Caribview is a unique island house. Unlike many Water Island reinforced concrete structures, which date back to the 1940’s and were built by the U. S. Army as military housing, the design of Caribview was based on a novel concept when it was built in the early sixties. Instead of specifying small, rectangular windows closed by glass or wooden jalousies, Caribview’s architect borrowed from modern skyscraper design principles to utilize a framework of steel columns supporting glass jalousie curtain walls, featuring spectacular views from its vantage point high above the Caribbean. Wrecked in Hurricane Hugo in 1989, Caribview gained a new lease on life in 1992 when its owners restored the architect’s original concept in new construction meeting or exceeding Dade County, Florida, building codes. Gone are the fragile glass jalousies, to be replaced by heavy floor-to-ceiling plate glass windows and sliding glass doors that can withstand 200 mph winds.

While Caribview affords several comfortable outdoor seating areas, including what may be the most beautiful outdoor dining area on the island, it is upon entering the house that one’s breath is taken away. Panoramic views sweeping from St. Croix on a clear day, forty miles to the south, to several smaller islets and cays in the middle distance to the southeast, to St. Thomas and the busy harbor of Crown Bay in the north. Guests will see the world’s largest cruise ships enter and leave Crown Bay, transiting West Gregerie Channel, while East Gregerie Channel, separating Water Island from Hassel Island to the east, accommodates a constant flow of local smaller vessel traffic. At Caribview, one feels surrounded by extraordinary views and intimately aware of the endless variety of maritime weather experienced from dawn to sunset.