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Joy of Life Villa was borne out of the adventurous spirit of Karen Vahling, who fell in love with St. John and moved to Coral Bay some 25 years ago from her small town of Pekin, Illinois. Karen purchased the land in January, 2000 after venturing up what was then only a “goat trail” to see the 1.2 acre parcel that nobody would look at due to some very mean dogs at the bottom of the hill (she befriended the mean dogs with hot dogs)! Construction began in 2009, after Karen completed a natural resources degree at CSU Fort Colllins, CO, with the intention of helping St. John. After acting as owner-contractor, the house you see today is the result of many wonderful and talented craftsmen, the support and advice of friends, and Karen’s “Labor of Love”.
Love entered the picture even more in 2015 when Karen met Jeff Bowers, a talented builder from Howell, Michigan who was working on St. John. Together they finished The Sunrise Sweet on the lower level and their cottage atop Joy of Life. After surviving hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, they now spend their summers promoting the villa across the nation in the Joy of Life camper, aka The Joy Toy! Look for them on the mainland in the summers and at the villa in the winters. Joy of Life is open year-round, with caretakers enjoying the tranquility of the summer months. Follow our travels and villa news at Joy of Life Villa on Facebook or updates on www.joyoflifevilla.com
Karen & Jeff
View our LIVE Availability Calendar HERE to choose your dates! Feel free to call or text the owner, Karen Vahling, directly with any questions about the villa, or use our Contact Form. We answer immediately or very quickly.
View our LIVE Availability Calendar HERE to choose your dates! Feel free to call or text the owner, Karen Vahling, directly with any questions about the villa, or use our Contact Form. We answer immediately or very quickly.
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