Fosters House

In Depth

Fosters House is one of a number of new beachfront holiday homes that have sprung up along the prime beachfront strip of Lower Carlton in St James in recent years. Built on the sought after narrow strip of land between the main road and beach, Fosters House is a fairly large two storey villa that is clearly visible behind its low stone wall and electric gated entrance. This area of St James is relatively quiet and has few hotels or restaurants, however there are a good number of properties of all types in the vicinity so it is not a secluded setting but it is a marvellous villa fronting directly onto a stunning stretch of beach.

Fosters House has a very elegant, contemporary plantation style interior and has been individually furnished with some striking results. The ground floor comprises of an open-plan dining and living room with air-conditioning, which is a delectable vision of cream and chocolate. Against a background of off white floor tiles, neutral drapes and walls, and an unusual panelled ceiling, the comfortable sitting area has two beige upholstered three-seater sofas with a low coffee table to match the rest of the unusual furnishings. These comprise a sofa table and a large dining table for ten, which are painted in a rich cream with chocolate brown detailing and tops. Additional side cupboards are left all cream, whilst a TV resides in a large pickled rattan cabinet. Carefully selected prints, lamps, a large mirror, candle sticks, vases and knick knacks chosen for their natural fibres and colours, compliment the furnishings. A smaller family room just off the main living area, continues the neutral theme and has a sofa bed to convert into a fifth bedroom. Both rooms lead out to the covered patio which has stunning views of the large pool with surrounding deck and the sea.

The property caters well for outside living and dining, and has the most glorious uninterrupted views of the stunning beach and Caribbean Sea. For those who like to keep fit there is a small air-conditioned gym located off the driveway, with step machine, exercise bike and weights. A TV and video will distract you during the monotony.

An elegant sweep of stairs leads from the living area to the upper floor which has four air-conditioned bedrooms. These all enjoy fantastic sea views from their private balconies and have safes. There are two twin bedrooms, both of which have en suite bathrooms with showers only. To their sides are a queen bedroom with en suite bathroom with tub/shower, and the lovely master bedroom with a four poster king-size bed, and large luxury bathroom with step-in whirlpool bath and a separate shower, with hairdryer.

Beach & Swimming

Wonderful beachfront setting with a stunning stretch of white sand beach below. It is fairly broad at this point of the beach, which is not always the case in Barbados. It is probably one of the best stretches of beach on the West Coast. This is accessed by an arched gateway to the side of the sun terrace via steps that lead to a small area of lawn then out to the beach. The swimming is excellent, with an area straight in front of the villa for bathing. Back at the villa a large mosaic tiled swimming pool is set within a large tiled sun terrace, a real sun trap with a low wall separating the grounds of the villa from the beach. The pool (27ft long x 19ft wide x 5ft deep) has steps into the shallow end and a ladder on one side, plus a 3ft deep Jacuzzi to one end.

Sports & Recreation

The nearest golf course is Royal Westmoreland about 15 minutes drive away, which has some tee times open to outsiders in the mid morning. Otherwise there are two courses open to the public at Sandy Lane about 20 minutes away. The nearest tennis courts are located at Sugar Hill about 12 minutes drive away. Watersports are available on request on site.

Locality

Fosters House is located in Lower Carlton just south of Speightstown, and just off the main West Coast road (Highway 1). The nearest hotel is Fairmont's Royal Pavilion to the south. There are one or two local shops and rum shops along the route, however the nearest shopping area is in Speightstown, the island's second largest town, which is about 8 minutes by car. Once known as Little Bristol because of connections to Bristol on the west coast of England, Speightstown still has a feel of old time Barbados about it. There is a small fish market on the seafront, fruit and vegetable sellers known as 'hucksters' on the road side, a couple of local restaurants and bars and a smattering of shops, plus a reasonably well stocked supermarket. The nearest good restaurants to the north are The Terrace at Cobblers Cove Hotel, Mango's by the Sea in Speightstown itself and The Fish Pot at Little Good Harbour. To the south try Lone Star.

Holetown, which is about 10 minutes drive to the south in the heart of St James and is the main shopping district.  Here you will find the Cave Shepherd Plaza and the larger West Coast Mall. These contain a supermarket, bank, photo centre, duty free shops, video rental, and various shops and boutiques. The Limegrove Lifestyle Centre is a recent addition with a range of designer shops, an art gallery, bars, cafes and restaurants. Also close by is the Chattel House Village, a series of traditional-looking Caribbean cabins selling souvenirs and the 24 hour Sandy Crest Medical Centre. There is also good nightlife in Holetown with lively weekend gatherings in 1st and 2nd Street, where the restaurants and bars stand shoulder to shoulder, with some providing live music. The current 'hot spots' are The Mews, The Elbow Room, Spago and Lexy Piano Bar.

Useful Hints

Ask your travel organiser or the management company (if booking direct) for initial food and drink supplies to be laid in for your arrival. The cook will then prepare a welcome meal. Thereafter, staff will shop for you during your stay if you wish to delegate this chore, but a 10% service charge plus VAT will be added to all shopping bills. Rental rates for villas in Barbados do not include 'tips', about which you will find advice in the guest information book at the villa.

Airport Meet & Greet

If you are booking direct ask the villa management company to send a taxi to meet you at the airport. Your airport transfers are paid for locally and take approximately 45 minutes. Alternatively, if you would prefer to be taken care of from the minute you arrive at the airport, with a range of services that can include limousine transfers, a Concierge Service is offered by St James Travel & Tours.

If you are booking through a travel organiser, it is likely that their representative will be at the airport to meet you. This service and your return airport transfers should be included in the cost of your holiday. Please check at the time of booking.

Getting Around

Although most things are relatively close at hand and Speightstown can easily be reached by public transport, a hired car is strongly recommended for all private villa holidays, unless you prefer staff to call taxis for you as required. A car will be useful if you want to dine out at night or do lots of sightseeing and particularly when it comes to shopping for groceries. Book car hire via your travel organiser or direct with Stoutes Car Rentals and ask for your vehicle to be delivered to the property approximately three hours after your scheduled time of arrival on Barbados or, if preferred, the following morning. Vehicles can be returned at the airport or be collected from the property at a pre-arranged time on your departure day.