The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands has recently approved the purchase of 5.5 acres of prime real estate, which was built in the 1970s and is located within The Greater Baths National Park, Toad Hall Estate.
Toad Hall Estate was a highly sought-after luxury vacation villa that sustained damage in the 2017 Hurricanes. The estate will be rebuilt, offering guests an exclusive entrance to The Baths National Park, exclusive authentic Virgin Islands’ cultural and historical experiences, and will also serve as a platform for local artisans, entertainers, and craftsmen to showcase their craft.
The acquisition of Toad Hall Estate allows the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands (NPTVI) to construct the NPTVI Headquarters which includes a state-of-the-art visitor interpretation and environmental education centre, that will have a gift shop and a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the outer islands.
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie said, “The purchase of Toad Hall Estate is an investment that will see prosperous results in both the Environment and the Tourism product in the Virgin Islands. The Government of the Virgin Islands is working tirelessly to improve the quality of life of the people of the Virgin Islands as well as the tourism product. ”
Minister of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley said, “Toad Hall will also be a unique rental space where social and special events can be held in the visitor’s centre, the rooftop restaurant, and lawn or luxury villa. This project is estimated to create a minimum of 20 jobs in a variety of fields. It is a significant investment by the Government for the people and will enhance the visitor experience at the baths.”
Toad Hall will be the only villa rental, luxury or otherwise, within a National Park and Protected Area. This increases the value of the property economically and historically. The curated authentic cultural experiences at Toad Hall will enhance the quality of experiences offered to guests, thus increasing the quantity of spending and improving tourism numbers.
The Director of the National Parks Trust, Dr. Cassander Titley-O’Neal also expressed gratitude on behalf of the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands. Dr. Titley-O’Neal said “The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands is delighted to add Toad Hall Estate to The Greater Baths Park family. This addition ensures that the ecological, historical and cultural aspects are maintained, and in time, will surely enhance the Territory’s overall tourism product.”
The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands continues to preserve and manage designated natural and cultural areas in order to improve the quality of life in the British Virgin Islands.
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Credits: BVI Government
