The island is just eight square miles and its real estate is some of the most sought after in the world - this truly is "prime" property at its finest. Our team of local experts offer experience, integrity and a genuine commitment to offering the most professional service possible. Located in the island capital of Gustavia they have unrivalled access to the finest listings on the island and will be by your side from initial enquiry to completion and beyond.

History

Discovered by Columbus in 1493, and named for his brother Bartolomeo, St. Barths was first settled in 1648 by French colonists from the nearby island of St. Kitts.

In 1763, the island was settled by French mariners from Normandy and Brittany. This colony succeeded. French buccaneers found the place hospitable, and brightened the economy with vast quantities of plunder taken from Spanish galleons. Monbars the Exterminator, a famous buccaneer of noble French descent, reputedly maintained his headquarters in St. Barths. His treasure is believed to be still hidden among the coves of Anse du Gouverneur, or buried in the sands of Saline.

Gradually the buccaneers became tradesmen, shopkeepers, fishermen, and small farmers.

In 1946, Martinique and Guadeloupe, including St. Barths, were given the legal status of a Department of France with the same privileges and responsibilities as any of the Home Departments. The citizens were given French passports, and were expected to pay French taxes, and obey laws formulated in Paris.

In 1957, American millionaire David Rockefeller bought a property: the notoriety of the island quickly grew and its transformation as an upscale tourist destination was underway.

During the last twenty years the resident population of St. Barths has more than doubled. Fewer natives are leaving, and growing number of outsiders are arriving to make an island home for themselves, especially from Metropolitan France.

Over the past 10 years, the islands of Saint Barthélemy and Saint Martin engaged in a process of political evolution that came to fruition on February 2007 with adoption of a new status, and the new Overseas Collectivity of Saint Barthélemy was born on July 15, 2007 and its first territorial council was elected. The 19 members elected Bruno Magras as the first president of the island council (text courtesy of the St Barths tourist office).

How to get here

The easiest and most comfortable way to get to St Barts is by airplane. A number of major airlines have regularly scheduled international flights into St Martin, a neighboring island to St Barts, with local companies providing the connecting flights to the island’s Gustave III Airport, located just five minutes drive from Gustavia. You can also get from St Martin to St Barts by boat, from a charter speedboat to daily ferry service.

Getting around the island

Trying the different beaches and restaurants are part of the St Barths experience, so wherever you stay on the island you will need a car, though St Barths is quite small. From anywhere on the island, you can get to any other part in less than 20 minute drive. Any valid driver's license will do, and for those used to smooth, wide and level roads, the business of driving on St. Barths can be an adventure in itself.

There are two petrol stations on the island, both closed on Sunday. The one near the airport is open Monday-Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to noon and 2 to 7 p.m. The one in Lorient is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thursday and Saturday afternoons. There is an all-night automatic credit card gas pump at the airport station.

There are two taxi stations on the island, one at the airport and one in Gustavia on the public dock.

Connectivity

WIFI Networks:

Free Access - " Maya's to Go" in St-Jean, as well as the Brasserie "Le Repaire" in Gustavia, offer their clientele free access to their WIFI network.

For a Fee - St Barth Telecom, a local private company, has installed a "hotspot" covering Gustavia. You need to buy a connection card to surf without limit from Gustavia. Contact St Barth Telecom to find out how to get a card.

Local Service Providers:

France Telecom Interactive: Wanadoo (Office in St-Jean) - They will give you a free account (called "Acces Libre") with an ID and Password at to their office in St-Jean or online (www.wanadoo.fr). You will still have to pay for the phone call. It does not work with a phone line which is restricted to local use.

PowerAntilles - tel: (590) 590 87 97 92 - offers short term local accounts to visitors ( $20/week, $65/month), which can be quickly and easily established by email before your arrival. You will also have to pay for the phone call.

Email to: [email protected]

Some hotels maintain an ISP account for guests, and offer the passwords on a temporary basis.

As with everything associated with the Internet, the above information is subject to sudden and unexpected change.