mappoint

Stargazer

If you want to find incredible views, ask an astronomer. Noted American star gazer Fred Lawrence Whipple adored Great Camanoe in the British Virgin Islands, so when building his Caribbean family retreat here in 1960, he chose the ultimate spot on the isle. Its spectacular viewpoint overlooks Scrub Island and Marina Cay with sweeping views from Eustacia and The Dogs through to Beef Island and Tortola. What became known as Whipple House was one ...

If you want to find incredible views, ask an astronomer. Noted American star gazer Fred Lawrence Whipple adored Great Camanoe in the British Virgin Islands, so when building his Caribbean family retreat here in 1960, he chose the ultimate spot on the isle. Its spectacular viewpoint overlooks Scrub Island and Marina Cay with sweeping views from Eustacia and The Dogs through to Beef Island and Tortola. What became known as Whipple House was one of the first homes built on Camanoe, surrounded by 4.24 acres of breathtaking property that earned the name Stargazer.

Surrounded by beautiful cacti, orchids, and loblolly trees, Whipple House was built to last of stone and timber, and consists of three original master suites that have since been united and opened up to let in the light. A full renovation in 2008 enhanced the features of the original home, and the results are stunning. Some of the walls of this reinforced steel and concrete block home have been faced with stone, adding a dramatic, earthy architectural sophistication that complements the timbered cathedral wooden rafters and beams. The roof structures are secured with steel and concrete columns all the way to the foundations, and the floors are covered in Mexican Saltillo tiles. Large farmhouse doors open up the main suite. A barbeque area joins the master bedroom and living area with the second bedroom, while the third unit remains isolated. Each bedroom features stone arch windows to look onto the new wooden decks overhanging the hillside.

Access to Great Camanoe is by boat, so living at Stargazer is sublimely remote. A communal library and mailing post on the beachfront provide a reading room and message center for residents—essential pre-telephone, but still serving their purpose today. The island has cars for transport, but a boat is necessary to cross to neighboring islands. From Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on nearby Beef Island, you'll arrive at your hilltop retreat and its unmatchable vistas within 15 minutes of landing.

 

Share This Listing

Inquire About This Island

ajax-loader

Other islands you may be interested in

Blunder Bay Estates
British Virgin Islands , Caribbean $ Upon Request
Ginger Island
British Virgin Islands , Caribbean $ Under Contract
Guana Island
British Virgin Islands , Caribbean
Necker Island
British Virgin Islands , Caribbean

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

To Subscribe to this mailing and receive future emails, fill out the form below and click Submit.

Own a Piece of Outer Banks History – Legacy Islands Await

Secure one of the last untouched 10-acre islands in the Outer Banks, where unparalleled beauty meets unmatched investment potential. These pristine properties are the final opportunity to own deep waterfront land in Manteo/Nags Head, North Carolina, before they become legacy assets held by future generations. Act now to claim your place in history and create a lasting family legacy on the North Carolina coast.

LEARN MORE

EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE ISLANDS

Your Personal Private Island Playground. Experience the whole island for just one group at a time. Stunning locations, ultra private and all Inclusive. Curated by Private Islands Inc.

VIEW OUR COLLECTION

LOOK INSIDE

ISSUE # 31 - SPRING/SUMMER 2024

PRINT EDITION (US & Canada)

Order the current issue for USD 14.95 or subscribe to a 2 year subscription for USD 39.95

Order the current issue for USD 14.95 or subscribe to a 2-year subscription for USD 39.95. For a single issue, the shipping fee is USD 6.95 for addresses in the USA or USD 4.95 within Canada. For subscription service (4 issues over 2 years), the total shipping cost is USD 28.00 (USA) or USD 20.00 (Canada). For international shipping, please contact us at [email protected] with your mailing address and we will provide shipping options.

© 2024, Private Islands Inc. All rights reserved