Home Description
****VIDEO**** Be sure to click "PROPERTY TOUR" on the right hand side of this page. You will be able to enjoy a stunning 10 minute video which highlights the Wynne Rae and some of the sights of Hopetown and the rest of the island.
This unique 2000 sq. ft. home is a 5 minute walk south of the historical settlement of Hope Town. Its Atlantic Ocean setting overlooking the pink sand beach offers an opportunity to play in the surf, or snorkel/scuba dive the nearby reef. The property extends from the beach back to the protected creek leading a short distance to and from Hope Town Harbour where the famous candy striped lighthouse overlooks the settlement. Wynne Rae's private dock makes it easy to slip away to the exciting tourist locations on the boat-friendly Sea of Abaco.
The entire wall space across the front of the house is glass allowing an uninterrupted view of the ocean out front. There is a recently installed, full house AC system for the warm summer months. Alternatively, awning windows open to allow the constant Southeast Tradewinds to flow through the bedrooms and living areas assisted by 5 ceiling fans in the living area and one each bedroom. A wrap around deck, overlooking the ocean beach, extends along the entire front semi-circular perimeter for viewing sunrises in the morning, sunbathing during the day and stargazing at night while being mesmerized by the sound of waves lapping against the beach below.
There is a free wireless internet connection as well as a phone for local calls and a VHF for marine updates. Satellite TV is available for keeping connected to the outside world. A 20 KW, self starting, standby generator will automatically kick in should the regular power unexpectedly shut down. Thus electric appliances, lights and fans, and AC will continue to function including the all important water pump for an uninterrupted water supply insuring that there will never be cold showers or lack of water for ice cube making or toilet flushing.
ABOUT THE OWNERS
We have enjoyed coming to Hope Town since we were first married and still in college many years ago. Just prior to that, we learned that a deceased great aunt had come into possession of this property in some Florida land dealings just after the crash of 1929. She was a widowed rural Minnesota school teacher and lost her minimal cash investment in Florida but gained title to this spectacular property somehow through one of the other investors. Thinking the property of no value, she never told any other family members about it and never visited the Bahamas to see for herself. Finally, after her death, the property eventually came into our names in the 1960’s.
WE 'DONE REACHED'!!
After visiting the property and camping on the “beach out front” in those early days, we realized what a grand circumstance and special opportunity we had as a result of this unexpected inheritance. More visits were forthcoming, contacts made and eventual work permits granted to teach students working for a large company, Owens Illinois (locally known as Bahama Agricultural Industries Limited or BAIL), growing sugar cane for the first time on the main island of Abaco. The operation only lasted 3 years and we had no choice but to return to the U.S. to pursue our careers.
Why Jim Sheldon chose Hope Town
WE WERE ENLIGHTENED!!
That 3 year Bahama experience, with our then young daughters, was one of the best of our lives and we haven’t been the same since. We were eventually drawn to overseas living once again with the idea of “someday“ continuing to pursue our dream of having a vacation home on Elbow Cay. After 4 years of teaching at the Taipei American School in Taiwan where our daughters graduated from high school, we continued our overseas adventure by teaching at the American School of Dubai, UAE for the next 20 years.
FINALLY A PLACE TO SHARE!!
A few years ago, we as a family commenced building and upgrading the property. It took about 3 summers to complete the ramp to the top of the dune for golf cart access. It took another three summers to build the actual house. We had professional help but went to great pains to situate the house just right to maximize the prevailing breezes and make sure that it was as hurricane proof and open to the ocean view as possible. It all was worthwhile!! And thanks to Great Aunt WYNNE, we and countless other guests and renters have been able to enjoy the fruits of our labors. We gave the middle name of Wynne to one of our daughters and the name of Rae to the other. Hence the unique name for our Bahama vacation home, the WYNNE RAE.
What makes this villa unique
WE ARE BACK!!
We are currently retired and living in Florida but spend the month of July at the Wynne Rae with our kids and grandkids. We return in the fall when the rental season is a bit slack to continue to enjoy the Wynne Rae, Hope Town and all of Elbow Cay as well as unparalleled sailing with our own trimaran sailboat, TRI-ING TIMES, on the Sea of Abaco.
AND NOW YOU KNOW THE REST OF THE STORY.
