Featured Client: Did we mention the view?

Originally from Indiana, the Runkle’s have lived all over the United States — Ohio, Virginia, Connecticut, Kentucky, Utah, Minnesota, Utah and now back in Westport, Connecticut. Brian and Beth were high school sweethearts, have been married for going on 26 years and have two kids, Brooke and Blake.

Buying a house in the Caribbean has been a 20-year adventure for the Runkle’s. Their search actually started in St. John. “It was beautiful … quaint … quiet and we thought perfect!” Brian and Beth visited St. John often, researching the island and housing. On one visit, they brought their kids and quickly realized that even with all the things they loved about St. John, it wasn’t quite the right fit for their family.

They were drawn to St. Croix for many reasons:

~Caribbean Views

~We were looking for a U.S. Property (u.s. taxes, u.s.contract law, and u.s.healthcare)

~Ease of access … getting from the mainland to the island 

~Laid back culture 

~Friendly people

~Lots of activities … for all ages”

After a 3+ year search on St. Croix, the family finally found their dream home in La Grande Princesse. We asked Beth if she knew it was “the one” when she first stepped in and she said, “When we walked into the house, we walked straight to the slider doors opposite the front door. THE VIEW drew us in. It’s up on the hill and overlooks Christiansted! Beautiful views during the day and the twinkling of Christiansted’s lights at night!!”

Now they are spending time giving the house their own touch. They are incorporating furniture that came with the house with their own ideas and some new pieces; giving it a good scrub down inside and out; and repainting all of the walls. Beth shared this photo of their favorite feature of the home: the view!

The house will be a vacation home and rental for now, with the plan to move to St. Croix for retirement. They hope to have it on the rental market by October. You can look for Casa de Vista, the name they all agreed to after a brainstorming session. It truly is their

house with a view.”

Their favorite things to do on St. Croix are take in the views (“they never get old“), access to nature, and relax by the pool or on the beach.

When asked if they have any tips for families considering moving to St. Croix, Beth said, “If you have a dream of coming here … do your research … talk to the locals … have a plan … AND … MAKE YOUR DREAM COME TRUE!!”

Congratulations to The Runkle Family for making their dream come true!