DESIGN. Monte Bay is a very handsome 2-1/2 level, custom design that blends traditional Caribbean architectural features with modern comforts and amenities. Classic architectural elements include; terra cotta tiled floors, beamed cathedral ceilings, private balconies, tiled decks, arched windows and a French tiled roof. Modern creature comforts and amenities include a cherry and granite gourmet kitchen, a tiled pool and an exercise room.

The Guesthouse is a private 2-level, 2 bedroom/2 bath stone and concrete home that is located behind and above the main house.

To enter the main house, you park beside the Guesthouse and descend a flight of stairs into the kitchen/formal dining area on the upper level of Monte. The gorgeous interior great room and two guest bedrooms are 3 steps below the kitchen/dining area, while below the interior great room is the oh so-o-o relaxing and beautiful exterior great room (the gallery). From the gallery, tiled stairs lead to the lower level and the master bedroom, a 30' ceramic tiled pool, large pool deck and surrounding gardens, and the 4th (poolside) bedroom. A second set of stairs from the gallery leads to the other side of the house and an exercise room. Banana, papaya, palm and other abundant vegetation surrounds the house and creates superb clothing optional privacy, while hibiscus, bougainvillea, oleander and other flowering plants cascade down the hillside in a profusion of color. A private path to the water (rebuilt in 2004) provides access to swimming and snorkeling.

BEDROOMS. On the upper level two very inviting guest bedrooms (queen beds) are located on opposite sides of the house to insure maximum privacy. Both guest bedrooms have air conditioning, 4-poster mahogany beds, tiled floors, vaulted ceilings and screened sliding glass doors that open to balconies with picturesque views. They also have tiled baths and private outdoor stone garden showers that are surrounded by luxuriant tropical foliage. The spacious, air-conditioned master bedroom (king bed) is on the lower level and features lovely views of the Caribbean through 20' screened sliding glass doors. The master bedroom also includes a stereo/CD/cassete player with twin ceiling speakers and a large bath/dressing room that is entered through beautiful stone arches. The fourth a/c bedroom (king bed) and bath adjoins the pool deck on the lower level and is perfect for young adults, singles or nannies.

The Guesthouse has two additional bedrooms/baths, both with queen beds.

KITCHEN. The kitchen was completely remodeled in 2003 and now looks gorgeous with its cherry cabinets accented by granite countertops and black appliances. This modern kitchen includes a Dacor 4-burner gas cook top stove, Dacor standard and convection ovens, a refrigerator/freezer, a microwave oven and dishwasher and a granite countertop bar with bar stools. The kitchen is amply supplied with cooking supplies, utensils and dinnerware. A laundry room with a washer and dryer is located off the kitchen and a separate stone patio off the deck contains a BBQ grill.

DINING plus INTERIOR and EXTERIOR GREAT ROOMS. As you enter Monte the kitchen is on your right, the formal dining room is on your left and the spacious, interior great room is 3 steps below the kitchen/dining areas. A convenient powder room with half bath is located off the kitchen. The dining room is centered around an antique mahogany dining set that seats 8, while casual lunches may be served on the pool deck or in the gallery.

The interior great room is furnished with stylish wicker furniture, and includes a cable color TV/VCR and DVD and a stereo with CD. The dining room, kitchen, interior great room and upper level bedrooms can be sealed off by closing the screened, 16 foot sliding glass doors that disappear into wall pockets.

The gallery is another design features that makes Monte a supremely comfortable and unique home. The gallery is surrounded on 3 sides by Mediterranean styled, 12 foot, open arched windows that effectively capture all the beauty of the Caribbean. The gallery is tastefully furnished in cushioned wicker furniture by Lloyd Flanders and is an absolutely splendid place to read, relax and unwind.