About The Area
THE INVITING CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS FROM A BOAT: Of course, renting a boat is the real key for exploring the various inhabited and uninhabited islands and beaches from Little Harbour, 20 miles to the south, and the Treasure Cay resort area with its famous beach and golf course, 20 miles to the north. In between is the boat building island settlement of Man-O-War and the fast growing island of Guana Cay, both worthy of a visit. Also located along this stretch of off-shore islands, are the Fowl Cay and Sandy Cay protected areas for spectacular coral reef diving. Marsh Harbour, the main hub on the 100 mile long island of Abaco, is a short four mile boat ride across the crystal clear waters of the Sea of Abaco.
There are ample Google sources (Hope Town - Elbow Cay - Abaco) to search for a comprehensive review of 'Places to Visit and Things to Do'. But to name a few: Walk (5 mins.), bike, ride a golf cart to the picturesque Loyalist settlement for eating along the waterfront, shopping at the small gift shops and convenience stores, visiting the very interesting local museum, or just photographing the colorful historical homes and landscapes. The only remaining hand-lit lighthouse in the region is a favorite photo subject as well as a destination across the harbour for an exhilarating 360 degree view and even further photo opportunities. The southern part of the five mile long Elbow Cay barrier island offers more waterfront eating establishments, a full service marina, a local surfing beach and the lovely Tahiti Beach where the shallow waters on the protected Sea of Abaco are perfect for small children and another great backdrop for exotic picture taking.
Other Activities: Golf car excursions throughout the 5 mile long island. Arrange deep sea fishing or diving trips.
GETTING HERE IS QUICK AND EASY: After your one hour flight to Marsh Harbour (MHH) from West Palm Beach (PBI), Ft. Lauderdale (FLL), or Miami (MIA), you will take a short taxi ride to Marsh Harbour for provisioning opportunities and continue on to catch the regularly scheduled 20 minute ferry boat ride to Hope Town. Your first sight, as you approach your island destination, will be the awe-inspiring red and white candy striped lighthouse signaling the entrance to the cozy harbour. The impressive and colorful settlement maintains the original charm of its historical past. At the ferry boat landing, you will be greeted by our agents and delivered to the Wynne Rae excited and ready to relax, unwind and enjoy the serenity of our little island paradise. As can be witnessed by viewing the photos and the comprehensive video above, this unique home has everything a vacationer could want for a relaxing, fun filled beach experience. LET’S GET STARTED!!
House Rules
Maximum occupancy: 6
Suitability
All ages will enjoy the Wynne Rae experience. Your rental golf cart will deliver you up the rather steep ramp directly to the back door. The nearby settlment of Hope Town is within walking distance via the main road on the back side of property or the beach on the front side. The extended beach out front is ideal for beach combing and children's play. Reef snorkeling is a short swim away.
COMMENTS BY GUESTS FROM THE OWNER'S PERSONAL GUESTBOOK
This is the fifth time we have stayed in the Wynne Rae. That in itself is a testimony to how we feel about this property! The views, the lay out of the house, location near town, the updated appliances, everything for a perfect vacation….also, the location of the dock just down the hill a fifty yards away! Great memories! We will return!
Apr 2016
"We've come to think of this special place as a second home - feeling more at ease here than anywhere else we've been. We love the view, the excellent layout and the house supplies. Each year we've looked forward to going through the house to see what new things have been added. We liked the painted wicker and the new saying, I WASN'T BORN NEAR THE SEA, BUT I GOT HERE AS SOON AS I COULD. We've continued to be very grateful to the Sheldons who've allowed us to make this magical place a part of our memories."
Mar 2007
Our stay in your beautiful island home last week was wonderful! Thanks for sharing your home with us. Starting with a nice glass of wine from you, the week just got better and better. With all those open windows, and the sights and sounds of the ocean so close, we felt as though we were living outdoors all week. And we appreciated the private, away-from-it-all feeling that the setting provided. All the arrangements with the realty staff were easy and helpful. We thought Hope Town was a delightful and friendly town. For us, it was probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so lucky for us it was at your wonderful house. Thank you, thank you!
May 2010
"Upon our arrival, we loaded our luggage, fishing gear, and Scuba and snorkel gear to the top of a little hill with the most magnificent view I’ve ever seen. If we never stepped foot out of the house, we would have been happy campers. However, we had fantastic weather and accomplished what we set out to do. Fishing, skim boarding, cycling, boating, walking, eating, drinking and loving Hope Town! Thank you so much for the wonderful home and all of the amenities! We will be back!"
