Estelle's Captains Cottage
The old tradition of house building on Saba was a necessity that became an art form. Steeped in 500 years of sea faring history, these houses were often built for sea captains who demanded from their homes what they demanded from their ships…solid construction, durability and beauty. The sea captains positioned these remarkable structures to capture incredible sea views.
The old tradition of house building on Saba was a necessity that became an art form. Steeped in 500 years of sea faring history, these houses were often built for sea captains who demanded from their homes what they demanded from their ships…solid construction, durability and beauty. The sea captains positioned these remarkable structures to capture incredible sea views. Over the years, house building evolved into an art form creating the unique Saban vernacular preserved so perfectly on the island today whether the house is newly built or lovingly restored. Many of the older, historic homes have passed down in the family over long decades. Very few come onto the market. However, there are exceptions.
Such it is with Estelle’s Captain’s Cottage, one of the most historically significant homes on the island. Built in 1918 for Captain Rueben Simmons and his new family, this rare cottage stands today almost as it was over 100 years ago. It is believed to have been built by very skilled carpenters that were either friends or family of Captain Simmons. Remarkably the original stain glass windows are in place and well preserved. Captain Simmons lived to be 90 years old and was one of the last of the breed of sea captains for which Saba is famous. His daughter Estelle inherited the house. This remarkable home is now for sale and a perfect project for a passionate preservationist who wishes to create their own Old World Caribbean charm.
Estelle’s Captain’s Cottage sits on 3 acres of land providing exceptional opportunities to both preserve and upgrade the cottage proper, allowing for thoughtful expansion of both indoor and outdoor living space. The current cottage has two bedrooms, one bath, a kitchen and dining/living/hall area. As with most sea captain cottages, the views from this Hellsgate location are magnificent encompassing wide expanses of the sea, the mountains and the “old time era” cottage enclave that sit below Estelle’s. One of the original old stone trails snakes up from the main road and climbs up to Estelle’s Captain’s Cottage. The cottage also has drive access from behind the charming old church in Hellsgate.
Priced at $800,000, including both the historic structure and the land, Estelle’s Captain’s Cottage is an unparalleled opportunity to rekindle the beauty of this important historic home.