Testimonials

Read what visitors to our villa have to say!

March 1- 9, 2008
The idea was planted 20 years ago, when we read "My Little Island" to our toddlers. Finally, we're here and Montserrat has not disappointed--what a lovely island! The blue water, the breeze, the lush vegetation, the birds, the frogs at night....all perfect. And Tan Ry Doon. The place lives up to its name. Wonderful laid back feel, with everything we could possibly need for the week inside the house, and, outdoors--it is simply divine!! Your garden is visually interesting, peaceful to walk around and the hammocks--perfectly placed!
Thank you for a dose of serenity.
M & K R CN,
USA

January 22 - 30, 2008
Guests of N & C K
When the Tan Ry Doon gate opened.... I was speechless! As I walked the grounds to absorb the gardens and the ocean views - I thought...this must be heaven. Out came the camera. I have hundreds of beautiful memories. I'm certain I would love the two of you as I love the way you have expressed yourselves throughout your property.
The following gave me such pleasure:

Daily garden walks
Laying on the float in the pool
Sunsets and rainbows
Greeting Clive, Marcus, Jesse, Evangeline and Angelina
Many, many "beverages" on the patio

Thank you Jim & Norm for creating this beautiful dream, but especially to our friends, N & C K for inviting us along for this fabulous adventure.
C. D.
Ocean Park, ME
K. D.
Ft. Worth, TX

January 20 - February 15, 2008
Dear Jim & Norm,
We weren't sure we were going to make it in due to very bad weather. However, we did. Arrived later in the evening after dark and went to bed. The next morning, woke up to a beautiful view. Spent the next two days exploring the island--in and out of the little bays and towns. Thank you for the opportunity to enjoy your paradise. We will be returning. Your villa was very comfortable and well equipped. This was a relaxing holiday for us. So many locals invited us to their homes. It was great fun. We hope one day we will be able to meet you both. Please come and visit us in Maine. Our home is your home. I will miss my morning coffee walking through the gardens and watching the boats.
Sincerely,
N & C K, Ocean Park, ME

January 6 - 20, 2008
Dear Jim & Norm,
Suffice to say this is the closest place to paradise we have ever been & we have been traveling the islands since 1971. We drank from the fountain & certainly hope this is not our last trip here.
Thank you for a very memorable vacation.
P & D V,
Huron, OH

January 5, 2008
Jim & Norm,
Thanks for the opportunity to share your villa. Some of the many amenities we appreciate:
Tan Ry Doon location + View
The open air floor plan
Your decorating talents
The gardens and landscaping
All the appliances/utensils we could possibly need were here
The pool
The crashing surf
The view of Redonda + Nevis
The sound of the tree frogs
Open air shower
Our occasional evening visitor- the toad named Bufo.
Sunsets on the patio + from the bedroom terrace
R & C F,
New Glouster, ME

December 22, 2007
Unfortunately, it's our last night here in Montserrat. What a lovely Island--Tan Ry Doon is amazingly beautiful. Thank you Jim & Norman for providing your guests with every provision under the sun. Here's what we enjoyed: Woodlands Beach, hiking "Lawyers Mountain", the Green Monkey Dive Shop- and kayaking to Rendezvous Beach, sunset at Lime Kiln Beach. A fantastic vacation! Oh! And naps in the hammock!
E & E,
NY, NY

December 1-7, 2007
Jim & Norman,
Today is our last full day in paradise. We had wanted a peaceful, relaxing vacation which is just what we got at Tan Ry Doon. Although the vacation did not start out as planned...arriving after dark ..... We were delivered to the villa by Tom, meeting Lydia + Yvette on the way + learning a little about the island on the way as well. Going to sleep that first night to all of the unique sounds + the ocean waves crashing on shore, we never imagined the sights we would wake to. It was more beautiful than we imagined. The pictures and information we had seen did not do it justice--the gardens and views are breathtaking. You had said you enjoyed working in the gardens + it certainly shows. This place could not be more perfect!! We spent days exploring this wonderful island + experiencing the warmth and friendliness of the Montseratians that we heard so much about. A drive to the other side of the island, as far as we could go, helped us to see some of the devastation the volcano caused.... Reinforcing the fact of what a powerful force nature really is. We are so thankful the island and the people survived and we have been two of the fortunate few to experience life on Montserrat. Thank you so much for allowing us to share your beautiful home. This has truly been a special vacation--exactly what we wanted. We did drink from the ghaut and hope we'll be able to return, but until then we will have our beautiful photos + memories of Tan Ry Doon + Montserrat.
Thank you so much!!
D & J McK
Powhatan, VA

