Soak up the sun at The Crane in stunning Barbados 

The first property on Barbados to offer both outright and shared ownership, the stunning Crane Resort is uniquely positioned to set a new investor trend. By Serena Templeton

Just picture it: sun, sea, sand and security in one of the Caribbean’s most desirable destinations. Owning a holiday home in sophisticated Barbados has always been an indulgence for the rich and famous, but these days it is also expected to pay its way.

New buyers still desire luxury but with easily manageable homes, affordable running costs and solid rental potential. Cue the Crane Resort – which has built its reputation on marrying spectacular oceanfront real estate, luxurious spacious residences and five-star resort amenities with unprecedented value in the guise of its innovative shared ownership programme.

The concept enables owners to better match financial outlay with actual property usage. Buyers have the flexibility of owning a fraction of a specific residence for a specific time each year, ranging from one week to several months.

Owners of four weeks or more also have the added benefit of eligibility for The Crane’s attractive rental pool programme which allows them to benefit from rental income for all unused weeks. These luxurious one, two and three-bedroom properties range from 750 to over 4,000 square feet, most featuring large, private swimming pools.

They include everything from furniture to corkscrews. Explains The Crane’s Managing Director, Paul Doyle: “The fractional ownership principle lies in the model of vertical integration. With all aspects of business undertaken in-house, from design and construction to operations, we can by-pass expensive third-party suppliers and pass on these savings to owners by way of low, fixed purchase prices and annual fees.”

Property investments are protected by a third-party trust structure administered by First National Trustee Company (FNTC). Through this structure, ownership can be willed, transferred, or sold at any time.

Adds Doyle: “Some people feel that value and luxury are mutually exclusive, and we’re here to prove that that’s not true. We’re the highest rated in the world for exchange value on the luxury end, and owners here can trade off and go to other very luxury properties all around the world. That’s a solid stepping stone for investment.”

Prices start from US$7,895 – US$44,195 for one week in a one-bedroom residence.

THE CRANE PRIVATE RESIDENCES

Ideal for long term living, the resort’s latest residential phase, Crane Private Residences, combines all the best features of typical condo units with the advantages of being surrounded by a full resort community, including the option to spend time with other guests when desired, and access to all amenities and services including cascading swimming pools, award-winning gourmet and casual restaurants, tennis courts, fitness centre, spa and acres of private landscaped gardens.

Spread over five acres, The Crane Private Residence community will, on completion, feature five residential buildings with spacious two-bedroom (1,916 square feet) and three-bedroom (3,619 square feet) units, each with clean architectural lines and finishes complementing The Crane’s signature use of coral stone.

Ground floor properties each have a large private pool and garden, while penthouse units include a private roof terrace with dining gazebo, private rooftop swimming pool and broad, panoramic coastal views. All units are complete with large, airy, kitchens, elegant natural stone bathrooms with large soaker tubs and private patios.

Residences also include underground parking and an elevator leading directly into the foyer of each property, a rarity for Caribbean properties. Starting at US$676,000 pre-construction prices are approximately half of comparable ocean front apartments in Barbados.

BEACH HOUSES - THE OTHER SIDE OF BARBADOS

Building off its exceptional reputation in the fractional ownership industry, The Crane’s sister property, Beach Houses is a stunning, new development on the secluded East Coast of the island. Unlike the developed South and West Coasts, 99% of the East Coast has now been reserved as a National Park, so future generations may forever enjoy its natural beauty.

On the remaining 1%, will be Beach Houses, 63 free-standing residences and a boutique hotel spread across a gently sloping hillside, specially designed for those who really want to get away from it all. The project marries the simple elegance and open spaces of contemporary architecture with the casual comfort of the traditional Bajan summer house.

Each two and three bedroom property is generously scaled and beautifully appointed, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows and two (one for the main residence, the other for the ‘lock-off studio’) infinity edge pools with hot tubs, patios offering “no tan-lines” privacy, outdoor showers, hammocks and barbeques.

On completion, the community will feature two restaurants, a clifftop bar, state-of-the-art wellness centre – all featuring extraordinary panoramic views, as well as a full service day spa and convenience store. Prices from $1.9m.