68 La Grange We

Adorable West Indian home in La Grange. Walking distance to one of the best beaches on island. Once owned by Rea Irvin, artistic creator for New Yorker magazine and custom murals by Rea. Home is 2 bedroom and there is an apartment. Nice little yard, too!This adorable property was once home to Rea Irvin, (1881 - 1972), artistic creator of the New Yorker magazine. The cover of the first issue, in 1924, bore an image he created of a smartly attired gentleman with monocle and top hat, dubbed Eustace Tilley, a character who reappears on the magazine's cover annually. He also created dozens of other New Yorker covers, hundreds of illustrations inside the magazine, and designed its type style, which is still known as "Irvin type." Irvin and his wife Dorothy bought this house in St Croix in 1948 and moved here permanently in 1966. He painted murals at the St Croix Country Club and Tennis Club, and in this home. The current owner has lovingly restored all the "infrastructure" of the home - new plumbing and wiring, two cisterns recoated and resealed (sizes unknown), a new (2 - 3 year old) gas generator (not automatic, but could be), a new washer and dryer, new walls (!), a security system, and a nice new kitchen and bath. There is always a breeze blowing through this home, which is so pleasant and peaceful! The home is fenced on all sides and has beautiful grounds and gardens. The fish pond has been sealed, but re-opening it would not be difficult. There are many fruiting and flowering plants on the grounds, including a huge and productive mango tree. The home is on .22 acres and is located on a very quiet, untraveled street, just minutes from the town of Frederiksted. If you're looking for a charming cottage in walking distance to the beach, this is it. Also walking distance to Frederiksted town, the Country Club, and Ball Park. Plenty of restaurants and bars to keep you entertained here, and all in a short drive or leisurely walk. Oh, and there's a nice efficiency apartment on the grounds as well. Current tenant pays $450 a month. The home is being sold mostly furnished. The artwork does not convey, nor do three chests, which can be identified for you if interested. The home is in a flood plain, and owner pays $1200 a year for flood insurance (although has never had any flooding issues). There's no HOA nor C&Rs in this location, and the neighbors are nice, respectful, and helpful. This home is so charming, it should sell quickly. Hurry if you're interested!