The Latest in Luxury Resort & Real Estate News

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Oil Nut Bay Resort Hires Chrysler Corporation Exec to Guide Sustainable Development

(VIRGIN GORDA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS) -- Oil Nut Bay, a luxury resort-style sustainable development owned by Michigan-based Victor International, recently brought on visionary Dr. Larry Oswald as the resort's "environmental team leader."

Dr. Oswald spent the last 10 years at The Chrysler Corporation as CEO of Chrysler's Global Electric Motorcars LLC (GEM) subsidiary, growing GEM into a successful and profitable electric vehicle business, with nearly 37,000 vehicles sold worldwide during this time. Through Dr. Oswald's direction, Oil Nut Bay is setting a new standard in responsible, sustainable community developments.

Dr. Oswald is funneling his passion for conservation, recycling and renewable energy generation into Oil Nut Bay by directing the planning, installation and operational assurance of ONB's integrated community services and energy management systems, making use of the abundance of natural energy, wind and sun.  ONB is implementing a variety of eco-progressive initiatives such as using methane generated from organic waste to operate auxiliary energy generators, and capturing wind power to generate electricity for desalinization plants, air conditioning and refrigeration.
 
Following are a few other eco-friendly practices being implemented at Oil Nut Bay:

• Road, pathway, dock and landscape lights will be solar-powered

• Most domestic hot water will be heated by solar energy, with the use of electric heating backup when necessary

• Collected rain and treated gray water will be the main sources for irrigation water

Every community building in Oil Nut Bay is currently being built to 100 percent LEED Platinum standards, with the goal to obtain a Platinum certification for the entire development in the future. Thought it is optional, residents are highly encouraged to design, build and certify their homes to the Platinum level LEED standards. Additionally, Dr. Oswald will advise ONB residents and their builders on how to plan and build structures to the highest levels of energy efficiency consistent with the total ONB community.

LEED certification, which includes a rigorous third-party commissioning process, offers four certification levels -- Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum -- that correspond to the number of credits accrued in five green design categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality.

Nestled on a private peninsula on the eastern tip of the lush island of Virgin Gorda, and only accessible by helicopter or boat, Oil Nut Bay is a 300-acre pristine resort community offering 88 freehold villas and miles of shoreline. 


Created with a focus on nature and wellness, learning and family, Victor International's Oil Nut Bay is one of the lowest-density resort communities in the Caribbean. The sustainable development also happens to be debt free and connected to a number of successful developments such as the $1 billion 1,200-acre resort-style community in Bay Harbor, Michigan. In all, Victor International has developed or acquired more than 40 developments throughout its history, and received numerous awards, including the prestigious Urban Land Institute's Award of Excellence.
 
"David V. Johnson's Oil Nut Bay and North Sound Yacht Club recently approved by the Government of the British Virgin Islands and under construction, places new focus on the British Virgin Islands, further enhancing them as a globally acclaimed destination," said British Virgin Islands Governor David Pearey.  "David's passion and vision to be a part of our community make him a most valued partner.  His commitment to providing a world-class resort, residential community, and mega-yacht facility, to the development and enhancement of the local population and to eco-sensitive practices, are setting a new standard for excellence in the BVI."

Currently in the first phase of sales, Oil Nut Bay offers a variety of real estate options, including estate lots ranging in size from 1-10 acres and priced from $2 million to beach villas starting at $5.8 million and ridge villas starting at $4.8 million. According to Oil Nut Bay officials, financing is available and they feature a swift  90-day approval process for landholder license buyers.

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Residence Club at El Corazon de Santa Fe Announces Seller Financing

(SANTA FE, NM) -- For almost twenty years, private residence club ownership has been a popular concept and smart choice among vacation homeowners. It offers an economical and convenient way to own a luxurious vacation home without the burdens or added expenses associated with whole ownership.

This month, the developer of The Residence Club at El Corazon de Santa Fe is making ownership easier by providing seller financing.

Two attractive financing options are available for buyers to consider.  Club ownership for fully furnished, two-bedroom residences starts at $130,000 for a one-eighth share. Owners enjoy virtually unlimited use and can plan vacations in advance, as well as make reservations on a short-notice and space-available basis.

"We understand that times are tough for most everyone, but we know there remains a strong desire to have a vacation home in the downtown area where new development is highly limited." says Rob Harper, El Corazon's development manager for El Corazon, "Our seller financing program was created with the goal of allowing potential buyers to realize their dream of owning affordable, luxurious real estate in Santa Fe."

Despite the economic climate, El Corazon continues to generate interest because Santa Fe enthusiasts understand the club offers a rare ownership opportunity and exceptional value.

There is renewed optimism in the local real estate market as a result of a recent home price forecast by Moody's Economy.com. Researchers predict Santa Fe's real estate market will grow at an annual rate of 3.6 percent over the next decade, placing the city among the top 10 housing markets in the U.S. during this period.

"The Santa Fe real estate market remains relatively stable and a great value," Harper notes. "The city didn't experience the sharp price speculation that other areas did a few years ago, so it didn't share the recent, dramatic decline in home values. Santa Fe's dynamic and unique cultural offerings, coupled with beautiful scenery and great quality of life, will continue to sustain its largely tourism-driven economy."

El Corazon is conveniently located across the street from the new Santa Fe Convention Center, and is within walking distance of the famous Plaza, countless boutiques, art galleries, museums, and restaurants.

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