand development plans, just a few individual, exceptional parcels with a remarkable location, existing island infrastructure and an experienced development team.  Construction is complete on the first estate and is underway on the next two estates.

Practical Advantages
Staniel Cay lends an aesthetically pleasing canvas for an oceanfront estate, but it is also attractive from a practical standpoint.  The Island maintains an impressive fleet of equipment paired with a seasoned on-site developer, which allows for steady progress.

Material deliveries, an often-complicated factor of construction in the Caribbean, are fluently available due to Staniel being along the route of the leading freight shipping service to the Bahamas.

Reliable power and water is another component that supports construction at Staniel Cay.  Fresh water is provided by the island’s state-of-the-art desalination system.  Electric service is supplied by the neighboring island Black Point.  In addition, Staniel Cay possesses several island backup generators.

A community of about 80 full-time Staniel Cay residents and neighboring island Black Point provide a reliable work force for construction. Local contractors and daily ferry transportation for workers to Staniel supply the construction site with steady employment and also maintain good-quality community relations.

From Beachfront to Dockfront, with 40-foot Elevations
Ellis noted that, in addition to the benefits of the Staniel Cay location, the exceptional features of the lots themselves are highly appealing. Each oversized estate lot spans from an incredible pink sand beach on the east to a protected private marina on the west. With an average elevation of 40 feet, all lots provide stunning 360-degree views of Staniel Cay.

According to Christina Valencia, Director of Marketing for the ocean estate lots, “Those who have traveled the Caribbean extensively truly understand the attraction of these particular properties.”

Private Dock Slips Included
For the five remaining lots still available for purchase, prices range from $1.75 million to $2 million.  Included in the purchase price of the lot is a dock slip at the private marina, bordering the west side of the lots.  Slips can accommodate a boat up to 50 feet with a maximum draft of five feet.

Each lot provides ample room for up to a 10,000 square foot home plus a guest cottage of 2,000 square feet.

A Neighborhood Landmark – Kayu Maya
The first home constructed on the ocean estate lots at Ocean Ridge is a 7,000 sq. ft. home with 4 bedrooms and 4 ½ bathrooms. It is called Kayu Maya, a Balinese phrase that translates to “ancient wood.” Inspired by Polynesian design, ancient Balinese craftsmanship and exotic Moroccan sensibilities, Kayu Maya integrates the best each has to offer. Gardens and water features playfully blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor living and every intricate element of wood was meticulously carved to tell a story.

The wood and stone materials, open floor plan and single story configuration absorb the home into the environment and emanate the sense that Kayu Maya has always been a part of the scenery.  Included with the home is a 2,000 square-foot, 2 bedroom/ 2 bathroom guest cottage.

Access by Air and by Water
Whether landing within walking distance of your front door, or docking in the protected crystalline cove in your backyard, these ocean estate lots offer the ultimate escape destination.

Staniel Cay boasts a 3,000-foot airstrip and offers private air charters and daily air service from South Florida. In addition, Staniel offers an established marina with fuel, electricity, fresh water, and a yacht club.

“We have the cache of exotic beauty, privacy and seclusion, but also an established, functioning Island infrastructure that prospective owners know they can use from day one,” explains Maura Brassil, Director of Sales.

About Staniel Cay
Nestled in the middle of the stunning Exuma Cays is Staniel Cay, a haven of unspoiled and breathtaking beauty. Located just 75 miles south of Nassau and 250 miles from Miami, Staniel offers a spectacular tropical playground with a laidback, comfortable atmosphere. Staniel’s warm appeal includes its welcoming community, brilliant aqua-blue waters and secluded beaches. The several islands surrounding Staniel are a perfect setting for numerous activities including scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking and boating.

Boaters can tie up at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club’s marina – offering an 8½-foot draft that can accommodate everything from skiffs to mega yachts – and then gather at the restaurant and bar, which has earned a spot on Jimmy Buffett’s “10 Great Places for a Waterside Drink” list.

Just outside the Yacht Club, a charming little village offers all the necessities for comfortable island living including a church, post office, library, clinic, island retail shops, local grocery stores, quaint bars and a marine supply store.

Nearby is the famous Thunderball Grotto – seen in the James Bond film of the same name – where snorkelers will find a small hollow cay filled with colorful tropical fish. Beyond that, the wonders of the Exuma Cay Land and Sea Park await. This 176-square mile preserve is an explorer’s paradise of some of the most brilliantly clear water in the world.  For more information visit www.stanielcay.com.

About Ellis Diversified, Inc.
Ellis Diversified, Inc is one of South Florida’s premier real estate development and investment firms.  Highly successful at building long-term financial partnerships with individuals and institutional investors, EDI has maintained an outstanding record of success for more than 17 years. Based in Fort Lauderdale, EDI’s business ventures are highlighted by distinctive real estate projects, including diverse and innovative residences from exclusive, multi-million dollar single-family estates to award-winning, competitively priced and luxuriously appointed multi-family developments.  For more information, visit www.ellisdiversified.com.