The names of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. known as the 'Rat Pack' conjure up an era when Freeport was the centre of activity, a regular haunt for the rich and famous, and an exotic locale for those looking to have fun in the sun.
Although those early days of Freeport are gone, enough investments are in the pipeline to recapture the excitement of the days gone by, including one development on a picturesque canal lot located near the once famous Xanadu hotel and the exclusive Princess Isle community. The development is called Suffolk Court.
Suffolk Court, a gated luxurious high-rise condominium complex touted by developer's as 'an oasis in paradise' is nearing completion of phase I. The developers, the Ireland-based Harcourt Developments are catering to the high end second homeowners, looking to own a slice of paradise in this idyllic setting in Bahamia.
According to Suffolk Court's exclusive North American marketing representative James Sarles, who is the CEO of Coldwell Banker, James Sarles Reality, this significant opportunity could not have come at a better time.
"It is exciting to see new developments in this area and for Harcourt to bring a new world class product to the island of Grand Bahama," Sarles said.
Harcourt, a major international property development, investment and management company, has over 40 years experience developing retail, residential and leisure schemes around the world including the world famous Carlise Bay in Antigua.
Just recently, the company purchased the Royal Oasis Resort, which had closed following the 2004 hurricanes and is working on a major rebuild of the hotel.
Harcourt has revitalized the community of Bahamia by upgrading entrances, curbing and landscaping, and continues to upgrade this community.
Now, with its latest project only months away from completion, construction crews have been steadily working on Harcourt's Suffolk Court.
The gated community will feature five, five storey-buildings, with one-bedroom condominiums on the first floor; three-bedroom condos on the second, third and fourth floors and two massive penthouses on the top floor.
All condos feature private balconies, great rooms and stunning water views and overlook the community pool and jacuzzi. Other features include air supply to closets, quick recovery water heaters, professionally designed cabinetry and more.
The penthouses boast two large covered terraces and a library. There are also private marina slips and ample vehicle parking available. The condos are spacious, ranging from 1,030 sq. feet to 3,370 sq. feet with prices ranging from $465,000 to $1.5 million.
Architect for the project, The Benedict Group, have selected an island colonial style theme for the building using soft pastel colours. However, beneath this gentle look, the buildings were designed to offer state-of-the-art storm protection with concrete steel construction, impact-rated doors and windows.
Sarles says the condos are a great value. There is already great interest in Suffolk in the UK, Europe and the US.
"People from all over the world are discovering that Grand Bahama Island is the perfect second home or retirement home in the sun. Grand Bahama has a rare combination of tropical beauty, pristine waters, clean modern roads, reliable utilities, state-of-the-art communications, a tax free environment and close proximity to the United States. Phase I is scheduled for completion in early 2008," he said.
Interested persons can learn more about Suffolk Court through their website www.suffolkcourt.com.
FRONT VIEW – Artists rendering of the front view of Suffolk Court, a new luxury condominium project currently under construction.