Mar 2007
Villa 
Sleeps
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Minimum Stay
****VIDEO**** Be sure to click "PROPERTY TOUR" on the right hand side of this page. You will be able to enjoy a stunning 10 minute video which highlights the Wynne Rae and some of the sights of Hopetown and the rest of the island.
This unique 2000 sq. ft. home is a 5 minute walk south of the historical settlement of Hope Town. Its Atlantic Ocean setting overlooking the pink sand beach offers an opportunity to play in the surf, or snorkel/scuba dive the nearby reef. The property extends from the beach back to the protected creek leading a short distance to and from Hope Town Harbour where the famous candy striped lighthouse overlooks the settlement. Wynne Rae's private dock makes it easy to slip away to the exciting tourist locations on the boat-friendly Sea of Abaco.
The entire wall space across the front of the house is glass allowing an uninterrupted view of the ocean out front. There is a recently installed, full house AC system for the warm summer months. Alternatively, awning windows open to allow the constant Southeast Tradewinds to flow through the bedrooms and living areas assisted by 5 ceiling fans in the living area and one each bedroom. A wrap around deck, overlooking the ocean beach, extends along the entire front semi-circular perimeter for viewing sunrises in the morning, sunbathing during the day and stargazing at night while being mesmerized by the sound of waves lapping against the beach below.
There is a free wireless internet connection as well as a phone for local calls and a VHF for marine updates. Satellite TV is available for keeping connected to the outside world. A 20 KW, self starting, standby generator will automatically kick in should the regular power unexpectedly shut down. Thus electric appliances, lights and fans, and AC will continue to function including the all important water pump for an uninterrupted water supply insuring that there will never be cold showers or lack of water for ice cube making or toilet flushing.
ABOUT THE OWNERS
We have enjoyed coming to Hope Town since we were first married and still in college many years ago. Just prior to that, we learned that a deceased great aunt had come into possession of this property in some Florida land dealings just after the crash of 1929. She was a widowed rural Minnesota school teacher and lost her minimal cash investment in Florida but gained title to this spectacular property somehow through one of the other investors. Thinking the property of no value, she never told any other family members about it and never visited the Bahamas to see for herself. Finally, after her death, the property eventually came into our names in the 1960’s.
WE 'DONE REACHED'!!
After visiting the property and camping on the “beach out front” in those early days, we realized what a grand circumstance and special opportunity we had as a result of this unexpected inheritance. More visits were forthcoming, contacts made and eventual work permits granted to teach students working for a large company, Owens Illinois (locally known as Bahama Agricultural Industries Limited or BAIL), growing sugar cane for the first time on the main island of Abaco. The operation only lasted 3 years and we had no choice but to return to the U.S. to pursue our careers.
Why Jim Sheldon chose Hope Town
WE WERE ENLIGHTENED!!
That 3 year Bahama experience, with our then young daughters, was one of the best of our lives and we haven’t been the same since. We were eventually drawn to overseas living once again with the idea of “someday“ continuing to pursue our dream of having a vacation home on Elbow Cay. After 4 years of teaching at the Taipei American School in Taiwan where our daughters graduated from high school, we continued our overseas adventure by teaching at the American School of Dubai, UAE for the next 20 years.
FINALLY A PLACE TO SHARE!!
A few years ago, we as a family commenced building and upgrading the property. It took about 3 summers to complete the ramp to the top of the dune for golf cart access. It took another three summers to build the actual house. We had professional help but went to great pains to situate the house just right to maximize the prevailing breezes and make sure that it was as hurricane proof and open to the ocean view as possible. It all was worthwhile!! And thanks to Great Aunt WYNNE, we and countless other guests and renters have been able to enjoy the fruits of our labors. We gave the middle name of Wynne to one of our daughters and the name of Rae to the other. Hence the unique name for our Bahama vacation home, the WYNNE RAE.
What makes this villa unique
WE ARE BACK!!
We are currently retired and living in Florida but spend the month of July at the Wynne Rae with our kids and grandkids. We return in the fall when the rental season is a bit slack to continue to enjoy the Wynne Rae, Hope Town and all of Elbow Cay as well as unparalleled sailing with our own trimaran sailboat, TRI-ING TIMES, on the Sea of Abaco.
AND NOW YOU KNOW THE REST OF THE STORY.