November 23 - December 1, 2007
As our wonderful week here at Tan Ry Doon comes to an end, we look back on all the cool and unusual things we got to do and see. The hike up Garibaldi Hill was well worth the view of Plymouth from the top! Crossing the Belham River to get to the road up Garibaldi Hill was awe inspiring! A real close up look at what devastation the volcano can wreak. Trips to Little Bay and all of its 'native' staccatos was a great way to spend a couple of days and meet many residents of Montserrat. Offer ride whenever you can- we picked up the nicest people in our travels- and heard some great stories. ....The pair of hummingbirds off the dining patio are frequent visitors.....
*now to Jim & Norm----You guys have carved out a special little paradise here at TRD! It's obvious how much love and care you've poured into this wonderful spot, and we can't thank you enough for sharing it with us. We loved it like it was our own. We've been traveling the Caribbean for about 25 years now- usually 2 trips a year, and we've been all over- mostly small quiet islands. We've stayed at some beautiful villas, but none can compare to TRD! Your attention to detail does not go unappreciated. Everything from the array of kitchen accessories & gadgets to the layout of your gardens and plantings, to the artwork and whimsical decoration, Perfect- Perfect- Perfect!! You want for nothing here- and your love and care come shining through. We hope you have a long and wonderful life here...it's a magical place.
D & M F,
Levittown, Long Island, NY

November 18th, 2007
Our 8th day here. Not a drop of rain, so far. There goes a pelican-lots of them seen. This is one of the loveliest islands we've stayed on - (St. Martin, Saba, Anguilla, Antigua, Guadeloupe, Dominica is close). We appreciate the green hills, the ocean breezes, the welcoming people: esp. Lydia, "little" Tom, Yvette. "Rham & Sons" are a trip- nice market. Here, the pool & gardens are gorgeous- floating in the pool is the way to work on your tan without hyperthermia.
BW, MD & RB, MD
(a long married couple)
Santa Fe, NM USA

October 18, 2007
Well today is our last day here. We have enjoyed our stay without question. Tan Ry Doon was exactly what we were looking for, for our honeymoon. Our advice to future guests- don't miss sunsets, eat dinner at Ziggy's (it's fabulous!), The Royal Palm Club is great for drinks & atmosphere, Jumpin' Jacks is wonderful, a boat ride from Troy at the Green Monkey is an excellent way to see the island.
If you have any questions, Yvette at The Neville Bradshaw Agency is a joy and will help you 100%. Make sure you wave at everyone and converse with whom ever you can. Everyone has an interesting story.
Jim & Norman-We can't thank you enough for sharing your little piece of paradise. It made our honeymoon more special. We hope to come back soon.
N & J S
Bantam, CN

August 30, 2007
Jim & Norm,
Thank you so much for sharing your house with us. We certainly got maximum enjoyment out of the pool, the kitchen, the view, the sunsets, the gardens, the outdoor shower, the patio, the privacy and tranquility, and all the little creatures who made daily appearances during our stay. We have dubbed them as such:

• Dragonfly who hovers over pool ="Marcus"
• Small lizard, greenish="Jesse"
• Medium Lizard, brownish= "Mortimer"
• Medium Lizard, bright green= "Puff Daddy"
• Black & green hummingbirds (2) = "Evangeline" and "Angelina"

