Miss Ruby + Myrtle’s Cottage

7 on 7. A new series. Not at all revolutionary – in the least – especially considering the times. Or the lack there of. When we are all in search of quick reviews and a seamless stating of the facts. Do consider this an introduction to 7 on 7. The 700 Experience’s take on the 7 features that differentiate one vacation rental to the next, and one hotel brand from another. I launch with a review of Miss Ruby and Myrtle’s Cottage.

LOCATION – Conveniently situated, more or less, in the center of the 110 mile island – just off Banks Road, a beach lined thoroughfare that connects Governor’s Harbour to Palmetto Point, Miss Ruby is in short walking distance from Tippy’s Restaurant, the Bank’s Road Deli and Ocean View Farm. By car, a more modern day convenience, Governor’s Harbour – the oldest settlement in The Bahamas, founded in 1648 –  is a mere 10 minutes. Not much less than the 15 minute drive from the Governor’s Harbour Airport to Miss Ruby. Not that once we arrived we ever wanted to leave.

ARCHITECTURE – Miss Ruby and Myrtle’s Cottage sit back from the Atlantic ocean in four acres of rolling garden, and whereas in contrast to her manicured lawn she is bordered by a jungle of palmetto trees and coconut palms, stretching as far as the eye can see. This multilevel escape – with its raised pool deck, single story cottage and two story main house – was designed in a style that mirrors traditional Bahamian architecture. Featuring wrap around verandahs and a high pitched roof, Miss Ruby offers elevated views that look the length of the island, not to mention a bird’s eye view of an Eastern sunrise – day after day.

INTERIORS – Even the less stylistic eye would note that a great deal of time was spent when selecting the contemporary furnishings that fill the 4 bedroom escape. Although, my favourite feature happens to be the tongue-and-groove staircase found in the main house. Painted in its entirety – from floor to ceiling – in white; drawing on the beach feel of the house and heightening the feel of a simple, cool and serene atmosphere. The same can be said for the soft linen curtains that echo the colour of the staircase, which allow the sun and moon light to fill the room – and also encourage cross ventilation, which is always a welcome respite in our warmer climate.

TROPICAL OUTPOST – Myrtle’s Cottage, a separate oasis which comfortably sleeps three, is connected to the main-house by the pool’s surrounding deck. Similar in design to the studio layout found on the lower level of Miss Ruby, and complete with a modest sized kitchen, this tropical outpost is the perfect option for two families looking to vacation together but who prefer seperate living quarters.

POOL – Although only a mere 70 yards from a beach cove that envelopes the Atlantic Ocean the property features a 33 by 15  feet ‘salt water’ pool. A luxury, especially at the end of days spent exploring landmarks such as Queen’s Bath and Preacher’s Cave, and even more so when the Atlantic roars and the pool mirrors the calmness of nearby Governor’s Harbour.

ENTERTAINING – Amongst the many indulgences to be taken advantage of when living or vacationing in a tropical climate is dining al fresco. The indoor dining area’s long rustic wooden picnic table with a bench running down one side and chairs lining the other, encourage a movable breakfast, lunch or supper, and with little effort – given one needs to stack only a few chairs. Dining under the pool-hut’s thatched roof is one option but I more so envisioned dining under the nearby trellised garden, in the evening, with the moon and suspended lanterns overhead.

PERSONALITY – Which leads me to the welcoming hospitality that differentiates Miss Ruby from its counterparts. As the  owners, Mark and Jude James and their four sons, once called this tropical escape home it is therefore no host to the formalness found in a hotel room – a lobby even. The shelves are lined with books, the draws filled with placemats and flatware, the kitchen fully equipped, and on the hat rack hangs a variety of wide brimmed straw hats, no doubt left behind by past guests already anticipating their return stay.

P.S. My stay was complimentary but as always my opinion is my own. To book Miss Ruby and/or Myrtle’s Cottage visit here.
P.P.S. Additionally, The 4-day Eleuthera Experience via Instagram can be seen below.

|PHOTOGRAPHY| Vanessa Pritchard