Villa Bois

Time has changed almost everything on Saint Barthelemy, and yet Villa Bois in Lurin endures as a gracious residence, emblematic of a classic era for guests of the island. An isolated villa nestled among 23 undeveloped acres, Villa Bois is located just a few minutes away from Gouverneur Beach and the heart of Gustavia.

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Upon arrival, the single-story residential buildings with white stucco walls, corrugated red metal roofs, mahogany doors and windows, signal the island’s traditional architecture. Originally built in the 1970’s, thoughtful refurbishments have been made over the years: antique Minton tiles adorn the kitchen, and linen curtains dress windows. Visitors find an almost-forgotten ambiance and the luxury of a mature garden with Tamarind, Mapoo, Gaiac and Gommier trees.

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The main bungalow features a spacious living room, open kitchen and bathroom. Terra cotta-tiled floors join interior and exterior spaces including a large dining veranda. The veranda extends across the front of the building offering uninterrupted views of protected land and the Caribbean Sea with neighboring islands of Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Kitt’s & Nevis.

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As the main bungalow’s veranda turns east, a large terrace showcasing a lap pool with additional dining and seating areas beckons. At its infinity-edge, the pool offers swimmers a spectacular view of Coco Islet.

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On a lower level, a seating area has been created using naturally existing volcanic rock. It is a quiet setting for reading, having a massage, or napping, serenaded by songbirds. An outdoor shower and bathroom complete this hidden escape. Mahogany trees, Frangipani, Aloe, native Hibiscus and Palms line the winding stone pathways to connect the bedroom bungalow to the main building and each other. Three suites open to furnished galleries surrounded by lush vegetation for reading and relaxation.

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An old building, once used as a caretaker’s house, completes this property. A recent building permit, described below, would allow to redevelop it with different options possible and to add another 2-bedroom cottage.

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Villa Bois ignores the pressures of modern life and island development. The property’s size and unique topographical position in Lurin create an impression of timeless isolation, with few built structures to interrupt impeccable views from most vantage points at the residence. At this moment, Villa Bois offers a unique opportunity to those who recognize its unusual combination of residential charm and natural beauty.

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The property benefits from a recent building permit, allowing for the renovation and extension of the cottage previously used as a caretaker’s house. The project plans to redevelop it to offer two bedrooms, a living room with kitchen, as well as a TV lounge. It could turn the property into a 5-bedroom residence or leave it as a 3-bedroom villa plus a 2-bedroom guest house.

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In addition, the project also includes the construction of a new two-bedroom building at the entrance of the property which could be either a future guest house or caretaker’s house. The main level will accommodate the living spaces and bedrooms, with an underground garage and storage areas on the lower level. A covered parking area for three cars, equipped with solar panels, is also planned.

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^{Picture credits: ©Hugo Allard}

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