Waterfront Property in the Bahamas & Real Estate Expertise

This quaint home is tucked away on a little street just off busy Shirley Street and Mackey Street and is easy to miss. In fact, many people often do just that. However, if you ever have the opportunity to step through the little fence and through the wooden door of Bilney Lane Children’s Home, you will forever remember this address.

As realtors, you might think this is one of our magical sales pitches spun out to clients. However, this home is special for other reasons. Established almost 30 years ago and operated in partnership with the Conference of the Methodist Church and the Department of Social Services, this small three bed three bath government owned home has big treasures inside.

Two bedrooms, each fitted with two bunk beds and two bathrooms, are designated for the boys and girls who are placed there from as young as 10 months old up to 18 years of age.. They are admitted here because of abuse, abandonment, or lack of care. The home can take up to 10 children. Currently, seven reside there. The home is run by Ms. Janet Brown who lives in one of the bedrooms and is the House Mother and Administrator. The majority of the children are physically disabled or mentally challenged. Bilney Lane has sheltered 16 children so far this year.

Bahamas Realty first became involved with Bilney Lane Children’s home some 11 years ago. Each year the partners and staff look forward to providing a Christmas tree and gathering around together to light and decorate it. Refreshments are served and carols are sung. The energy and joy of the evening is felt by all and glows in the eyes of the children. Presents, hugs and smiles are given and warmly received.

Ms. Olivia Major, the administrative assistant says the kids need love and very much look forward to the event each year. She encourages all to come and visit, not just for the season, but anytime. Visit the home, make a new friend, or donate your skill as a plumber, carpenter, or book reader. Being there has changed her life, it has changed our lives and we hope it will change yours too.

If you wish to contact the home please email .

Posted by:  Monica Knowles

Wednesday morning November 29, 2011 dawned overcast and breezy over the world famous Arawak Cay that was buzzing with excitement. Twinkling eyes in the crowd were akin to children's eyes on Christmas morning, just brimming with excitement of what was to be unveiled. The cars growled to life and followed procession behind each other for a mock “LeMans” start.

Jay Michael, a local radio personality acted as the Master of Ceremonies and did a spectacular job. The customary speeches welcoming everyone were given by the President of Speed Week Revival, Jimmy Lowe; the Minister of Sports and Culture, the Hon. Charles Maynard; the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Vincent Vanderpool Wallace; and the Governor General of The Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Sir Arthur Foulkes. Both Ministers echoed the government's support of this event being a great success and continuing as an annual event that gets better each year. A commitment was made to build a proper race track to host racing events like this on a world-class professional level.

Next, we were all treated to a first class performance put on by The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band. They are spectacular in person, however the video will have to suffice for you just now. Maybe next year you will see them in person yourself.

After the formalities were completed, we were treated to a great luncheon spread of cracked conch, grouper fingers, conch salad, pastas and lots of wine, beer etc.

Recovering from a hearty Bahamian lunch, we were suddenly immersed in the heart-pounding, rhythmic beat of a colorful Junkanoo rush out. Our racing friends, Mike and Dawn Fisher lead the parade as the decorated Junkanoo front piece bore their car number 21, albeit not a red car. What a treat. That is one thing you can be sure of when you are in the Bahamas, we want you to feel the hospitality of our people. If you don't feel welcome, we don't feel happy! Thanks to the organizers of the event and the Bahamas Government for putting on a great show.

That evening we hung out at a cocktail party at Government House, the official residence of the Governor General and had further opportunity to get to know many of the other drivers. Hardly able to sleep from the day's excitement, my real estate partner David and I were all fired up for tomorrow.

We are thrilled to be a part of this historic return to motor racing in Nassau and it becoming a phenomenal annual event once again. If you would like to know more about this event or are interested in perhaps entering this exciting event yourself, please send us an email at and become a part of history!

Don't forget to check out David Lunn's blogs on Speed Week Revival 2011 as well. Click here for his index of blogs.

Posted by:  Christopher Lowe

It was early Tuesday morning November 28, 2011. The cars glistening in the gentle rays of the morning sunlight began to break the silence of the cool, crisp air and thunder off Prince George Dock in the heart of Nassau city. They heralded their triumphant return from a 45 year hiatus as they made their way cautiously through town with their throaty power plants and the smell of high-octane racing fuel. Passing many historic buildings, churches, and Government House in the old town of Nassau, they eventually settled down just on the outskirts of the city under the big tent area known as the Paddock that was especially set up for them at the base of the historic Fort Charlotte at world-famous Arawak Cay.