We also sighted the big iguanas, but they hang a little too close to the cliff to get very friendly with. Oh yeah, plus, they are big iguanas!
The hammock down at the bottom of the hill is fantastic- much like being in a cocoon!
Though we did not spend much time away from the house, we hope to meet more locals next time we visit and also hike out to Rendezvous Bay. As such, we were far too content being lazy by the pool to muster up any energy for what was described as a "brisk hike".
J & R C
New York City, USA

July 15, 2007
We had ourselves a wonderful sixteen days at "Tan Ry Doon"
This has been our second visit, and this vacation was even better than last years.
The gardens looked beautiful, so many different trees, shrubs, and plants. We could see where you guys expanded it from last year. Your efforts are paying off. Wish mother nature could have provided more rain. If you're looking to get some sun on your body, walk the gardens with the water hose, and give the gardens a good drink, then go back to the villa and pour yourself a good cold cocktail. It will taste better than ever!
We will be saving up our nickels and dimes, looking to spend 3 weeks back in Montserrat in 2008!
D & A
Long Island, NY

April 19, 2007
Montserrat & Tan Ry Doon must indeed be the closest thing to paradise that one can experience. I feel honoured to have spent the last 10 days here. Everyone here has been so friendly + it is indeed a culture shock (a happy one), to that of the UK where if you were to even smile at someone you would be greeted with a frosty response. Lydia has been extremely supportive, as has George who we have seen on many of our explorations of the island. The peace and serenity has been a welcome change, however we must now return to the hustle & bustle of our 'normal lives', however we will hopefully return one day. Until then we have our positive memories & hundreds of pictures to keep us focused until then. A visit to the MVO is a must!

M & H J
East Sussex, UK

April 19, 2007
N & J Families
Day 1: After a long day of traveling, the N's from Vermont & Boston, the J's from the U.K. We arrived in Montserrat around 10 A.M. George picked us up at the airport, gave us a detailed tour of our route + brought us to Paradise!
Day 10: We are sitting here on the veranda having our last cup of coffee and talking about all we've done here. We are leaving with beautiful memories. We will miss Clive, et el, who watched us every evening, eating at Jumping Jacks, delicious but hard to find, meeting warm friendly people, exploring the island + just slowing down. Thanks Jim & Norman.
S + A N
Shaftsbury, VT

April 17, 2007
Wave at the people-they're not crazy-just friendly. It's we who've forgotten what it's like to be nice to strangers! (or is it just the contrast with London?.....)
Lydia is around the corner for help and advice, and Yvette at Neville Bradshaw is really efficient.
Enjoy your time here. We've been 'touched' by the spell of this special place. The amazing people deserve some luck with getting tourism off the ground, so we're telling everyone when we get home.
Finally-Jim & Norm
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful and spectacular home with us!
R & C
London

August 4, 2006
We have had a great time here seeing our old friends and re-visiting places. The villa is beautiful. We loved the iguanas in the garden, the kestrels and Clive the toad who visited every evening!
Went down to Lime Kiln Beach last night at 10:30 and saw a turtle.
Hope to be back soon.
The K Family
Wymondham, Norfolk England

July 23, 2006
Dear Jim & Norm,
What a paradise! Thank you for sharing this little bit of heaven with us. We have been here for 7 days and feel like Montseratians already!
I don't know how Will and I will manage to wake up Monday morning to go to work without this fabulous view! The house, pool, gardens and that soul cleaning breeze will serve as memories of Tan Ry Doon!
We have met so many people who speak fondly of you both.
If you two are ever in Alabama-please come to the Tennessee River and let us treat you to some fried catfish, hushpuppies, fried green tomatoes & sit by the rolling river. Of course, its waters will only serve to remind us of your getaway to heaven called Tan Ry Doon!
Until we come again,
RP & WR

