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How a Luxury Community Serves You – Pros and Cons of Luxury Gated Communities  

 

We all have our expectations of how our living spaces will be once we decide to purchase property. Savvy home buyers are more meticulous in their search and expect the highest standards without compromising on their needs. However, within any living space, there are challenges to be expected amidst all the advantages. Today we will be sharing the Pros and Cons of Luxury Gated Communities.

 

Pros of Luxury Gated Communities

 

Convenience

A luxury gated community is built with the intention of providing necessary and premium amenities. They typically offer gyms, swimming pools and a wide range of recreational spaces. Gated communities are also often centrally located and well-connected to nearby cities. This makes them accessible to the best schools, hospitals, offices, restaurants and shopping centres.

 

Property Maintenance

With a purchase of a Bessa property, you have access to quality property maintenance all year round for all your amenities and landscaping needs. Overseas? No problem. At Bessa, we ensure that the common areas of your property are well taken care of and maintained. This is a significant benefit for homeowners in gated communities as opposed to those who purchase stand-alone homes who have the personal responsibility of maintaining their properties. Additionally, within a gated community, costs to perform property maintenance are usually shared among all residents within the community, so your expenses are significantly reduced.

 

Safety and Security

Luxury gated communities are facilitated with 24-hour security and surveillance. You can avoid unwanted visitors, and intruders can be kept away at the gate as security is expected to do the necessary checks with you before allowing anyone inside. These communities also contain CCTV cameras, electronic fences and  intercom systems available on the premises for your protection.

 

Controlled Access

Luxury gated communities consist of strict gate policies to regulate the entry and exit of each individual. With only residents and invited guests allowed through the gates, the likelihood of encountering crime or unwelcomed behavior within the community is greatly reduced. Gated communities don’t completely stop crime, but they do deter it, particularly if there is a security guard at the gate rather than just a keypad entry.

 

Cons of Luxury Gated Communities

 

Expensive Costs

Living in a luxury gated community can be pricey. You may be required to pay homeowners association fees which can come with a hefty price tag as you are paying extra for the maintenance and security fees. However, as aforementioned, costs are shared by residents within the community as opposed to living in a non-gated community where you will be solely burdened with all maintenance costs. Therefore, although expensive, costs are shared and ultimately reduced.

 

Restrictive Rules

Many private communities consist of specific rules that residents are required to follow. This could include what colours to paint your house or even how high the grass in your lawn is allowed to grow. Ensure that these rules are compatible with your lifestyle before making an offer to purchase. These rules often ensure a consistent look and feel of common areas within a community, and establish the type of behaviour expected of residents and their guests. This oftentimes assists in the maintenance of property value.  If you’re big on individuality and self expression, or you have a much more laid back approach, it is possible that you might struggle with these restrictions.

 

Gatehouse Frustrations

It can be very appealing to have restricted access into the community since it may deter unwelcome visitors. However, it can be frustrating when you have to go through those gates every day. You may have to wait in a line just to get in or out depending on what times you tend to come and go. Also, each time you’re having guests over, you will have to inform the guard so that they can gain entrance, which can become frustrating.

 

Overall, living in a luxury gated community has significant benefits that will allow residents to attain greater means of security while still accessing important resources. They also have access to quality property maintenance at reduced costs as opposed to standalone homes or those in non-gated communities. However, all living spaces have their share of challenges and that’s why it’s important for potential homeowners to make strategic decisions regarding what elements they are looking for when purchasing property.

 

For more information on Bessa Properties, click the link below.

http://bessaliving.com/our-properties/  

 

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Bessa’s Ultimate Guide to Luxury Property Renovation

The renovation of a property is a huge undertaking and can even be stressful for most people. However, there is a true reward that comes from owning a property and even a greater reward when you can customise the space to your liking. Renovating your luxury property is a great way to elevate the space and increase its value.  

If you’re considering the renovation of your new property, then read on for all you need to know on how to complete the project to a high standard. 

Pricing the Renovation

Before committing to renovating your property, It is important to decide if you will be renovating the entire house all at once, or doing select rooms in stages. In this same breath, start looking for Interiors Designers and discuss with them your vision for your property; how do you want it to look and feel? After discussing your vision with them, request a quote, as this will give you a clear understanding of all the expenses for the project.  

Reconfiguring the Space

There are some properties, especially strata developments that will have limitations on how you can reconfigure the building. Reach out to the builder or a surveyor to find out the rules that apply when changing the outside of the property. You can then adapt accordingly to ensure you get a final result that you’re happy with but also aligns with strata regulations.

Use the Original Features to your Advantage

The great thing about BESSA, is the modern decor style and open-layout plan within our properties. This includes high ceilings with wooden panels, french windows and basic furniture. If you desire to modernise aspects of the home, such as the decor, you can do this whilst ensuring that the more modern touches fit neatly alongside the original features of the property. This will bring out the beauty of the existing architectural design. 

Decoration

Once the structural changes are in place, it’s time to take things up a notch by decorating your property. This is all about your personality and creative vision coming together within your space. With the help of your interior designer, begin gathering inspiration of various design styles, themes and colour palettes that align with your aesthetics. At BESSA our design style is described as “Tropical Caribbean Luxury”, which is an elevated take on contemporary meets beach house chic. We have played on using modern features and mixing them with interesting pieces like a light-fixture made of wicker, that we’ve used in our Living Room space. It is important to know what you are taking on, how much it will cost and what changes are legally possible for you to make to the property should you wish to. Once you have the relevant facts, renovating the property can be a rich and joyful experience for you and your guests.

