The cottage, '007 Beach House' was built in 2007 on lot C12007, to a design we evolved where the main theme was to provide sea views from all habitable rooms. It was built to a Budget and the final cost was within a few $ of the Budget figure. It is designed and built to withstand hurricane force winds and has been tested by Hurricane Irene 2011 and Hurricane Isaac 2012.
Great Exuma is the most naturally protected island in the Bahamas, the waters are the most colourful and idealic for sailing/cruising/fishing. There is a protective sea wall on the water front and around the landscaped garden. It is upon this wall that one side of the cottage is founded.
There are facinating reasons why this site was selected. The original site was at a very low level and the Spring High Water mark came well up into the site. By trimming the, sea facing rock front, it was possible to create a sheltered swimming area and the spoil was used to fill behind the sea defence wall. It is upon this rock fill, that the landscaping has been established.
Initially a rock garden was formed., Later, between the rocks Sedge grass was planted, stone paths were laid down, Natural beach plants and succulents came along including Mangrove plants.
Now you will find established plants and trees producing fruit and vegetables within 50'0' (15m) of the Ocean. Trees and bushes include: Tamarind, Pomegranate, Sugar Apple, Guava, Paw Paw or Papaya, Coco Nut, both black and white Coco Plumbs, Sea Grapes and Darling Plumbs Grapefruit and Limes.
Vegetables and herbs include: Bird peppers, Basil, Mint, Rosemary, Pea Nuts, Asparagus, Grannies Fingers or Ocra, Pride of Barbados is a thorny pretty flowering tree yet the seeds are a good substitute for garden peas.
Flowers include: Aloe Vera, Spider Lillies, Day Lillies, Amaryllis Agapanthos, 5 petal Perrywinkle, Frangapanni, White and Red Hybiscus, 7 day Apple.
Because of this interesting mix we have flying and crawling visitors: Humming bird (nested in a 7 day apple tree last year), Banana quit (nested on a Guava branch this year), King fisher pick up frogs, Osprey will take a fish from the sea whilst in flight, Heron stalk around in the shallows, any amount of fly catchers, yes we have lizards too.
No doubt there is more flora and fawna I have not mentioned.
Above everything else, it is the view in the morning either from the Bedrooms or the Living Area/Kitchen.........absolutely majestic!