As always, it's all about location.
The view from Satinwood, St. John, USVI
The secret to a perfect island vacation is the location. Beautiful little St. John is the perfect start. High up in Upper Carolina, near the top of Ajax Peak, Satinwood is deliberately situated to face the cool, prevailing breezes. This location gives Satinwood a view most locations only dream of and a comfortable, moderate climate that allows the windows, screened of course, to open year-round.
As perfect as the location is, the whole design of the villa was also deliberate. It compliments the hill side, and allows the cooling breezes in all across the front and out the back through high clerestories for an even, airy and comfortable vacation.
The view from Satinwood is breathtaking. Awakening each day to this view, you will know why you came to St. John.
Looking "down island" from the deck or even inside Satinwood, you can see the British Virgin Islands, including Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Salt, Peter, Ginger, Cooper and more.
These scenes from St. John are all wonderful, but pictures never really capture the magnificence of the islands.
Note that many of these plants do not bloom year-round, so you may want to time your visit if the blooms are the highlight of your trip.
Comfortable accommodations for up to ten guests
Tropical trade winds provide constant cooling; awaken to spectacular sunrises and breathtaking views. Relax and watch the sailboats from the covered deck. Inside on the main level, the great room features an entertainment wall with TV, stereo, books, puzzles, and games.
Two main floor master suites
Each main level bedroom consists of one king size bed, complete bathroom, plus ladder accessible loft with two twin beds (suitable for ages 6 and up). The pool-side bedroom also has a separate entrance from the pool deck into the shower.
Lower level apartment with separate entrance
The lower level is a complete apartment with full bath, kitchen, and king size bed. Please note that we do not, at this time, rent the apartment separately. It is only used as an additional bedroom, when needed.
Comfortable by design
The location and architecture are deliberate and designed to allow the tropical trade winds to provide constant cooling. High clerestories allow the warmer air to flow up and out of the house. Satinwood is designed from the ground up with nature, this precise location, the topology, and the local tradewinds as critical features.
Solar power
Satinwood is solar powered; free from ties to the island's utilities. The solar panel arrays, storage battery bank and fully-automatic backup generator provide reliable energy. The house power is so much like normal US-stateside electrical service that many of our guests never even notice the off-grid operation.
Composting toilets
Satinwood employs massive, commercial Clivus Multrum composting toilets. While there is no water-filled porcelain toilet bowl, the system uses a power venting system. After first use, guests usually find this is a non-event. No guest servicing or maintenance is required. (There is a conventional toilet in the downstairs apartment.)
Water collection and management
The unique design of Satinwood's energy and water system provides year-round comfort. Even during times of periodic drought, the massive water collection area, three huge cisterns, use of composting toilet systems, and an LED ultra-violet drinking water tap in the kitchen assure plenty of fresh, clean water for drinking, washing, and of course, relaxing in the cool swimming pool.
