The cabin was built using as many recycled materials as possible, so has a traditional and aged look despite being relatively new, with the conveniences one would perhaps not expect in a cabin in the woods ! The outside is covered in Wallaba wooden shingles in the traditional Caribbean style, but is totally independent, powered by the sun.
The Cabin is on the slope of a hill, in a natural clearing in the woods. It is on stilts so standing on the balcony you overlook the trees down a long valley that runs to the back of English Harbour, about 7 miles away. We are trying to preserve this little wood, so have not made a driveway to the cabin, which mean there is a 2 minute walk from the car parking area, up through the trees. Flossie the donkey is available to carry your bags to the cabin - there are some shapes of suitcase she cannot manage, but most are OK. We have strung solar lights for night time returns from dinner out, its rather magical walking up through the pathway with the lights - they are on a timer that goes off at 11pm ( the time of our present curfew) so take a torch if going to be later !
Although the cottage looks old fashioned - that is the only thing that is traditional about it! It is totally independent and is run by its solar energy, with 24 volt lights, pumps and fridge. There is 110v power as well with USA sockets to charge phones an d computers - can run the fan, but cannot run something that needs heat, like a hair dryer.
Rain water is collected from the roof. The kitchen has a water filter tap for drinking water, as well as a water filter jug for the fridge.
The bedroom is large, 16 ft X 16 ft, white stained wooden floor, and a double 4 poster mahogany bed fitted with a mosquito net. There are louvred doors barn doors that slide open to a side balcony, and shutter doors opening onto the main front balcony. All the doors and windows have mosquito screens.
There is a large wardrobe with plenty of shelving and hanging space.
A desk under the windows should you feel inspired to write or draw (or watch Netflix) with wireless internet.
Going through the wardrobe in the bedroom you will find the open bathroom with large rain water shower, basin and low water usage loo.
The front balcony is 10 ft x 24ft and forms the living and dining areas, with 2 comfy traditional mahogany chairs and a hammock. The kitchen opens up with wide doors so the whole side of the kitchen is open to the balcony, the dining table in easy reach . The kitchen has all the utensils you will need and basic larder items.
We will supply groceries for your dinner and breakfast, should you feel like staying at home for your first night.
Notes:
Antigua is a low lying island - which in turn causes a low annual rainfall - so we need to be conscious of water usage especially during the dry season.
Please note a 4 x 4 vehicle, or one that is high off the road is best to access this area.
A regular car can do it, but you need to drive slowly and carefully not to bottom out
on the old stone cobbled driveway.
On another note - we are very serious about the cleanliness.
The cabin is cleaned and sterilised. There is a 3 day empty period after each booking.
The laundry is dried on the line in sunshine.
There is hand sanitiser, disinfectant spray, gloves and a couple of disposable masks supplied.
