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Last Updated: Feb 20, 2020 - 10:57:33 AM |
Despite destruction of Hurricane Dorian, Hope Town’s warm, friendly ‘hometown Feel’ continues to be a draw for home buyers
By Nicholas Delaney
Feb 18, 2020 - 10:47:33 AM
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Hope Town, The Bahamas – From local hangouts like Pete’s Pub, Abaco Inn and Firefly Sunset Resort to endless miles of pristine white sand beaches, Hope Town’s unique charm and congenial vibe has attracted people from around the world for decades. Even now, in the midst of post-Hurricane Dorian rebuilding and restoration, the Abaco town most famous for its trademark red candy-striped lighthouse continues to attract visitors and second and third homebuyers.
“Most of the buyers I have been working with since Hurricane Dorian are people who are here, on the ground,” said Jane Patterson, an estate agent in the Hope Town office of Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty. “They’re people who have been coming here for years and have a true love for Hope Town.”
Patterson said that immediately following the storm, people weren’t as enthusiastic about the prospect of purchasing storm-damaged homes. However, as second homeowners returned to the island to check on their homes, they saw the restoration efforts taking place and experienced firsthand the resilient spirit of the community.
“We’re taking it day-by-day, but progress is happening,” she said. “Our beaches are beautiful, people are friendly, and everyone wants to come back. There are more and more people out there who are up for a project; who just want to be a part of this incredible community and are up for the adventure.”
And with homes selling at about 50% of pre-Dorian prices, interest has been so high that Patterson has put six homes under contract since December and has listed two new properties on the North and South Ends of Elbow Cay.
“I am constantly getting emails from people asking about the status of Hope Town and Abaco in general,” Patterson said. “Abaco isn’t desolate like they’re saying. Certain parts of Abaco are fine. And here in Hope Town, resorts and restaurants are reopening the closer we get to season. Right now, we’re looking at having a season in June or July.”
As of January, Abaco Inn and Turtle Hill are accepting guests and Firefly Sunset Resort is looking toward a March reopening.
“Everyone wants to come back and visit,” Patterson said. “Abaco is not going to go away.”
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