Hi, My family and me, are moving to St. Lucia next year. We have bought a house there and am wondering if anyone is doing or has already done the same thing. We will be building new properties out there and it would be great to talk to someone who is already there or hoping to go.

not built out there but we live on an island close by and we're moving to SLU in the next 18 months - 2 years.

from my experience of living in the W.I. for a while .... dont expect to hit building timeframes! its likely to take longer than you think.

where are you building?

We are building in the Vieux Fort area, within 15min drive of the airport, but no aeroplane noise! Building individual family homes but of a higher quality than usual. We have acutally found the time frames easier to achieve there then in the UK so far, but then we have some good people working with us, which always makes a difference!

are you building to sell or rent?

Vieux Fort is nice - and up to Laborie and Soufriere

just thinking as Ritz Carlton is building a huge resort in Laborie right now - they always need nice housing for their expats workers and families ... if you're into renting the properties might be something for you.

We are doing a bit of both actually. One is being built now as a rental. It will have two, two bedroom apartments with stunning views and also four separate self contained guest bedrooms which will be for b&b. We are just in the process of acquiring further land to build family homes on. Usual three/four bed and bathroom with views of the Pitons. Finishing detail will hopefully be of a more superior quality than is usual in the caribbean! What will you be doing when you move over? Is it a work related move?

its work - we emigrated here in early 2004 but need a larger island to settle on and the company will move us there for 2009 so .... off we go!

cant wait actually, love SLU, cant wait to settle down and get a lovely place. We're looking at Anse la Ray area as dh's job will be up at the Cap but we dont want to live up there so he'll communte and the boys will go to Tapion school in Castries.

dyou have kids??

Have two boys, but one is already working for us and the other will have just finished his GCSE's so will probably bum around on the beach for a while! If you need anywhere to rent to start with either holidays or otherwise let me know! Quite a long commute though but I guess it depends on whether you mind driving on the local roads or not. What do you do?

me .... I dont do alot but the hubby is a director for a resort company - he looks after all the golf.

we'll be in St lucia in August for a few days - just mooching around and enjoying ourselves!

once you get your houses built pm me the website details.

Cool, we will be back on the island in August to, fancy meeting up for a drink? The men can chat boring stuff and we can talk about the interesting things! Maybe we should email it might be easier?

yes - email is MUCH easier! dont want everyone knowing where we'll be!

Ok, do you know how do this, as you know I'm new to this! Do we just put it in our replies or is there a way of doing it without telling the world?

I'll access your profile and send you one .. then you'll have my email addy

I worked in St Lucia for 1 year...lived in Soufriere...

I recommend (if you can find a place for sale) checking out Marigot Bay...that would have been my first choice of residence

Hi Chris,

Thank you for the info, but we have already done that bit. We bought a house last year and now enjoy the beauty of St. Lucia as often as we can. We will be moving out there next year, and yes, Marigot Bay is certainly beautiful. Hope you enjoyed your time in Soufriere, I don't expect you wanted to leave. Cheers

My grandparents have land in Gros Islet which me and my father will be developing for them to have a home during the British winter (although by what is happening in the summer it may be year-round!). Can you advise me on the systems (planning permission, architect fees, etc.) over in St Lucia that could help get us started?

We are coming over Sep/Oct for a month to make the necessary arrangements. My father and brother are builders and we all plan to move out to St Lucia while they build a property in April onwards.