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(@theislander)
Posts: 3881
Famed Member Admin
Topic starter
 

Some of you likely have seen and read Bongo Bongo's blog over the last year while it was being constructed. If not, its a villa on St. John; their website is www.bongobongostjohn.com (blog link is at the bottom of page). The owners had posted blog entries throughout the project discussing the various stages. Anyhoo, they put together a short video showing the construction of the villa from start to finish (with cost during the various stages). Neat to watch, check out the video at http://www.bongobongostjohn.com/blog6/video/timelapse4.wmv.

--Islander

 
Posted : December 20, 2006 12:05 pm
(@connie)
Posts: 1634
Noble Member
 

Islander...that's really cool. I've followed their blog and really felt for them at times. It turned out to be a beautiful place didn't it?

Even thought I'm not styaing there, I'd love to get a tour or something like that because I feel so connected to that blog.

Thanks very much for that...it's great!

Connie

 
Posted : December 20, 2006 1:13 pm
(@uf-prof)
Posts: 108
Estimable Member
 

Islander,

Thank you. My wife has been following the trials and tribulations they have had. I assume the price did not include the land; even so, it does not seem that far out of range for mainland construction prices these days. However, the time required for the completion.....wow!

Man, what a view they have!

 
Posted : December 20, 2006 1:21 pm
(@sarah)
Posts: 1
 

Were these two gentleman friends prior to construction? And if so, are they still ? Let's hope so. What a project to endure. I admire them for having such an incredible vision. They are truly to be admired for having the patience and courage to see this project through. I also wonder if either of them read "Don't stop the Carnival" prior to starting this project. We will be down there in January and will definitely have to check this out. How nice of them to share this with everyone. Job well done!!!!!!!!!

 
Posted : December 20, 2006 1:55 pm
(@vi-lover)
Posts: 519
Honorable Member
 

Wow! Way Cool. Thanks for sharing!

 
Posted : December 20, 2006 4:09 pm
(@richmond)
Posts: 110
Estimable Member
 

That was fantastic! Their blog, which I just started reading recently, has made me want to try out the villa renting thing. Especially THAT one 🙂

 
Posted : December 20, 2006 5:52 pm
(@theislander)
Posts: 3881
Famed Member Admin
Topic starter
 

Hello,

It is a beautiful property and the video is cool. Sarah, I think they were and still are friends. LOL.

--Islander

 
Posted : December 21, 2006 3:06 pm
(@jim-dandy)
Posts: 48
Eminent Member
 

Very interesting. A modern day update on "Don't Stop The Carnival". Having gone through a couple of remodeling projects in the VI. My cost over runs were about 33%. Stateside a 10% contingency was usually more than enough.

References don't always guarantee you success with a vendor. Our experience with Jack Bishop and Armrey industries was horrible. Poor design, poor execution, defective work, bad installation and six weeks late. Then to top of Jack had the gall to try and bill me for some of his cost overruns when the overruns were the result of his foul ups.

Would not recommend Armrey to anyone.

Jim

 
Posted : December 25, 2006 12:25 pm
(@mbw1024)
Posts: 21
Eminent Member
 

I had the pleasure of staying in this villa for my honeymoon this past October and it was fabulous. We are going back in 2007 but Bongo Bongo was already rented for the time we needed. I put the pictures of and from the villa here http://picasaweb.google.com/mbw1024/BongoBongo

 
Posted : December 25, 2006 3:01 pm
(@sherri)
Posts: 1218
Noble Member
 

Wow! I enjoyed the video....it gave me goosebumps as I can relate! Not only didn't include the cost of the property, but architect/plans are a huge cost in themselves!
The novel "Keep Left" is about the building of a Villa in St John also! I am anxious to read it!
Will go ck out the bongo bongo sight now....anxious to see how many bedrooms, square footage, etc, that it actually is!
The video should be on youtube! Thanx for sharing!

 
Posted : December 25, 2006 5:31 pm

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