Beach Updates

[marybeth]

We have been making the rounds and so far things have been good. St. Jean and Lorient were perfect. It’s been ages since we’ve been to Lorient but it was so peaceful. And it appears like the fence that impeded the hike up to Autour du Roche is gone.

Yesterday we got up early, grabbed some breakfast at Eden to Go and headed to Colombier. There are now stone steps all the way down to the beach, making entry and exit much easier. Water was crystal clear. We snorkeled along the right hand wall and were pleased to see the state of the coral. Plenty of fish and 2 turtles !

 

[marybeth]

Stopped by Gouverneur on our way back to the villa and it’s looking much better than our first visit. Still some weed (mostly dry) on the beach but none in the water. It’s on today’s agenda so stay tuned…

 

[amyb]

Stopped by Gouverneur on our way back to the villa and it’s looking much better than our first visit. Still some weed (mostly dry) on the beach but none in the water. It’s on today’s agenda so stay tuned…

Hoping you Have another great beach day!

 

[MichaelG]

We have been making the rounds and so far things have been good. St. Jean and Lorient were perfect. It’s been ages since we’ve been to Lorient but it was so peaceful. And it appears like the fence that impeded the hike up to Autour du Roche is gone.

Yesterday we got up early, grabbed some breakfast at Eden to Go and headed to Colombier. There are now stone steps all the way down to the beach, making entry and exit much easier. Water was crystal clear. We snorkeled along the right hand wall and were pleased to see the state of the coral. Plenty of fish and 2 turtles !

View attachment 72608

Are the steps on the Flamands path or the southern one?

 

[marybeth]

Well, technically both. They are on the far right hand side looking down at the water (opposite the Rockefeller estate.)

 

[MichaelG]

I wonder if the Collectivity or the new owner of Villa Rockefeller paid for this?

 

[cassidain]

speaking of which, what is the status of the estate? repairs/renovations/etc ?

 

[marybeth]

There are some new (to us) gates/fences by the Colombier lookout and at the path above the beach. You would be hard pressed to got on the grounds IMO.
From a distance it’s just more deterioration.

 

[cec1]

There are some new (to us) gates/fences by the Colombier lookout and at the path above the beach. You would be hard pressed to got on the grounds IMO.
From a distance it’s just more deterioration.

My impression is that the new owner has a serious commitment (perhaps even an obligation) to restore the property to its historic form & integrity . . . Inclusive of the home & grounds, with very limited opportunity for change (e.g., I believe that the permit, under which the sale was allowed, contemplates addition of a swimming pool). From being a bystander to major architectural historic preservation projects in which my wife was involved, I would observe that the work — when well executed — takes many months (even years) to find the architects, artisans, craftsmen, contractors, materials, etc., to commence & achieve the goal that, apparently, is what the “new” owner, Mr. Adam Sinn, wants. It appears that he’s a patient man . . . seeking authenticity & heritage of the past. I applaud the effort.

 

[marybeth]

it would be amazing if restored!

 

[MichaelG]

My impression is that the new owner has a serious commitment (perhaps even an obligation) to restore the property to its historic form & integrity . . . Inclusive of the home & grounds, with very limited opportunity for change (e.g., I believe that the permit, under which the sale was allowed, contemplates addition of a swimming pool). From being a bystander to major architectural historic preservation projects in which my wife was involved, I would observe that the work — when well executed — takes many months (even years) to find the architects, artisans, craftsmen, contractors, materials, etc., to commence & achieve the goal that, apparently, is what the “new” owner, Mr. Adam Sinn, wants. It appears that he’s a patient man . . . seeking authenticity & heritage of the past. I applaud the effort.

That’s what his spokesman told me, Dennis. So, one should hope for the best. And if he did pay for the stairs, it’s a good sign.

 

[cassidain]

That’s what his spokesman told me

Love to hear more details

 

[cec1]

That’s what his spokesman told me, Dennis. So, one should hope for the best. And if he did pay for the stairs, it’s a good sign.

It's reminiscent of the pre-Ukraine War years when Roman Abramovich was on the island . . . he was quietly generous in numerous community-serving ways.

 

[cassidain]

noblesse oblige

 

[MichaelG]

Sinn's story is here: https://palmerpb.com/2023/08/08/st-barth/
Noblesse oblige (some call it bribery) SBH-style started decades before Abramovich and has continued since.

 

[cec1]

Sinn's story is here: https://palmerpb.com/2023/08/08/st-barth/
Noblesse oblige (some call it bribery) SBH-style started decades before Abramovich and has continued since.

Is it any different anywhere in the world?

 

[Beachcomber]

Sinn's story is here: https://palmerpb.com/2023/08/08/st-barth/
Noblesse oblige (some call it bribery) SBH-style started decades before Abramovich and has continued since.

This article makes me sad for what’s been lost but also very thankful for all the great memories I have when the Island was the most perfect eight square miles on the planet. At least my wife and I have each other to serve as a daily reminder of our connection to the Old St Barts.

 

[amyb]

This article makes me sad for what’s been lost but also very thankful for all the great memories I have when the Island was the most perfect eight square miles on the planet. At least my wife and I have each other to serve as a daily reminder of our connection to the Old St Barts.

B…I too am so grateful for our happy times in our happy places. Lovely warm and fuzzy memories abound and we get to share them with each other.

 

[dadto6]

I'm sure Phil and Amy have many fond memories of wonderful anniversaries shared on St. Barth!