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El Zafrio in foreclosure #289322
10/07/2022 03:56 PM
10/07/2022 03:56 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline OP
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SXMScubaman  Offline OP
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Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
This was posted on SXM or Bust Facebook page.
"Was just down by El Zafrio all locked up, security guard said they are in foreclosure the restaurant and boutique hotel. It was a cute hidden gem."

SXM Sponsors
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: SXMScubaman] #289324
10/07/2022 05:39 PM
10/07/2022 05:39 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Brookfield, CT.
Thanks, Scuba. Jumped right on the phone with my cc company.

Got my payments resolved with my credit card company re El Zafiro. Now I just need to find a place to stay for those first three nights. What else can possibly go wrong?!.

Kim and Ken offered us their condo but logistics don’t work that well for us right now.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: pat] #289327
10/07/2022 07:23 PM
10/07/2022 07:23 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
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BeachKitten  Offline
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Maryland/DC Metro
Pat, you can stay with us for three nights. wink


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: SXMScubaman] #289328
10/07/2022 07:35 PM
10/07/2022 07:35 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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If true, yikes!


Carol Hill
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: SXMScubaman] #289329
10/07/2022 07:49 PM
10/07/2022 07:49 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Brookfield, CT.
Sadly, Carol, it appears to be true.

Leona,

Thank you and that is very sweet of you and Andre but I’ve pretty much resolved things. I hope!! Kim and Ken offered us their condo at Cupecoy Beach Club. Still looking at a few other options but I think that’s what we’re gonna’ do……..


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: SXMScubaman] #289337
10/08/2022 12:04 AM
10/08/2022 12:04 AM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 638
F
foreversxm Offline
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foreversxm  Offline
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Posts: 638
So unfortunate but it’s a tough business, hopefully not to many deposits will be lost but if it’s Finacial issue probably so. A few other better options on Simpson Bay anyhow, Mary’s Boon Beach Hotel and restaurant never disappoints and is wonderful place if you can get a booking and also I think Azure is a nice guest house property.

Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: SXMScubaman] #289339
10/08/2022 07:20 AM
10/08/2022 07:20 AM
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 705
South Coast of MA
S
SXMBND Offline
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SXMBND  Offline
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Posts: 705
South Coast of MA
Sad.....really enjoyed starting the day with the wonderful ambiance and breakfast that they offered.

Last edited by SXMBND; 10/08/2022 07:20 AM.
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: foreversxm] #289342
10/08/2022 08:58 AM
10/08/2022 08:58 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Central Florida!
Yes, pat, if you can get a first floor room, Mary's Boon would be a nice option.


Carol Hill
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: SXMScubaman] #289345
10/08/2022 10:02 AM
10/08/2022 10:02 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,370
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Tom Online content
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Tom  Online Content
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Hershey, Pennsylvania
Since our vacation is scheduled for next month and we have never stayed in this area before, we had hoped that El Zafiro would be our "go to" restaurant. We never dined there in 35 years so we won't know what we missed but we will find another local restaurant I am sure.

Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: SXMScubaman] #289348
10/08/2022 10:23 AM
10/08/2022 10:23 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Tom,
Dining at EZB is a non-issue at this point. The restaurant drew a host of varied opinions and while we always enjoyed the food, many others had different experiences. For ambience it was a delightful dinner venue but the menu was fairly limited compared to so many of the alternative island eateries. I always liked their salads for lunch and we particularly enjoyed breakfasts with the lovely Erika but sadly, no more.
You might consider Mary’s Boon or if closer to Maho, Sublime upstairs at Maho and just down from Jax. We totally enjoy it but you have to know there’s no ocean view. We usually dine outside overlooking the Maho strip.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: SXMScubaman] #289351
10/08/2022 12:47 PM
10/08/2022 12:47 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,253
Boynton Beach, FL
EdB Offline
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EdB  Offline
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Posts: 3,253
Boynton Beach, FL
OMG......just saw this. We had reservations there for a couple of days in March before our move to LaPlage. Wife on phone now with cc company to try to get credit back. Thanks Scuba for the heads up. Looks like we will be looking for alternative real quickly. Damn.

Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: EdB] #289354
10/08/2022 03:53 PM
10/08/2022 03:53 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline
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Portland, OR
[quote=EdB Looks like we will be looking for alternative real quickly. Damn. [/quote]

Have you ever stayed at Horny Toad Guest House? Might be an alternative for you.


LINK to Horny Toad


[Linked Image]
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: jazzgal] #289403
10/10/2022 11:30 AM
10/10/2022 11:30 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,253
Boynton Beach, FL
EdB Offline
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EdB  Offline
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Boynton Beach, FL
thanks for the info...but we decided to go back to mary's boon for the two nights.

Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: SXMScubaman] #289425
10/11/2022 04:14 AM
10/11/2022 04:14 AM
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,580
M
MotownTim Offline
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I’m bummed. The food was never great there and maybe that led to their downfall but the location was great and parking was easy and secure. Going to miss all the people I got to know there over the years.

Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: MotownTim] #289426
10/11/2022 07:53 AM
10/11/2022 07:53 AM
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,772
So. Shore MA.
jollymonsrv Offline
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Posts: 1,772
So. Shore MA.
Originally Posted by MotownTim
I’m bummed. The food was never great there and maybe that led to their downfall but the location was great and parking was easy and secure. Going to miss all the people I got to know there over the years.

Agree , was a nice and quiet alternative to Karacter with same lounge/ umbrella offerings.

Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: pat] #289429
10/11/2022 09:32 AM
10/11/2022 09:32 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,370
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Tom Online content
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Tom  Online Content
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Hershey, Pennsylvania
Thanks, Pat
As stated we will need to learn about our options. We are staying at Baywatch on Beacon Hill this year. When we stayed at Belair for so many years we could dine there, next door @ Divi or Mark's Place, Greenhouse, or Chesterfields regularly. I suppose we will test the adage that "you are never too old to learn something new". Last time we ate at Mary's Boon we were inundated with dogs, who were eager to share our meal. A bit of a downer.
T.

Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: SXMScubaman] #289439
10/11/2022 01:41 PM
10/11/2022 01:41 PM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 638
F
foreversxm Offline
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To us The Boon Beach Bar and Restaurant at Mary's Boon Hotel has always been a lot more fun and better food than anyplace on Simpson Bay and yes island dogs to tend play along that entire beach. I don't mind dogs and never been a problem while enjoying the ocean views so I think it just part of the Caribbean fun and experience. I think I even seen few cats around there too.

Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: SXMScubaman] #289446
10/11/2022 05:52 PM
10/11/2022 05:52 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Brookfield, CT.
Tom,

I don’t particularly enjoy eating in a lounge chair on the beach so I’ve never experienced doggies around me while dining, but I have had to deal with blowing sand on a few occasions.
I’ve had incredibly good meals at the Boon and I’ve also had a few not so good ones but that can happen anywhere, too.
I particularly like eating lunch on the beach at a picnic table at Rosie’s at Mullet and have met some awesome peeps there over the years.
You’re going to love all the different dinner ops around Simpson, Mullet and Maho Bays. I will reiterate, do try Sublime. Some of our more memorable meals at Sublime remind me of dinners at Antoine’s back in the day but without the ocean as a backdrop.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: pat] #289453
10/12/2022 01:29 PM
10/12/2022 01:29 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,370
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Tom Online content
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Tom  Online Content
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Posts: 1,370
Hershey, Pennsylvania
This is Lisa, Tom's wife. I had a wonderful meal with my son years ago at a restaurant I thought was called, Sublime, on Front Street. Is this the one you mentioned but it has moved?

Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: SXMScubaman] #289462
10/12/2022 05:34 PM
10/12/2022 05:34 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Lisa,

It might be or then again, maybe not. I honestly don’t know.

