Our Story

Thank you for visiting the site and know that we look forward to sharing the splendor of Cat Ghaut when you arrive in person.  I am Tiger, grandson of Roger and Peggy, and am honoured that you have come to visit, even if virtually.

Cat Ghaut has evolved over decades to become an oasis on an oasis, i.e. Nevis.  It now offers guests casual golf, walking trails, and gardens.  We hope that you share your happiness with us as we share ours with you.

Originally the property was purchased in the early 1950s by Roger and Peggy Staiger.  As the story goes, a group of Professors from Ursinus College, native Pennsylvanians, Roger included, found a jewel on the globe.  At that time it took three days travel to reach Nevis from the U.S. and only individuals with a lot time and a few coins in their pockets could reach the island.  In fact, when visiting Cat Ghaut just travel down Shaws Road, the road by the house, about 50 yards and you will find the Pennsylvania Turnpike.  The Professors wanted a memory from home.  Of course you may need to look in the grasses and bushes to find the sign as a donkey took it out in the mid-eighties.  However, the sign is there.

My grandparents built the house in 1964 and it has slowly expanded over the decades (look for the keystone on the porch by the hanging seat).  It was built as an African Colonial with open architecture and no physical windows.  (But for the few that I added later to air condition parts of the home).  Cat Ghaut remains the only African Colonial on the island and was the realized dream of Roger to have an open-air home. 

Originally, Roger’s goal for Cat Ghaut was to grow produce and sell it to the local hotels.  However, after decades of defeat unsuccessfully fending off monkeys from stealing the mangos, bananas, peanuts and even coffee, a golf course was born in the mid-eighties.

Eventually the banana groves and mangos turned into a 12-hole pitch and put golf course.  Striving to capture the interests and hearts of all visitors, Roger and Peggy dedicated their later years to “perfecting” the course and constructing gardens and walking trails throughout the Ghaut to appeal to everyone.  In fact, the garden between the house and the stone oven is called “Granny’s Garden”.  Granny was what Tiger always called his grandmother.

Even if you are not a golfer, take the time to stroll the gardens, trails and expanses.  Across the Ghaut from the house, you will discover the “Gulliver” benches which are placed about the grounds.  These are a Tiger addition and were specifically made for napping as opposed to sitting.  They are each 7’ long and 2.5’ wide and perfect for that afternoon siesta.  AND, if you want a drink, there are built-in cup holders that fold down. 🙂

It was important to my grandparents that Cat Ghaut remain open and assessable to everyone.  Both Roger and Peggy spent decades greeting the guests that graced Cat Ghaut.  I can still remember my Granny saying on more than one occasion, “Tiger, go out there and offer them a drink!  They look parched!”  Back then we had limited electricity and the refrigerator was kerosene so one had to be quick when opening the refrigerator door for the colder water.  Even so, it was so essential to my grandparents that everyone be treated as family and with hospitality.  While my grandparents are no longer with us, their love of and for Cat Ghaut remains.  As such, please come and enjoy and share our happiness.

Regardless of your interests, either golf, gardens or trails, please allow us to share Cat Ghaut.  We only ask that you share your happiness and smiles with Cat Ghaut as well.

Good Day!
Tiger