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  Villa Hikaru sits on a sandy knoll with a panoramic view of the
Caribbean at the foot of the front walk.  Snorkel when it's calm;
body-surf when the wind is up; walk all-but-deserted beaches;
photograph the fishermen on their return from a 50-mile overnight trip
to sea.  Our cook-housekeeper shops and with a second maid cooks and
serves (delicious!) meals, makes bed, does mid-week laundry.  Rates
quoted are for up to four; 10% each additional person.  Read more
about the evolution of this engaging home in my memoir, Near A Far
Sea.  (A page at our website lets you read the first chapter.)  
  This is the real Jamaica; off the beaten track, some tourist
attractions but not touristy; a fishing village with only six vacation
homes in a half-mile of beach.

  Linens and towels provided; meals prepared for you (grocery costs
are yours).  Sun on the terrace below the patio or the one at the
50-foot lap pool.  Read in one of several quiet garden areas.  The
panoramic view is spectacular; at our website, click on the tiny photo
to see the big picture (and even then, when you arrive, the view will
take your breath away.)  Tennis court surface is rough after Hurricane
Ivan, repairs planned.  Croquet court illuminated for play after supper.  

  Sit with sundowners on our patio to watch for returning boats; walk
300 yards to take photos and help Miss Joyce buy fish and lobster. 
Have our gardener, Mr. Valney, show you the two dozen tropical flowers
and fruits on our 1 1/4-acre site; or have him guide you into the
hills behind us for new views and to see bromeliads and orchids.
  Nearby attractions include a boat trip up the Black River, home to
alligators and many shore birds; farther inland, clamber up beside
Y.S. Falls; nearby, a half-day trip to Lover's Leap with a 50-mile
shoreline view; visit the Appleton Rum Estate; drive through the
"Bamboo Avenue".  Longer daytrips into the mountains to Mandeville, or
down the shore to Negril, the most popular big-touristic destination,
where scuba diving is a main attraction.

  Our rates are $2,195 for a group of up to four in high season,
$1,695 in off season (mid-April to mid-December); 10% of the quoted
rate for each additional person up to eight.  Extra days, if
available, pro-rated.  A third week, if available, is 40% off.
  Our "off-off-season" bonus:  Nine nights for a week's rent: Any
period beginning and ending in May and June, or after Labor Day week
and before Thanksgiving Week.
  We ask a 50% deposit to hold a reservation, with the balance (and
your money for groceries, about $120/person/week) six weeks before you
fly.  All but $100 refunded if you cancel with 3 months notice (6
months Christmas and school vacation weeks); otherwise dependent on
our re-renting "your" time. Details available.

  After 33 years (and in our mid-70s) it's time to let go.  We'll sell
the land, buildings and appurtenances, and the ongoing business (30+
weeks a year rented) to someone who will continue to employ our staff
and run the place as we have. $500,000, assuming we have priority to
book a week or two a year.