Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/7652/-1/140/
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Modena Villa: A WORK OF ART IN ANGUILLA
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An Anguillian-owned luxury accommodation property, fittingly named Modena Villa, to reflect its modern, new and different architectural concept, was showcased on Tuesday this week leaving guests who attended the delightful open house function virtually spellbound. In short, as the invitation brochure described it, the villa, owned Mr. Leslie Richardson and family, is “a work of art.”
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A panoramic view of the excellent Modena Villa
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The 25,000-square-foot property occupies .60 of an acre of prime land at Cove Bay, West End, nestled between Cap Juluca Resort and the Flag Luxury Resort and Golf Course project. It was built over a three-year period. The splendour of the five-bedroom structure, featuring a Main House and Club House, is aptly captured in the descriptive brochure which reads in part: “The sublime, majestic calm and awe of Modena is encapsulated by its expansive openness that goes beyond your widest imagination. It portrays sheer elegance and modernization by its architecture, design and smart home automation. Modena is aesthetically pleasing as it captures the surrounding water and the crystal blue sea at Cove Bay, bathing the shoreline and beyond.”
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CCB and Government Officials with personnel from Modena Villa
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Speaking at the open house function, Mr. Richardson, a retired Senior Manager and Board Member of Caribbean Commercial Bank, and a well-known car rental owner, said the event was to let Anguilla know that there was “a new kid on the block” with respect the island’s tourism product. “It is a dream, now turned into reality, and the main focus ought to be given to my son [Sherwin] who presented me with the initial drawings,” he stated. “It’s been a journey, a lot of hard work and determination. It speaks to the fact that we can achieve if we truly aspire and set our goals so that at the end of the day we can reap some measure of success.” He said the villa was something different in Anguilla and another step forward by Anguillians to undertake projects that would benefit them and put the island at a higher level.
Mr. Richardson expressed thanks to the Anguilla Government for its assistance with respect to his development plans. He was also grateful to Caribbean Commercial Bank for providing the financing from start to finish.
Minister of Tourism, Victor Banks, highly commended Mr. Richardson and his family on their new venture. He said a project of that magnitude called for many sacrifices, a lot of coordination, commitment and tenacity. “I know that there are some [properties] that can compare, but I have not seen anything quite like this,” Mr. Banks said. “It is special, a different and, most of all, it’s Anguillian in terms of the financing, workmanship and the vision, and we all wish you every success. I want to ensure that we can create an environment where projects like this can prosper and that Anguilla can continue to be the showcase in the region not only in terms of what foreign investors can do, but in terms of what local investors and entrepreneurs can produce and deliver…
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King size bed in master bedroom
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“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to see what you have done. I certainly will boast about it because whenever Anguillians achieve something great, we all have to experience a certain element of greatness as well.”
Managing Director of Caribbean Commercial Bank, Mrs. Starry Benjamin, was delighted that Modena Villa was not only owned by an Anguillian, but by someone she had worked with, came to respect and deeply cared about. “I feel like it is a brother who has accomplished this, and I know I speak for everyone at Caribbean Commercial Bank, Directors and Staff, when I say I am proud of you,” she stated. “Don’t be afraid to relish in your success. It is yours, enjoy it.”
Minister of Infrastructure, Mr. Kenneth Harrigan, a regular visitor during the construction stage of the villa, joined in congratulating Mr. Richardson and his family and spoke highly of the luxurious building and the hard work and dedication it took.
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Owners Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Richardson and son Sherwin with happy faces
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While Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Richardson’s son, Sherwin, came up with the original drawing, the Architect who did the formal design drawings was Dante Marini Alexander of Italy. Sherwin, a builder, is one of the principals of Flash Construction. The attractive villa is available to any visiting family looking delightful and comfortable accommodation at a classy place in Anguilla. The Main House comprises three levels. The basement includes maid’s living quarters, laundry room and five-port garage. The ground level provides for a kitchen, living, sitting and dining rooms, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, each with outdoor shower and Jacuzzi. On the first level is the master bedroom, master bathroom along wit steam shower, double Jacuzzi, a gym and a relaxation room.
The Club House has a sitting and bar area adjoining the tennis court at ground level and on the first floor there are two bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Adjacent to the main house and the club house are a full kitchen, gazebo, infinity pool, Jacuzzi, two pools for children (with waterfalls), a tennis court and large courtyard. The property has its own water and electricity-generation plants among other features.
Modena Villa, staffed by Anguillian workers, is being managed by Tranquil Villa Management, a service provided by Lisa Webster who also manages ten other properties.