Sapodilla is a charming stone clad cottage situated in a two acre garden on a hillside overlooking Falmouth & English Harbours. The owner built the original house 48 years ago and Sapodilla is her guest cottage set below the pool in a very private part of the garden. The garden is filled with indigenous trees and flowers with many palms and a couple of “coppers” filled with water lilies. A new project this year is a beautiful lily pond which can be seen from the veranda. A wonderful place to sit and meditate or just watch the dragonflies and birds. The palm fringed swimming pool, set away from the main house offers calm and privacy and lovely views. When you have had to much sun. There is a lovely breezy gazebo with a fabulous view over the garden, valley and bay. The garden is filled with birds, especially the three varieties of hummingbirds busy working away at the many flowers. There is a feeder hanging on the veranda for closer observation.
Springhill has 3/4 electricity provided by solar panels, and collects most of its water from rainfall. The pool has a salt water system. Water is also heated by solar power. The cottage has its own Eco garbage and compost buckets, both emptied for you by the maid or the owners. We try to live an Eco life and leave few footprints on our beautiful island.
The cottage is small and compact, but the Veranda makes it feel spacious. The four poster Queen size bed is comfy and you can lie in bed and enjoy the view over the pond and the bay. Maid service is included once a week, a second day can be included on request.
There are wonderful hikes right out of the garden gate. Hiking to Rendezvous Bay is one of Antigua’s five star adventures – from Springhill, you are already en route, and coming home to plunge in the pool and rinse off the salt and grabbing a cold rum punch in your cottage – makes it even more special. The hike takes between 30 – 40 minutes to one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, where you are often the only people on the beach! You can hike further to Carlisle bay or Wallings Dam in the rainforest. The owner can organize guides for these longer hikes.
A top class equestrian centre started by the owner is 3 minutes walk down the hill. The centre offers BHS (British Horse society) instruction and trails around the pretty valley and wild beaches. If you like riding and your partner is a sailor (or would like to learn) this is the ideal spot to stay. The owners are very keen sailors, and would be pleased to help organize this.
It is possible to spend a holiday at Sapodilla without a car, but we would recommend renting one. The cottage has its own garden entrance and driveway. English Harbour is 7 minutes drive away with all its historical sites, great bars and restaurants, and a stunning beach. There are two good supermarkets nearby. Having a car gives you the freedom to explore the many beautiful beaches, and other hidden treasures. The owners would be pleased to help you with any information.
Previous guests have all loved the peace and tranquility, and yet the nearness of all the life in English and Falmouth Harbours.
Keywords: garden cottage, studio, beautiful views.