July 14, 2006

Jim & Norm,
Andria and I had a wonderful time here at Tan Ry Doon. You two have created a piece of heaven here on Montserrat.
Our two weeks went by so fast. Still the memories will stay with us forever. We experienced the volcano showing some of its fury, many rainbows, even the rising full moon gave off a colorless rainbow one night.
Lydia was such a joy, very helpful. Tom Piper our driver could not have been nicer. If you need someone to help you get around Montserrat....he is the man!! George Riley, the "poolman" was as a colorful character as you meet here on Montserrat. He always announced himself by saying..."he is on top of the world" He could not have expressed it better for us, how we felt on "our little Island".
We are already planning and looking forward to coming back to the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean in 2007!!
Thanks again,
DC & AB
New York

April 28, 2006
Jim & Norm, your home in Montserrat is a true paradise. Despite a rocky start getting to the Island, our whole week has been wonderful. Bud & I have enjoyed meeting various folks all over Montserrat. We are amazed at some connections that we've noted with local residents.
We especially want to say a special thanks to Lydia. She has been available for questions, directions & general help when we needed her. Yvette has been wonderful to work with & always has a special smile for you. Bud says that Ken & Peter's pizza was the best he has ever had.
We "drank from the burn" and definitely will return to the Island.
Thanks for sharing your home.
B & A Vassey Maine

April 21, 2006
Dear Jim & Norman,
Believe it or not, there is an advantage to having your luggage "misplaced" by Winair, and that is that we didn't get to Tan Ry Doon until after dark last Friday. We had a quick tour of the house (thanks Lydia!), ate our wonderful welcome dinner (thanks Ken & Peter!), and went to bed listening to the waves crashing on the shore, but having no idea where we really "were". The delight of waking up the next morning to the spectacular vista was truly breathtaking. We couldn't believe we were at such a special place. And our vacation just kept getting better...exploring villages, beaches, shops, getting lost on almost every trip, chatting with folks at every turn, and the highlight of a "volcano tour" by Reuben Furlong, a displaced Montserratian--five hours of up close and personal exploration of such a life-changing event. Reuben also makes the Islands best goat water every Friday, which is our last dinner here tonight.

What else, what else...

The National Trust
'Clive', the visiting frog
every sunset
driving Fogarty Hill
a huge flock of diving pelicans at Old Towne Beach
the story behind Cudjoe Tree
and always, beautiful Tan Ry Doon to come "home" to.

Thank you both so much for sharing paradise.
D H & B S
Waltham, Mass

January 15 - 26, 2006
The Thomasson Family, 2 adults and 3 little girls. We came, we swam, we lounged, we toured. It has been the perfect place for a family. We had rain, and I mean rain for the first week... I was starting to think there wasn't a volcano here! But the last 3 days cleared and we had the beautiful Montserrat weather that is famous. The views from the place are fantastic, yet we will have to return to see the famous sunsets! We will return...
And thanks to Peter & Ken for the fantastic meal on our arrival and their help throughout. And a big thanks to brave Lydia for dealing with island living and keeping the place straight! Thanks
J & C Thomasson

Thanks for the -plastic cups, popsicle trays, pool toys
C, M, & L Thomasson

December 29, 2005 - January 9, 2006
A Fabulous view, beautiful gardens, a very attractive, comfortable, well-equipped house + perfect weather. We saw wonderful rainbows (including doubles + one triple) without any rain + amazing sunsets. Photographed humming birds + a resident banana quit that liked to catch the shy iguanas. Swam in the pool daily + at Woodlands Beach. Only wish we had arranged to stay longer. Thank you Jim & Norm-will be in touch soon about coming back.
D & D M Ithaca, NY
D & T K New York, NY

November 21 - December 19, 2005
"Tan Ry Doon", Jim & Norman, you exceeded our expectation. The comfort, the beauty, the people. We feel blessed. Yvette and Neville Bradshaw always responded to our every need-as did our lovely Lydia, Agnes & Basil, a great team. We made so many new friends and look forward to returning. Thank You!! Xoxo
D & G Bull, Pittsford, NY

October 11, 2005
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home. Montserrat was everything I dreamed and more! Since I did drink from the ghaut I suspect I'l be back in the near future- hopefully for a longer stay.
C Harris - Pensacola, FL

