We’ve been enjoying exploring many of the hiking trails and ruins from the sugar plantation days of St. John, and over the weekend we took the Johnny Horn Trail from Coral Bay over to Leinster Bay. This trail quickly ascends straight up over an island hill, with nearly 500 ft in rapid elevation gain. Definitely great exercise!
While we brought our swimsuits along intending to take a swim at the beach before heading back, we got completely distracted with a side trail to the Bad Boys House ruins.
These pictures we took may give you some idea of why this spot quickly became our favorite on island so far.
Originally, this was the owner’s estate of the Annaberg Sugar Plantation across the bay, and is also known as ‘Windy Hills Ruin’ (we’ll stick with calling it ‘Bad Boys House’, it’s just more fun!). Over the years, it’s also been reported to be a masonic lodge and later a boys boarding house. In 1916, the structure fell during a hurricane.
Once the entry way and ballroom. There are documents referencing decadent mahogany furniture and libraries held within this estate. Now, pink flowers grace these once stately halls.
A view of Waterlemon Cay below (some of our favorite snorkeling on island) and Mary Point in the distance. The views, the off beat nature of getting to this location and the excellent condition of the ruins make this an explorer’s wonderland. We ended up poking around, photographing and enjoying the views for well over an hour, never once disturbed by another human being – despite it being the peak tourist week of the season.
Chris rockin’ his new Scottevest, a holiday gift from his parents. I love this photo of him, so looks like it should be in a magazine advertisement!
Happy New Year from Technomadia!
(PS. Over the weekend we also opened an account with SmugMug, where all these photos are hosted on. We’ll be making the transition from Flickr soon. Feel free to join us over there!)
Been enjoying the Island pics… Have any tips for attacking Saint John on the cheap for an extended stay?
What range of an extended stay? And what do you consider ‘cheap’?
I actually have a post drafted about our cost of living on St. John so far that may answers some of your questions. Will probably publish it in a week or so.
Looking forward to seeing these ruins in person instead of just on the Googlemaps 😀
Love seeing the pics of your hikes in St.John! You know it’s such a wierd coincidence, but our RV neighbours here in FL just happen to be from St.John (they’re spending a few months up here, but have lived on the Island for 12+ years), so I’ve been hearing all about the spot from them too. Never heard of the place a few months ago. Just goes to show…life teaches you in mysterious ways.
That’s amazing! A few months ago we had never heard of this island before.. and totally amazed since we announced our decision to winter here, how many folks we knew had some sort of connection to the island!
It’s an amazing island, and attracts some amazing folks – it’s no wonder this island was calling us!
Wow, what awesome views! Good find! I’d love to hear more about your explorations of the island.
Thanks Bill! We’ll do our best to keep posting regular photo updates of our explorations.