My real estate partner Chris Lowe and I excitedly drove from our office at Bahamas Realty on East Bay Street (albeit within the speed limit) over to the Atlantis Hotel on scenic Paradise Island. We "set-up-shop" at the official Speed Week Revival 2011 concierge desk in the Coral Towers in our official Speed Week Revival and Luxury Portfolio embellished shirts made just for the event. There we were able to meet with some of the participants and offer them a warm welcome to our shores along with information on a wide variety of topics. We were very fortunate to meet Mike and Dawn Fisher, one of the classic race car owner/drivers who told us that they were driving a 1959 Bocar XP-5. We were both puzzled..."What’s a Bocar?" we asked ourselves. I had no clue, even though I followed racing closely and I was involved in Speed Week way back in the 50's and 60's, which I also took part in some of the local races. Chris, who was born substantially after '59, decided to access his memory bank afterward...Google. We soon knew a bit about the car, but would not have a true understanding of how special it was until the following day. Anyhow we knew to look out for the Bocar, No. 21 in the days ahead.

Other notable cars that arrived were an Osca FS 372 (#001) driven by event co-patron Sir Stirling Moss, a Ferrari Testarosa (#002) driven by John Lewis, a Maserati 450S (#003) driven by Rob Walton, a Ford GT-40 (#006) driven by Phil Brett.

Naturally, some of our very own local heroes were out in full dress. An E-Type Jaguar (#033) driven by Jody Lowe, a TVR 350i (#032) driven by Jason Lorandos and a beautifully restored 1961 Chevrolet Corvette (#035) driven by Don Aranha to name a few.

We are thrilled to be a part of this historic return to motor racing in Nassau and it becoming a phenomenal annual event once again. If you would like to know more about this event or are interested in perhaps entering this exciting event yourself, please send us an email at and become a part of history!

Posted by:  David Lunn

Christmas Past and Future!--Memories were made as we drove past this brilliantly lighted little house on Shirley St.  in Nassau. Photo by Olga  Stokes

Bahamas Realty Ltd.  launched its “Bahamas Realty Holiday Home Showcase” competition tonight (Friday) when it turned on the Christmas lights at its elegant lakefront office on East Bay St., Nassau.

“The ‘Bahamas Realty Holiday Home Showcase’ is our way of spreading the joy of the Holiday Season,” says Robin Brownrigg, president of the 62-year-old company. “It’s a fun-filled competition designed to encourage everyone to decorate their home exteriors with as much Ho Ho Holiday Spirit as they can.”

“When we think of Christmas lights, most Nasuvians remember bringing our very excited children to see the little house on Shirley St. in years past. Well, those memories inspired our Brokers to create this Christmas lighting competition. We’re starting with our own East Bay St. office and I’m sure the thousands of dollars in prizes will encourage many more to brighten up Christmas in Nassau,” explains Larry Roberts, Bahamas Realty’s CEO.

Santa's Helpers--Bahamas Realty Brokers (from left) Chandra Parker-McCallum, Sara Parker and Andrea Brownrigg are the steering committee for the Bahamas Realty Holiday Home Showcase, with thousands of dollars in prizes.   Photo by Paul Antonas

According to Broker Chandra Parker-McCallum, who is spearheading Bahamas Realty’s Holiday Home Showcase, “Our Grand Prize is a $1,000 gift certificate from Builders Mall (FYP, Tile King, and The Paint Center) and a $500 donation from Bahamas Realty to the winner’s charity of choice from our approved list."

“We’re also planning a People’s Choice Award on Facebook and will be posting entries on Bahamas Realty’s page so you can ‘like’ them.The property with the most likes wins the prize. We hope to create beautiful Christmas memories for today’s children. The Bahamas Realty Holiday Home competition will reward people who delight their neighbourhood and passers by with jolly exterior decorations.”

Sara Parker, broker, creator and host of “Bahamas Realty NOW” came up with the idea of the competition after “listening to memories of Christmas Past in our sales meeting. Everyone’s been really enthusiastic, including the sponsors of our show, many of whom have donated prizes such as a vacuum cleaner from Jolly Roger and five gallons of Devoe Interior Paint from Paint Suppliers, a table lamp from AG Electric and a basket of vitamin products from Seven Seas.  We have details and lots of tips on the December "Bahamas Realty NOW" show,  (Regular times: 7 pm Mondays on JCN Cable 14 and at 8:30 pm Thursdays on ZNS Cable 11).”

Andrea Brownrigg, a Bahamas Realty director and a member of the steering committee for the  Bahamas Realty Holiday Home Showcase, says, “The Holiday Home Showcase is really our way of giving back to the community. We want to see the lights and decorations go up all over Nassau and Paradise Island,”  (where two of her multi-million dollar listings will be showcase entries).

Entries are due by Monday December 19^th at 4 p.m. and can be dropped off at our East Bay St. office or emailed to holiday@bahamasrealty.bs. Please include ONE photo of your exterior decorations along with the entry form. Entries must be visible from the street and if in a gated community, access must be arranged for the judges.

(Click to enlarge)

Posted by:  Sara Parker