Seascape House
Hopetown, Elbow Cay Island, Abaco, Bahamas
This beautiful vacation rental in the Bahamas is absolutely on the ocean with adjoining frontage and a private dock in White Sound Bay on Elbow Cay Island. A two bedroom, two bath, air-conditioned beachfront cottage that makes for an outstanding "out island" experience.
Let me introduce you to Seascape House, a new adventure in island living. Situated on a ridge, Seascape offers the best of both worlds: a breathtaking view of White Sound Bay from its spacious rear deck and the roar of the ocean waves from its front deck.
Seascape's floor plan includes two bedrooms, two full baths, and a convertible sofa to sleep two additional people in the living area. Air conditioning is provided for the two bedrooms to insure your comfort on hot summer evenings. The house comes complete with cooking utensils, place settings for six, glasses, bed linens and towels. You also have your own private dock directly on the property. Seascape is very spacious and offers plenty of glass for a full view of the ocean and bay from every corner.
Seascape is located on White Sound Bay on Elbow Cay Island. This is a small island approximately 190 miles east of Florida. Temperatures average in the 70's in the winter and the 80's in the summer. The ocean breezes flow through the rooms making it comfortable year round. White Sound is less than a ten minute boat ride from the quaint settlement of Hope Town and its famous "candy-striped" lighthouse. The inhabitants of Hope Town are descendants of the Loyalists who fled the Carolinas during the Revolutionary War. They still speak the dialect of their ancestors. Hope Town is nestled in a picturesque harbor and the vibrant reds, pinks, and yellows of the native hibiscus and bougavilla surround the Cape Cod style homes.
Transportation around the island is mostly by boat or on foot. Bicycles and golf carts can be rented by the day or week. You will find Hope Town to be quite charming. There are several small grocery stores, a liquor store, bakery, straw shop, gift shops, a museum, and churches. There are a number of island restaurants, some of which are Sea Spray, Captain Jack's, The Harbor's Edge, Abaco Inn, and Club Soleil. These restaurants serve delicious grouper, conch, lobster (in season) and other excellent native dishes. Shorts are all that is required for formal dress.
THINGS TO DO Scuba and Snorkeling
The crystal clear water and beautiful coral reefs make this one of the favorite activities in the islands. Complete gear may be rented and qualified instructors are available.
Surfing, Windsurfing and Sailing
Sailboats range in size from a 14 foot sunfish to a 44 foot CSY and are available for rent or charter. Windsurfers will be thrilled with the wave action directly in front of Seascape House. This is the beach of choice for the local surfers.
Boating and Fishing
Deep sea fishing, bonefishing, and reef fishing are some of the best in the area. Charters and guides are available. Smaller outboards ranging from 13 to 22 feet are available for rent from several marinas in the area. It is advisable to reserve your boat before making the trip. For the "landlubbers", golf carts are available for rent
Beaching and Shelling
The beaches in the area are some of the most beautiful in the Bahamas and the shells are numerous. Tahiti beach, a short distance from Seascape, is a favorite place for shelling. You have your own ocean beach at your front door and bay beach at your back door.
HOW TO GET TO SEASCAPE Airlines
Numerous airlines fly to the main island, Marsh Harbour, from Miami, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. Advise your travel agent you will be going to Marsh Harbour in the Bahamas and they can give you a list of options. If you are using one of the small commuter airlines, it is recommended you pick up your luggage and recheck it with the commuter airline to make certain it reaches Marsh Harbour.
In Marsh Harbour
Once you reach Marsh Harbour, you must clear Bahamian customs. This requires a passport or certified birth certificate. Once you have cleared customs, a taxi will take you to the ferry dock to ferry your group to White Sound and Seascape. Before going to the ferry dock, you may want to do some of your grocery shopping in Marsh Harbour. My caretaker, Betty Sweeting, has a well stocked grocery store a short walk from the house. The food is about 30% higher in price than food in the states due to customs duty and spoilage.
Ferry Dock
Once you reach the ferry dock, you will want to charter a ferry to White Sound. Tell the captain of the ferry you will be staying an Seascape House and have him notify Betty Sweeting of your arrival. Betty will meet you at the dock to help with your luggage and welcome you to Seascape. After that, it's time to put on your island clothes and enjoy this beautiful paradise!