I was aware of Sublime originally opening in the old Kissing Fish location and after the demise of that property it reopened on one of the side streets in the Simpson Bay area but it was definitely NOT a setting that most would seek out. The food was delicious and reasonably priced for its location but the current spot is far superior in every way. We park in the Maho carpark on the upper level and walk through to Sublime. They will comp your parking ticket.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: pat] #289548
10/14/2022 03:38 PM
10/14/2022 03:38 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,370
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Tom Online content
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Tom  Online Content
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Posts: 1,370
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Thank you, Pat. You are so thoughtful.

Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: SXMScubaman] #289579
10/15/2022 09:19 AM
10/15/2022 09:19 AM
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 381
CT,USA
DICKG Offline
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DICKG  Offline
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Posts: 381
CT,USA
We have stayed there 3 times and enjoyed the location , the rooms and the hospitality and friendly ness of the hotel and restaurant staff. I always just called to make my reservations very easy to deal with , we were there this past May for 9 days and love every day just walk out the door and you are on the beach.

Very sorry to hear it is in foreclosure, hopefully it will reopen a lot of potential

Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: DICKG] #289580
10/15/2022 09:22 AM
10/15/2022 09:22 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Dick--if you haven't stayed at Beachside Villas, you should. It has everything that El Z had (other than a restaurant) and much more.


Carol Hill
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: SXMScubaman] #289586
10/15/2022 10:33 AM
10/15/2022 10:33 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
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BillandElaine  Offline
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Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
It's not in foreclosure. Evicted for non payment of rent.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: SXMScubaman] #289590
10/15/2022 12:47 PM
10/15/2022 12:47 PM
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,093
CaribLee Offline
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CaribLee  Offline
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Posts: 1,093
El Zafiro was one of the first rental properties to reopen after Irma. We stayed there two weeks in May of 2018. Really enjoyed it and the free daily breakfast and restaurant/bar on-site was a real plus. Hate to hear it is no longer.

Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: BillandElaine] #289591
10/15/2022 01:35 PM
10/15/2022 01:35 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Yes, from my understanding, they didn't own the real estate, just the hotel and restaurant. I personally don't get the concept of building a hotel on real estate you don't own, but it's apparently fairly common in SXM.


Carol Hill
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: CaribLee] #289594
10/15/2022 02:00 PM
10/15/2022 02:00 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline OP
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SXMScubaman  Offline OP
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Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
With not paying rent they could afford to give free breakfast.

Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: SXMScubaman] #289596
10/15/2022 02:42 PM
10/15/2022 02:42 PM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,295
Vancouver, WA
Todd Offline
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Todd  Offline
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Posts: 4,295
Vancouver, WA
I wish the owners the best, they had to endure both Irma and Covid, pretty rough times to get through. They started with a building that needed a lot of work, and then rebuild portions after Irma. I felt they did a very good job with what they had, we enjoyed out stays there including the breakfast that was included in the rate.


I prefer the Isle seat
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: SXMScubaman] #289602
10/16/2022 06:59 AM
10/16/2022 06:59 AM
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,989
Westchester /NYC
Colour1 Offline
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Colour1  Offline
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Posts: 1,989
Westchester /NYC
We really wanted the restaurant to work out. But it seemed to be mismanaged poorly!! I had one of the worst breakfast there and got charged for my tea! The girls from BSVN had bad service as well as not the best lunch and dropping some heavy coin!! They never had anyone to serve drinks on the new observation deck that was really cool!! It must have been tough to stay a float during these times. It's a great location. I wish the new owners well!!


Sand Gravity, got to love it!
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: SXMScubaman] #289648
10/18/2022 02:01 PM
10/18/2022 02:01 PM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 638
F
foreversxm Offline
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Joined: Aug 2012
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All property along Simpson Bay Beach is Government 30 or 60 years long lease. Nothing is owned outright. We only stayed at Zafrio and ate there once, nothing special really very simple no real hotel amenities. I also heard that it was not managed very well, and a lot of people lost room deposits etc and was in debt to the landlord a huge amount. A Gov auction for the furniture and equip end of this month and the property is for lease for $20,000.00 month with a years deposit and lots of use restrictions or you can buy it for $12 million US , per information sent to island realtors last week from the owner. I doubt anything will happened there for a long long time. nice property but maybe better used for single family condo's as its not located that great for restaurant or guest house. Still have good options on Simpson Bay for restaurant or Hotel.

