Hunter Cottage

In summer of 2011, our family (2 adults and 1 active 2.5 yr old toddler) spent a month at Hunter Cottage. We knew it was a pretty property from the online photos, that there was a pool and that the bedrooms were air-conditioned. But being ex-pat Bajans ourselves, and knowing that mid July to mid August is some of the hottest weather of the year in Barbados, foremost in our minds was how important architecture and layout are to keeping a tropical house bearable to live in. We were not sure what to expect in terms of the common areas of the house, where we knew we wanted to spend time with family and friends. Our fears were quickly allayed! The house is built with traditional features, such as a high conical living room ceiling, fixed with a ceiling fan to aid in circulation of air, which easily made the living/dining area the heart of all activity at the house. The front verandah off the living/dining area, which leads to the pool area was another pleasant, continuous space for socializing. There is also a gas grill in the corner of the verandah, so that many an evening was spent grilling just off the dining room, with easy transfer of food between the grill and the dining table. We also appreciated that there were gates with latches at strategic points to help us control movement of our toddler down the front steps to the garden, or on through to the pool area. Our only criticism would be that a slightly more secure type of latch be used on these gates, as our little one soon figured out how to open the latches. It did take her some effort though, giving us time to note her attempts to escape! The gardens at the back of the house were also very expansive and our little one and her visiting cousins enjoyed streaking up and down the lawns. The gazebo by the pool was great for appletinis with girl friends whilst the husbands took care of the children! And the pool itself, with its step-down change of shallow to deep end, made it easy to marshall children during pool time, and ensure that all were safe. The waterfall was also hit with the kids, and warmed the pool water nicely. The bedrooms were nicely appointed, and very roomy, with equally beautiful bathrooms. The semi- separation of one of the three bedrooms across the small inner courtyard of the house, also meant that a friend was able to visit, and have their own space away from the noise of a family with a young toddler. The kitchen was another pleasant surprise, in that it is connected to the central courtyard, and it was pleasant to eat an evening meal just off the kitchen. The kitchen is fresh and simple in design, but has all the conveniences one might want (stove, standard fridge/freezer along with a separate, additional stand alone freezer, oven, microwave, blender, double sinks, good assortment of glasses and cups for inside and out ) with the washing machine and drier area adjoining. What is more, we experienced a tropical disturbance whilst there, with lots of rain, and wind, and came through it with no problem. The staff of Ronald Stoute came by to alert us of the impending inclement weather, and helped us get prepared in case of any disruptions to water and power; but we had nothing to worry about. The house is built to accommodate the tropical changes in weather, and a rainy day spent in the house was equally as enjoyable as a hot, sunny one. We also liked that the house sits in a neighbourhood of similar houses, so it really feels like a home away from home, as one could get used to the staff that tended the other houses, pools and gardens coming and going in the mornings and afternoons. We also had some friends rent a property nearby, and it was pleasant to have the choice to socialize as neighbours, or hole up in our respective properties as the mood dictated. It is really good for socialising, and you can compartmentalize groups around the house, verandah, courtyard and pool area. The gardens are really beautiful, and you can take a short stroll down the road to the cliffs, or walk down to the beach itself (though you should exercise caution in the water here if you are not a good swimmer). The Crane Beach and Shell Beach are better options for swimming and are within a few minutes’ drive of the villa. Despite the tucked away location of the gated Castle Close neighbourhood, supermarkets, a doctor's office, pharmacy, informal restaurants, the airport, and upscale dining (at the Crane) were also within 3-15 minutes of the house, and this was a real convenience. You are also well placed to take drives up the rugged East Coast where you really get to see the most beautiful parts of the island. The historic Atlantis Hotel can also be visited for their famous Bajan buffet. There was also night security in the neighbourhood, which was a nice touch, though things were invariably peaceful. Last, but not least, is the housekeeper who tended to our every need and for us, really is as much as a draw to Hunter as its physical comforts. Naomi is a treasure, and with 10+ years as caretaker of Hunter Cottage, we were in excellent hands. She was invariably helpful and pleasant, kept everything spic and span, and our daughter fell in love with her. She knew every nook, cranny and idiosyncracy of the house, was very helpful in guiding us through the myriad of light and fan switches in each room (it takes a while to figure out what turns on what.the switches are not always logically organised!), and making other suggestions to make our stay more pleasant. In the space of one month, she felt like one of the family, and we look forward to seeing her and Hunter Cottage again next year! N.B. We did return to Hunter again for five weeks in the summer of 2012 and the house once again lived up to all of our expectations.