Creating a Sustainable Community Eco-System

Investing in Apes Hill is investing in the environment

Apes Hill is setting a new standard for luxury island living in Barbados and across the world. With 475 acres of land stretching from St James to St Andrew, seventy acres will be developed for various agricultural uses. Furthermore, the reservoir built on-site catches 360 million gallons of rainwater annually to use across the property. And above all, responsible, low-impact construction methods are used using sustainable building design practices and materials. From golf course maintenance to the construction of luxury homes, Apes Hill has a commitment to sustainability that is unmatched.

If you decide to purchase property at Apes Hill, you can rest easy knowing the construction of your new villa was built with an environmentally conscious and energy-efficient mindset. Each home is outfitted with photovoltaic electrical generation (solar energy), LED lighting, Energy Star rated appliances, and electric vehicle and golf cart charging ports. And not only are non-toxic, green materials used where need be, but the houses themselves are designed to coexist with the environment. For instance, you’ll probably hardly use the air conditioner as cool breezes instinctively flow through your home with its natural and elegant fenestration designs. And trust me when I say it can get rather chilly at Apes Hill!

Amongst the menu of activities introduced by Apes Hill for members and their guests is a gully walk through many unbeaten paths led by Ed Paskins, Golf Superintendent and agronomist. I joined one of their hikes and we explored a new path while Ed told us about various trees and flora in the area. He also told us about the development plans for the land. Apes Hill’s goal over the next three years is to turn over seventy acres into farmland, complete with free-range stock and cattle, organic farming, and even beekeeping. They are also working with various farmers in the area to further build up and support the local agricultural community. The farming will further support their farm-to-table initiative, providing Apes Hill residents and the Clubhouse with fresh produce, eggs, meats, and honey. Not only is having chickens, cows, sheep, and goats a great way to feed the community, but Ed states they’re also great at helping keep the grass down.

Apes Hill has made a significant change to its golf course that drastically impacted its water usage. Changing the grass on the course to Zoysia grass, a low water consumption, drought resistant grass that thrives in the Barbados climate, has reduced the number of sprinklers needed for maintenance by 44%. Additionally, the course is watered entirely by rainwater that is collected and pumped from the reservoir; no water is taken from the desalination plant or the community. It almost sounds like an oxymoron to say, but Apes Hill has managed to develop a truly sustainable golf course.

Water preservation techniques are also used across the residences with water catchment from roofs as well as roads and sidewalks throughout the communities. Bioswale networks have been implemented at Apes Hill, allowing rainwater runoff to be collected, transported, and reabsorbed into the ground for future use.

From creating their own chemical-free fertiliser to reusing the dug-up foundation from the residential construction to build the farm road, sustainability is undoubtedly at the core of everything done at Apes Hill. I’m looking forward to seeing how the community and agricultural initiatives develop over the next couple of years. If you’re interested in investing in luxury homes with a sustainable future, send me an email at muffin@barbadossothebysrealty.com. And don’t forget to subscribe to stay up to date on all things realty in Barbados!