CARIBBEAN VILLAS' VIEW. Although Monte is actually tucked into a private corner of Rendezvous Bay that is appropriately called Monte Bay, Monte (the villa) is actually a part of the exclusive St. John neighborhood known as Klein Bay. If this is a bit confusing, don't despair, for whatever name you call it, this location is one of the finest waterfront settings in this area of St John. With its clothing optional privacy, Monte Bay (the villa and the bay) are a beautiful slice of paradise. Monte's proximity to the water - it seems like you're cantilevered out over the water - gives it a very special essence. Sounds of gentle surf and vivid shades of turquoise and blue continuously surround you. Monte is another fine example of what we call a magnet home. When you're relaxing by the pool, in the gallery or the bedrooms, the feeling of relaxed contentment is so strong that you can get stuck to your villa. Despite all the wonderful beaches, swimming, snorkeling, hiking trails, shops, restaurants and activities that St John offers, you can't leave your villa - you're stuck in Monte Bay.

In 2003 Monte was purchased by a couple who have a well-established track record for creating truly beautiful island vacation homes (e.g., Mistral on St. John). In the summer and fall of 2003 Monte was thoroughly remodeled and refurnished, and a talented mother-daughter team was commissioned to fill the house with bright, Caribbean inspired artwork. Except for a coat of paint, the exterior walls remain the same, but the kitchen, dining room, great rooms, bedrooms and artwork are all new. The interior beauty of this villa again equals the beauty of the setting, and as the accompanying photos show, Monte Bay remains one of St John's most appealing and captivating rental villas.

In 2004 the 2-bedroom Guesthouse behind the main house was also given a complete makeover. The Guesthouse, which prior to 2004 was not rented to guests, now gives guests the option of renting Monte Bay as either a 4 or 6-bedroom seaside villa.

Monte Bay is a very romantic home that is ideal for an upscale honeymoon, anniversary, special occasion or just an amorous getaway. The main house will accommodate 1-3 couples in superb comfort and privacy. Monte Bay has also proven to be very popular with families and the 4th bedroom is well suited for kids, in laws or nannies. The Guesthouse offers comfortable and private accommodations for 1 or 2 more persons or couples.

* Monte Bay has DSL line for internet access.

LOCATION. The Guesthouse at Monte Bay is located above and behind the main house, just off the parking area. Like the main house, the Guesthouse enjoys a very private, quiet and romantic location. From the upper level decks, the living room and the master bedroom there are scenic views of Rendezvous Bay and the Caribbean. You also have a private access to the path that leads to snorkeling and swimming.

DESIGN. The Guesthouse is an attractive 2-level villa built of stone and concrete. A spiral staircase leads to the upper level, which contains the kitchen/living and dining areas, as well as the master bedroom and master bath. An exterior covered deck runs the full length of the upper level of the Guesthouse. A second bedroom and bath is located on the lower (ground) level.

LIVING/DINING/KITCHEN. With its central a/c, stonewalls, beamed cathedral ceilings, tiled floors throughout, and tropical furnishings and artwork, the living areas and bedrooms are classy, comfy and inviting. The kitchen is modern and completely equipped, with tiled countertops, a 4-burner gas stove and oven, dishwasher, coffee maker, toaster oven and a small table for two. The living room includes a cable color TV/VCR and a stereo/cassette/CD. Two sets of French doors open from the living area to the decks and views of the water.

BEDROOMS. On the upper level, the master bedroom (queen bed) has stonewalls, air conditioning, a delightfully romantic essence and screened French doors that open to water views. A tile and stone master bath with lots of closet space and a stone shower is off the master bedroom. The 2nd air-conditioned bedroom (queen) is accessed through screened French doors which open onto the gardens.

CARIBBEAN VILLAS' VIEW. Prior to 2004, the Guesthouse was not available for vacation rentals and was lightly used. This very charming home is now being offered for rentals, but only if you are also renting the main house.

As you walk through the main house of Monte Bay there's no denying that this is a beautiful home in a wonderful seaside location, and as you might expect, the Guesthouse is a chip off the old block. Having been entirely refurbished in 2004, it's classic design and romantic décor makes it similar to the main house, except it's smaller and cozier.

In addition to being an enchanting petite villa, the Guesthouse is also a good value, considering that it's a very private waterfront villa in the luxurious Klein Bay neighborhood of St. John. Monte Bay has always been one of St. John's most enjoyable 4-bedroom homes, now it's an exquisite 4 or 6 bedroom villa.