September 23, 2005
Well, well, well-
I can not believe you two were in cahoots with my husband to keep the destination of his "surprise" vacation secret. The day before we left (9/21) he did say we would be taking a plane. I thought it would leave from Albany. At 3 AM 9/22 we left Shaftsbury for Bradley Airport in Hartford, CT. Once there I saw the tickets for San Juan. I was pleased- the commercials about Puerto Rico always looked good. After going through several checkpoints, I was told we would be going to Antigua. OK, I can adjust to new plans. More check points- and then I found out the destination- and was flabbergasted- not quite speechless, as you know- that rarely happens.
The pictures you showed us at twisted did not do this place justice. What a view! Watched the rain, and listened to the waves on the beach. Rick wanted to know what creature was making the evening "peeping" noise. I told him it was the iguanas- He groaned.
We ventured out in the RAV 4 today. Rick climbed in the right side, buckled up and with white knuckled hands on the wheel put it in drive. The whole trip he mumbled "left, left, left". I was offering helpful hints like "slow down" and yikes- " a titch to the right". I'm not sure if Wendy would be proud or not.
I want to report that there are psychotic roosters nearby. They crow at all hours. One was just making noise at 6PM!
9/26 We leave Montserrat tomorrow AM. What we are taking with us are wonderful memories of a fun time together. Thank you both for your part in this. You are both entitled to hugs when we get home.
S & R Mattison - Shaftsbury, VT

Aug 26, 2005
It's hard to imagine that there's a more perfect place to stay here in Montserrat than your beautiful and comfortable home, Tan Ry Doon. We've had one of the best vacations we've ever had, and we've had some good ones!
We came to Montserrat with high hopes of loving it and wanting to make a future home here for ourselves. We have not been disappointed at all! In fact, very shortly we have an appointment to do our final negotiations to purchase a beautiful piece of property between yours and our new friends Ken & Peter.
Speaking of new friends...We spent a couple of fun evenings with Ken & Peter (their welcome meal was wonderful!) & have really enjoyed their company & insight into living here. We also met Barbara & Rob down the road, Carol & Cedric at the Viewpoint, Susan & Betty at Tradewinds, Neville Bradshaw (also very kind & Helpful), and Alford Dyett, who will build our house if all goes as planned. Lydia has checked in on us & has been kind & helpful as well. One week and all this!
Thank you for making your wonderful home & impressive gardens open to us for our vacation. It's been a fantastic week, and I can't wait to get back to Montserrat! We hope to meet you someday soon, future neighbors!
SS & JD - Gainesville, FL
PS - We hear your plant cuttings are feeding beautiful gardens everywhere...maybe ours someday, too???!!

July 7, 2005
We had a wonderful time. The house is lovely. I'm sorry we couldn't stay longer. It's a great change of pace from New York City. We look forward to our next visit.
J & L Katzman - Englewood, NJ

May 29, 2005
My new husband & I have enjoyed a beautiful week here on our honeymoon! It is gorgeous here! Having a "well equipped" kitchen has been a huge help. Jim & Norm your home here is lovely, thank you so much for sharing it with us. Josh works in New York City & your home here in Montserrat was the perfect extreme for a relaxing & peaceful vacation! Josh actually planned our honeymoon as a surprise for me & I could not have been more pleasantly surprised! We are already looking forward to returning!
J & K - Collingswood, NJ

April 29, 2005
We came to Montserrat & Tan Ry Doon for our 10th wedding anniversary looking for rest & relaxation & romance! We found it in this beautiful setting among the gardens & overlooking the water. We loved it. We wish Montserrat continued recovery from the devastation of the volcano & many beautiful days for those who come to Tan Ry Doon. Thank you Jim & Norman.
L & J Jones - Pickerington, OH

January 20, 2005
This place is truly peace on earth! If only everyone could come to Tan Ry Doon. The view is breathtaking. Mornings are wonderful to be able to wake to this. Your home is so beautiful and I know we will be back. The people on the Island are wonderful.
L. & D. Anton - Old Lyme, CN