If you are interested in purchasing a property overseas, click the link below to learn more. https://bessaliving.com/our-properties/

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The 5 Best Places to Visit in OracaBESSA

Oracabessa and its environs have plenty to offer, from the island’s best hotspots, to the beaches, cuisine and amazing historical landmarks. Whatever your vibe, you’re guaranteed an opulent experience.

We’ve rounded up five (5) of the best places to add to your travel itinerary when you visit Oracabessa.

1. Galina Lighthouse

Located on the North Coast, is the Galina Lighthouse. The Tower’s structure is made of concrete, painted white and is over 40 feet high. The light is approximately 60 feet above sea level. The lighthouse flashes a white light lasting 1.2 seconds and is followed by 10.8 seconds of darkness. 

There are seven lighthouses in Jamaica and they are all of significant importance to Jamaica as they were each built during the colonial period. The Galina Lighthouse stands out as it is quiet and private and its location on the shoreline makes it the perfect backdrop for beautiful vacation photos.

2. Goldeneye

GoldenEye is the name given by famed novelist Ian Flemming to his estate in Oracabessa Bay. The house was built in 1946 on a 15- acre property, located on a cliff which overlooks a private beach. 

Today, the property has been transformed into a luxurious collection of private villas, cottages and beach huts. The resort hosts a plethora of activities including sailing, snorkeling and deep sea fishing. 

3. James Bond Beach

James Bond Beach, sits on a small peninsula at Oracabessa Bay, approximately 10 miles from Ocho Rios on Jamaica’s north coast. The beach is known for its incredibly fresh seafood served at the popular Moonraker “Jamaican” Bar & Grill Restaurant. 

It also possesses an expansive lawn; a regular venue for concerts for a few international artists such as Ziggy Marley and Rihanna. Historically, the beach got its name from the first James Bond Movie “Dr. No” which was filmed on location. 

4. Noel Coward’s Firefly House

Oracabessa is the home to some of the most talented people in the Film Industry such as Noel Coward – an English Playwright, Director, Singer and Composer. While vacationing in Jamaica at the nearby Ian Flemming home, Noel fell in love with the property next door and later bought it.

The property is perched on a hillside with stunning views of the coast. Today, it is used as a gift shop and museum and is a great location for events. If you are a history buff, this is the perfect place for you.

5. Miss T’s Kitchen

For our next location, we are heading to Ochi Rios to the popular Miss T’s Kitchen. From the colourful decor, rustic country cuisine, to the pulsating reggae greeting you upon arrival, this place is reminiscent of true Jamaican Culture. 

The restaurant offers authentic Jamaican cuisine including fall of the bone oxtail, sumptuous baked crab back or even some delicious curried goat. If you’re a real foodie,  Miss T’s Kitchen is a great place to indulge in delicious, authentic Jamaican food.

 

In search of excitement ? Then get those flights booked now and visit Oracabessa!

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5 Things To Do in Oracabessa

Away from the hustle and bustle of Ocho Rios is Oracabessa which is located along the North Coast of Jamaica with pristine white-sand beaches, picturesque sunsets- just without the fuss. 

Oracabessa is a relatively quiet town with stunning beauty, rich history, and even-better-kept secrets. 

This is what makes it the ideal vacation home destination; providing a permanent chance to slow the pace and join island time. 

Your time here isn’t limited to reading on the beach (though that sounds tempting), there are activities for the discerning looking for more to do. Here are five (5) things to do in Oracabessa, Jamaica:

turtle hatching

Witness Turtle Hatching 

Witness the magic of helping baby turtles make their way to the sea with turtle hatching activities mere steps away from your front door at Bessa. 

Not only is this a fantastic experience, but you also join a team of persons dedicated to rebuilding this endangered species. The work of local Oracabessa homeowner Mr. Mel Tennant and The Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary has helped to increase the survival rate of the turtles from 37 percent in 2005 to over 80 percent today.

Bessa is proud to share our beaches with these majestic creatures and has been careful to minimize any impact on our marine neighbors. 

https://www.goldeneye.com/meet-man-saving-jamaicas-sea-turtles/

 

Take a dip in James Bond Beach 

Named after the famous James Bond Franchise, because of the time author Ian Flemming is said to have spent there, this white-sand beach with sprawling lawns and pristine water calls to the most discerning of travelers and provides a relaxing getaway. 

Ian Flemming Airport

Jet anywhere in the world

The Ian Flemming International Airport is a stone’s throw away from Bessa. 

Named after the famous author of the James Bond series, the Ian Flemming International Airport gives unparalleled access to the world and offers the privacy you never knew you needed.

Fire Fly House

Visit FireFly House

Take an off-road adventure to the jaw-dropping views at FireFly House; the home of Sir Noël Coward, famed English playwright, composer, director, actor, and singer. 

Experience breathtaking views from this historic location and even take a tower of Sir Coward’s house filled with relics of yesteryear. 

Visit Sun Valley Plantation

Sun Valley Plantation offers an immersive experience into nature, including a tour of a working plantation and flourishing botanical garden. Experience personalized service with garden tours alongside the Crescent River while sipping freshly made fruit juice made from the best of what is in season. Taste the exotic fruits, and learn about the medicinal value of the herbs and spices that grow on the property. 

Ideal for nature lovers who want to escape to a tropical paradise. 

Ready to make Oracabessa your home yet? See https://bessaliving.com/our-properties/ for how you can make this slice of island paradise your home.