About The Area
THE INVITING CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS FROM A BOAT: Of course, renting a boat is the real key for exploring the various inhabited and uninhabited islands and beaches from Little Harbour, 20 miles to the south, and the Treasure Cay resort area with its famous beach and golf course, 20 miles to the north. In between is the boat building island settlement of Man-O-War and the fast growing island of Guana Cay, both worthy of a visit. Also located along this stretch of off-shore islands, are the Fowl Cay and Sandy Cay protected areas for spectacular coral reef diving. Marsh Harbour, the main hub on the 100 mile long island of Abaco, is a short four mile boat ride across the crystal clear waters of the Sea of Abaco.
There are ample Google sources (Hope Town - Elbow Cay - Abaco) to search for a comprehensive review of 'Places to Visit and Things to Do'. But to name a few: Walk (5 mins.), bike, ride a golf cart to the picturesque Loyalist settlement for eating along the waterfront, shopping at the small gift shops and convenience stores, visiting the very interesting local museum, or just photographing the colorful historical homes and landscapes. The only remaining hand-lit lighthouse in the region is a favorite photo subject as well as a destination across the harbour for an exhilarating 360 degree view and even further photo opportunities. The southern part of the five mile long Elbow Cay barrier island offers more waterfront eating establishments, a full service marina, a local surfing beach and the lovely Tahiti Beach where the shallow waters on the protected Sea of Abaco are perfect for small children and another great backdrop for exotic picture taking.
Other Activities: Golf car excursions throughout the 5 mile long island. Arrange deep sea fishing or diving trips.
GETTING HERE IS QUICK AND EASY: After your one hour flight to Marsh Harbour (MHH) from West Palm Beach (PBI), Ft. Lauderdale (FLL), or Miami (MIA), you will take a short taxi ride to Marsh Harbour for provisioning opportunities and continue on to catch the regularly scheduled 20 minute ferry boat ride to Hope Town. Your first sight, as you approach your island destination, will be the awe-inspiring red and white candy striped lighthouse signaling the entrance to the cozy harbour. The impressive and colorful settlement maintains the original charm of its historical past. At the ferry boat landing, you will be greeted by our agents and delivered to the Wynne Rae excited and ready to relax, unwind and enjoy the serenity of our little island paradise. As can be witnessed by viewing the photos and the comprehensive video above, this unique home has everything a vacationer could want for a relaxing, fun filled beach experience. LET’S GET STARTED!!
House Rules
Maximum occupancy: 6
Suitability
All ages will enjoy the Wynne Rae experience. Your rental golf cart will deliver you up the rather steep ramp directly to the back door. The nearby settlment of Hope Town is within walking distance via the main road on the back side of property or the beach on the front side. The extended beach out front is ideal for beach combing and children's play. Reef snorkeling is a short swim away.
COMMENTS BY GUESTS FROM THE OWNER'S PERSONAL GUESTBOOK
This is the fifth time we have stayed in the Wynne Rae. That in itself is a testimony to how we feel about this property! The views, the lay out of the house, location near town, the updated appliances, everything for a perfect vacation….also, the location of the dock just down the hill a fifty yards away! Great memories! We will return!
Apr 2016
"We've come to think of this special place as a second home - feeling more at ease here than anywhere else we've been. We love the view, the excellent layout and the house supplies. Each year we've looked forward to going through the house to see what new things have been added. We liked the painted wicker and the new saying, I WASN'T BORN NEAR THE SEA, BUT I GOT HERE AS SOON AS I COULD. We've continued to be very grateful to the Sheldons who've allowed us to make this magical place a part of our memories."
Mar 2007
Our stay in your beautiful island home last week was wonderful! Thanks for sharing your home with us. Starting with a nice glass of wine from you, the week just got better and better. With all those open windows, and the sights and sounds of the ocean so close, we felt as though we were living outdoors all week. And we appreciated the private, away-from-it-all feeling that the setting provided. All the arrangements with the realty staff were easy and helpful. We thought Hope Town was a delightful and friendly town. For us, it was probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so lucky for us it was at your wonderful house. Thank you, thank you!
May 2010
"Upon our arrival, we loaded our luggage, fishing gear, and Scuba and snorkel gear to the top of a little hill with the most magnificent view I’ve ever seen. If we never stepped foot out of the house, we would have been happy campers. However, we had fantastic weather and accomplished what we set out to do. Fishing, skim boarding, cycling, boating, walking, eating, drinking and loving Hope Town! Thank you so much for the wonderful home and all of the amenities! We will be back!"
Mar 2007