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You know the saying 'it takes a village to raise a child'? Well, it takes an army of great, hard working folks to maintain a St John villa. Especially when that villa is Great Expectations. We (the owners, Chuck and Kristin) are totally committed to ensuring that the Villa is spotless and always kept in first class condition. As any property owner, here or anywhere in the world, will tell you if you own a property stuff happens. Things break. And, it usually happens, of course, at a time when stores are closed. Given that St John is about 1,000 out to sea and we have no Home Depot on island (something we actually like) we try to have extras for just about anything that can
break (like parts for motors that keep pumps working or AC working,
etc). Having the needed supply is just one part of ensuring the property is well maintained. It is the necessary but not sufficient condition. The critical ingredient is having first-rate staff! We are proud that we have recruited that first-rate staff. Many are like family. They treat our Villa like their own. They know when you, our customer, is happy they have done a good job!
Our cleaning crew has been with us the creation of Great Expectations. Josie, our lead cleaning person, always comments about how important it is that guests enjoy their stay at Great Expectations and if they do a return visit will be ensured (and their jobs continue). She truly gets it and her hard work making sure your villa is spotless (and filled with flowers) is her goal.
Our property manager, Coby Cooper, is a real pro. Not only does he know how to fix or maintain just about any system a complex property like ours has but he knows the island well so is a wonderful resource for just about anything you might need like recommendations for his favorite beach, boating day trips, restaurants, music, neat hiking trails, medical referrals, etc. He also is available 24/7.
As you will see when you arrive at Great Expectations, we have invested a lot of love and planning in designing our landscaping. The maintenance of our grounds is quite a job. Dennis Powell, owner of Powell's Landscaping, has a terrific crew who work long and hard each week to make sure that our views are maintained (having views blocked by overgrown landscaping is actually a big problem at a number of villas on St John) and that our landscaping flourishes.
Finally, friends and family do not escape with the tasks. We have been shameless in asking our children (and their spouses) to help with things like assembling equipment and inventorying supplies and our friends often find a paintbrush in their hands before heading to the beach. They are all terrific sports about helping out! And, usually rewarded by a great dinner of Joe's BBQ!
