REGAL RETREAT
George Banns explores the bountiful haven of Antigua and Barbuda with local property and investment experts Brian and Kaline Dobbin.
Tropical beauty, white sandy beaches and warm weather have long been a fantasy for people in North America and Europe on cold and dark winter days. However on the sun-kissed islands of Antigua and Barbuda, this is reality 365 days of the year. Beyond the numerous physical attributes of this scenic destination, the country also offers overseas investors a prime opportunity as a halcyon second-home and relocation option, especially with the introduction of their Citizenship by Investment programme. One development group that knows this only too well, is Elmsbridge.
Founded by Brian and Kaline Dobbin after they sold their previous international property development and sales company in the UK 15 years ago, the couple combine their expertise in luxury real estate development and the citizenship industry. Elmsbridge and their professional services company, Citizens International, work in harmony to find and bring new affluent residents to Antigua.
With a relatively small population of90,000, the sister islands of Antigua and Barbuda boast some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean. Antigua is the hub of international air travel in the region with a new modern airport, plus it’s home to one of three International Baccalaureate schools in the Caribbean. It also enjoys the region’s lowest crime rate and has a thriving international community.
With three residential projects under construction around the island, and more in preparation, Elmsbridge offers the international buyer a ‘one-stop’ solution to create their private luxury retreat, while the experienced team at Citizens International can assist prospective investors and their families through the citizenship application process. Managing developments on the west coast – The Gardens – and south coast – The Beach Houses – with new built product ranging from $200,000 fractions to $IM+ whole ownership villas, the Elmsbridge team removes all the stress of finding that perfect home-from-home.
Their in-house architectural design capability can customise one of seven bespoke designs offered by Elmsbridge, or even create a customised abode. Adds Brian: “Our design team collaborates with owners to choose and deliver the key finishing materials and quality that distinguishes a top-notch build.”
Not stopping there, each project offers a choice of furnishing packages chosen with an eye for style and a desire for comfort and practicality in the tropical environment. Continues Brian, “We know only too well, how living in the Caribbean is an indoor-outdoor experience and Elmsbridge continues its design focus to the decks, pools and gardens of its villas to create outdoor spaces that are relaxing and private.”
The Elmsbridge vision is to create retreat properties that you really don’t want to leave, and this is reflected in everything from the fabrics to the garden plants and foliage chosen. The company maintains nurseries to provide indigenous colourful plants and sees its landscaping expertise as an extension of home design.
With all of this offered at one unified service point, the group also provides property management and rental solutions to owners with strong and dependable administration and experienced rental presentation and marketing. Having resided in the eastern Caribbean for almost 20 years, Brian and Kaline understand the key tasks that need to be managed while transitioning to a life on the islands.
As Brian concludes: “We love helping to shape a community of international residents who share many common characteristics including homes that are uniquely personal to them.”
