Getting to Water Island
After a quick 8 minute ferry ride from Crown Bay Marina on St. Thomas, you’ll be on Water Island, the best-kept secret in the Caribbean. Then a 4-minute golf cart ride on the main road will land you at Rosebud, 86 Estate Water Island.
No need to worry about steep hills to climb to the house nor tight turnarounds, as is often the case in the islands. The large, flat parking area can easily accommodate 10 golf carts for when you throw your first party!
After entering the front gate, you’re immediately in your own quiet, secluded slice of Caribbean paradise. Right in front of you is a spectacular ocean view, overlooking Limestone Beach with St. Thomas (Frenchman’s Reef) in the background. You can also see Buck Island and Frenchman’s Cap straight out in the distance. On clear days, if you look South you can see the mountains of St. Croix on the horizon.
Taking an immediate right will lead you down a short gravel path to the pool area, or you can proceed down a few more steps and to the left is the guest cottage, or to the right is the main house entrance.
The Main House
The “front” (road-facing) side of the house sports 3 brand new custom-made Mahogany doors (2024). Two lead into bathrooms, which is convenient when hosting pool parties, and the third door leads into the kitchen.
With 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a loft, the main house comfortably sleeps 6 adults. The house is built for the ocean breeze, leave the windows open 365 days a year and let the nearly constant sound of the waves remind you just exactly where you are.
The main kitchen has new granite countertops, center island with stools, dishwasher (2024), garbage disposal (2024), dual electric oven, and a new refrigerator (2024).
Adjacent to the kitchen is a counter-top dining table with matching side table, and a lounge chair. The living room has ample storage for margarita-making supplies, and a 75″ Samsung smart TV across from the leather couch.
Stairs next to the entryway lead upstairs where there is a loft over the kitchen, with a queen size bed and a futon. You can also access one of the house’s large storage attics from the loft.
The bedrooms are ocean-side, so you can wake up and see the cruise ships slinking into port without even getting out of bed. At night, when they slip out, you’re reminded that you get to remain in paradise.
The Cottage
The poured-concrete guest cottage has its own separate 17,000 gallon cistern, water pump, pressure tank, whole-home filters, air conditioner, full bathroom, refrigerator and kitchenette. The new queen-size bed and dining table were purchased in 2024. The electricity is connected to the main house solar system (and batteries) to ensure consistent and reliable power.
The Pool
The 10×20’ pool is protected from the direct ocean breeze but still has ocean views from in the pool or from the spacious deck sitting area. 4-person teak high-top table with chairs, a rocker, two sun loungers and two umbrellas on wheels complete the pool party setup.
Outdoor Entertaining
With outdoor seating for 22 people, the wraparound deck is perfect for entertaining. The oceanfront “back” porch has a 6-person teak table, a 4-person teak high-top table with chairs, a rocker, and two plush sitting chairs.
The Garage
Whether you want to tinker in a shop, throw parties, store your boat, golf cart, or UTV, or all of the above, the spacious garage is a rare feature on Water Island. The epoxy painted floor, large workbench and considerable storage give you numerous options for use.
Infrastructure
Water: 57,000 gallons across 3 concrete cisterns.
Power: 9.2KW Solar System. 29 Canadian Solar panels (320w/each), Tesla Energy Gateway, 2x Tesla Powerwalls. Net-metered connection to WAPA. We haven’t paid an electric bill in 5 years and we’re not affected by WAPA outages.
Laundry: With a new washing machine and dryer (both 2024), the laundry room is located via outside access to a room facing the guest cottage. The main house water filters, pump and pressure tank is located here as well as the North side tankless electric water heater which services the primary bathroom and laundry room. All 3 water heaters are electric tankless on-demand.
Internet & WIFI: Starlink Internet is downloaded to 4 wireless access points; one in the main house living room, one in the primary bedroom, one in the cottage, and one outside facing out to the pool area. There is also an outdoor booster that provides coverage into the garage. Reliable 100MB download speeds are typical.
Taxes: $3,200 (2024)
HOA: None. Recommend membership with WICA.
Year Built: 1970 (main), ~2000 (cottage)
PARCEL ID: 5-07104-0217-00
Aside from your taxes and insurance, living in this property is very inexpensive. No water, sewer, electric, gas, or trash service bills.