Blackbeard’s Castle has everything you need including history, the famous lookout tower, with 360 degree views of Charlotte Amalie and its harbor, and three sparkling swimming pools (changing rooms provided). The former living quarters surround a lovely courtyard with the historic tower in the center and a large bronze sculpture of Blackbeard himself. Today the estate can only be viewed through the walking tour.
Skytsborg Tower (sky tower), more commonly referred to as Blackbeard’s Castle Tower, is rich in history. Built in 1679, the tower stands proud atop Blackbeard’s Hill in the middle of Charlotte Amalie. It was once used as a lookout to identify enemy ships entering the harbor. To serve as a good vantage point, the tower was built about 40-feet-tall with six-foot thick walls. As you climb the spiral staircase hidden inside, you’ll quickly reach the top and find a one-of-a-kind view of Charlotte Amalie harbor, as well as St Croix and all the way to Puerto Rico.
Villa Notman is one of the most breathtaking villas in the entire Caribbean. It was originally built in 1860 and has been fully restored. The villa’s incredible white cast-iron balcony was imported from New Orleans and showcases the utmost impressive detailing. The second-floor balcony secures a large patio to compliment the yellow brick exterior. The patio overlooks the calm waters of the Charlotte Amalie harbor.
Villa Notman is one of sixteen houses on the island built out of the native stone Augite Andesite or "Blue Bit" and yellow ballast brick used to weight the hulls of ships that traveled from Europe to the West Indies. A beautiful fragrance garden decorated with Bay Leaf trees and Plumeria or Frangipani, used to make perfume, wraps around the villa.
When you enter, you will find the great room with deep brown mahogany wood floors, light yellow walls and French doors that open to the cast- iron balcony .One can enjoy and relax in the small private swimming pool just behind the master bedroom. It is one of three pools on the property that can be enjoyed.