The Tuscany
By Kathy Borsuk

Not so long ago, developers of property on Providenciales were considered mavericks, brave pioneers taking a risk on the mostly unknown island chain. It’s a testament to Provo’s rapidly maturing condominium market that well-known developers are now eager to etch their signatures in the fine ivory sand.

The Tuscany is a case in point. One of Grace Bay’s newest condominium projects, it is spearheaded by Brian E. Butler, the foremost builder of resort and luxury condominiums on Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach. In fact, over the past 25 years, Butler’s team has built 16 projects there, with the latest, The Meridian, slated to open this June.

The Tuscany’s resident co-developers, Ellingson-Lewis Developments, take some of the credit for introducing the Cayman magnate to the jewel that is Grace Bay. Bob Ellingson-Lewis explains, “My wife, Faye, and I encouraged Brian to come here a couple of years ago so that he could see first-hand the remarkable progress that the island had made since an earlier trip. When he saw what was taking place, he was eager to get on board.”

The Canadian-born Ellingson-Lewis’s are no strangers to the development process. Prior to moving to Providenciales, the pair was involved in residential land development, as well as designing, building, renovating and selling custom homes in Canada and the United States.

Aerial view of Tuscany siteThe Tuscany site lies just east of Ocean Club, with 245 feet of oceanfront on lovely Grace Bay, the premiere location for sun, sand and sea aficionados. With the availability of land in this area rapidly dwindling, The Tuscany developers made sure its owners would enjoy only sweeping vistas of liquid turquoise and flaming sunsets on the horizon. Each of the 30 units is a three-bedroom/ three-bathroom oceanfront villa, lined with a panoramic 27 foot wide screened terrace.

Stretching lengthwise 4 1/2 acres to the south, the site allows several features that are not typically found in Grand Cayman developments. Ellingson-Lewis explains, “Because we have so much depth to work with, we’re able to build a beautiful rectangular courtyard and pool behind the two residential buildings. This landscaped patio area is lined with arched walkways and we’ll have a covered parking area for each owner, as well. From the main road, directly across from Provo Golf Club, a lengthy, palm-lined grand boulevard leads to the reception building, giving our owners plenty of privacy.”

Tuscany villa rendering

What inspired Italian architecture for a project in the Caribbean? The developers say that many typically Tuscan design elements fit their stylistic approach to the project. “We realized that the use of arches and columns, lots of stonework and timber beams, a barrel-tiled roof and the long, landscaped courtyard were all Mediterranean features germane to a look that would be long lasting and classically popular.” They called upon the local architectural firm of OBM Limited to capture and refine the concept, while utilizing a popular villa floor plan from Butler’s past successful projects in Cayman.

Along with attention to design, Butler’s reputation as a quality developer stems from careful material selection and quality control, traits exhibited in The Tuscany’s features and amenities. Fronting the ocean, both the living/dining salon and master bedroom suite soak in the heavenly Grace Bay Beach views through floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto private, fully screened patios. Each guest bedroom includes a full bath and the large gourmet kitchen is outfitted in custom cabinetry, with polished granite countertops. Two elevators service each five-story building. Tuscany owners will enjoy its tennis courts and fitness center, as well as a library/meeting room.

An on-site resident manager ensures that life at The Tuscany remains carefree in true luxury condominium style, keeping villas and the site in good order when owners are away, and helping with dining, recreation and relaxation options when they are in residence. Owners can voluntarily participate in a vacation rental program, to be managed by the Strata Council itself (not a paid management company), a move that typically increases available rental income. This management system has been tried and tested for over 25 years in the Cayman Islands.

The Tuscany’s interiors are designed by Faye Ellingson-Lewis, who operates the Design Studio on Providencales. Using nearly 30 years of experience in the field, Faye has created four distinct furnishing packages from which Tuscany owners can choose.

Although Brian Butler’s Seven Mile Beach projects in Cayman are ranked among the top real estate investments in the Caribbean, the developers believe that The Tuscany offers exceptional value. For instance, an average unit price in The Meridian (sold out at roof-on stage) was about $1.5 million; investors can get a slightly larger villa at The Tuscany for around $850,000. On top of that, The Tuscany offers a better beach, a larger site with more amenities, and much more privacy. The maximum density in Grand Cayman is 25 units/acre; here it is only eight, 3-bedroom units/acre. In addition, as the infrastructure on Providenciales, and Grace Bay in particular, grows so will the value of the condominiums, making now the perfect time to purchase your piece of paradise.

Contingent to final approval by the TCI Government Planning Department, construction on The Tuscany is anticipated to start this summer. Ellingson-Lewis also revealed that the team plans a future project on the beachfront site just west of The Tuscany.

For more information, visit www.thetuscanygracebay.com, call (649) 941-4550 or (649) 231-4560 or visit the on-site information office from 10 AM to 4 PM daily, entry gates across from Provo Golf Club.