January 9, 2005
The villa was (and is) a pleasantly, luxurious, and tranquil residence. The Island is unique and beautiful. Good times & fun times.
R. P Osgood - Salisbury, MA

January 9, 2005
What can I say, Em said it all- Enjoyed the gardens the most, coconut ice cream + spiced guava- very yummy- It was very special to spend good quality time with my sister and my oldest 2 girls- What special memories I will always treasure- all in this piece of paradise!
K. P Osgood - Salisbury, MA

January 9, 2005
Wonderful house, wonderful view, wonderful time! Forgot the wonderful gardens and rainbows and sunsets. We walked up every hill on the Island. We're sure there's more up hills than down! Very friendly folks. An all around great time.
Em - Rutland, VT

December 12, 2003 5:30 AM
You know the poem "how do I love thee...let me count the ways" - but of course - and the many ways we love Montserrat and most especially Tan Ry Doon, won't fit on this page. The trees are in full bloom, showing their appreciation and flooding the air with sweet fragrance.
This mornings' shower, outdoors under a bright moon was the capping glory of our perfect vacation. Bless you for giving us yet another chance to share your home in paradise.
Bob & Peggy Rudolph - Widely Island, WA

February 21, 2003
As a birder, the highlight of my stay in your lovely seclusion was a Yellow-Crested Night Heron in full plumage drinking from your swimming pool at dawn. Thank you for a memorable vacation.
R. Handscombe

Ah, the hammock!
J. Handscombe
Toronto, CA

July 2, 2002
Well..... you knew it would happen and it did. We fell in love with Montserrat and Tan Ry Doon!
P & B - Bennington, VT

March 2002
Privacy, sun, an incredible view and the most wonderful sights and sounds - our 2 weeks here have been fantastic - we're already planning our next trip! On a snowy night in Pennsylvania, we will remember counting stars at Tan Ry Doon!
Gloria & Dan Kryis - Jersey Shore, PA

July 2000
Thank you for contributing to this slice of heaven called Montserrat. I'm an entertainer, invited here as part of the "Paradise Regained Millenium Pilgrimage".
Your home provided a much needed atmosphere of peace and serenity. My 1st time in Montserrat brought a 1st time seeing a volcano and a 1st time seeing a rainbow at night (from your balcony) over Redonda.
The energy here is a reflection of you both.
When I return I want to spend more time here at Tan Ry Doon.
GC - St. Thomas, VI

July 18, 2000
WOW, Jim & Norman,
Tan Ry Doon is a perfect place to live, to dream and to relax. I've lived here for almost a week and enjoyed your gardens and house, both of them designed with love and care. We loved to sing, to paint, to listen to the waves and to observe a rainbow in a full moon night. Thank you very much for the ambience I could feel here.
HL - Deirnold, Germany

January 5, 1997
Everything about your house is fabulous - the house itself - furnishings - grounds - and view. It's beautiful! We've had a wonderful relaxing week on your island and we feel very fortunate that we found you!
Thanks for a great vacation!
Maggy & Don Deike - Hartford, WI

March 11-21, 1996
The views of St. Peters village to the north to Redonda and Nevis in front to the sunsets to the west are wonderful. The gardens of the villa are superb and show love and careful tending. The amenities and cleanliness of the villa show your thoughtfulness and caring for your guests. This is the end of another peaceful time on the island and now reality must set in and it's time to go.
Carolyn & Charles Gale - Cape Cod, MA

March 30, 1996
We came, we slept, we laughed, ate, drank, swam, and generally did ourselves justice. This respit is like no other. It's lovely and shows such care. Thank you so much!
C & B - Shaftsbury, VT

November 21, 1995
Tan Ry Doon was the perfect location for our honeymoon. The villa is superb, the view is stunning, the pool is refreshing- especially at dawn.
C & P - Hermitage, Berkshire, U.K.

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