Last edited by foreversxm; 10/18/2022 02:06 PM.
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: SXMScubaman] #289651
10/18/2022 03:34 PM
10/18/2022 03:34 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Trusting your info is spot on, as it usually is, I can’t imagine how they could possibly generate that kind of monthly revenue there, not to mention all the other expenses and in the end, this little thing called profit that all businesses hope to generate.

Depending on what one considers important to their vacation needs, it’s a tough spot. Plenty of parking but pretty crummy access given the oft-times flooded access road. When the sargassum is plentiful around the island, sadly, too much of it ends up in that corner/end of the beach.

With regard to the restaurant, I’ve never been disappointed but I’m not too picky about meals either. The servers have all been lovely to us but we mostly do breakfast and salad lunches there and they’ve all been enjoyed. I would imagine, given the out of the way location well off the beaten track, it’s got to be tough to keep a good kitchen/wait staff there when there are so many other viable restaurant locations on the island.

I for one will definitely miss EZB and feel sad to learn of it’s demise.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: pat] #289652
10/18/2022 03:51 PM
10/18/2022 03:51 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Yeah, they definitely do get more than their share of seaweed there. I guess it's based on the prevailing winds. As far as the road being under water, I think it varies by the season. Usually we don't have much of a problem in June. I personally was never fond of the restaurant. Too many GREAT restaurants on SXM, for a fairly mediocre one to survive for long. Of course I have heard that Jessica (the owner) is very difficult to deal with also.


Carol Hill
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: Carol_Hill] #289654
10/18/2022 05:07 PM
10/18/2022 05:07 PM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
kim Offline
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kim  Offline
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Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
Always drive close to the casino side if there is a storm or just a lot of water. Supposedly a homeowner pumps out the ditch and area but he was busy!!

Attached Files D652EE87-664A-4AE6-AB37-BDB03B5995B3.jpeg
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: kim] #289664
10/18/2022 07:23 PM
10/18/2022 07:23 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
What I heard is that the owner of the Morgan pumps it out, if the water is high.


Carol Hill
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: Carol_Hill] #289666
10/18/2022 07:44 PM
10/18/2022 07:44 PM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
kim Offline
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kim  Offline
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Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
Either way - bizarre that this goes on - fix it!!! Kind of like Mullet!

Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: foreversxm] #289698
10/19/2022 03:42 PM
10/19/2022 03:42 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,141
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem Offline
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Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Perhaps Topper will buy it as it is close to the land he owns there.




Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: islandgem] #289729
10/20/2022 02:27 AM
10/20/2022 02:27 AM
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,989
Westchester /NYC
Colour1 Offline
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Westchester /NYC
That's a great Idea!! IMHO, from what I have read, his new place isn't all that!!! IMHO, this could be a much better fit for him!!!


Sand Gravity, got to love it!
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: Colour1] #289735
10/20/2022 08:31 AM
10/20/2022 08:31 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
David--dear god no! Don't want to hear the sounds of karaoke wafting over from there!


Carol Hill
Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: foreversxm] #289740
10/20/2022 09:53 AM
10/20/2022 09:53 AM
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,580
M
MotownTim Offline
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Posts: 1,580
I thought the location was great. Big wide beach. Lots of room between chairs. Ample parking. But they could never get the food thing right and it wasn’t cheap.

Re: El Zafrio in foreclosure [Re: Carol_Hill] #289741
10/20/2022 09:55 AM
10/20/2022 09:55 AM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
kim Offline
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kim  Offline
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Newtown, CT
I personally can’t stand Toppers - new or old. And disgusted as to what he did (or was going to do) in Beacon Hill - if it even got finished. Never mind the “rumors” over a murder situation years ago.

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