Charlestown, St Kitts and Nevis

Nestled on the slopes above Oualie beach – named after the Carib’s original name for Nevis, ‘the land of beautiful waters’ – Maison Bougainvilliers is an iconic island home with all the grace and charm that comes with traditional Caribbean stylings. The white woodwork and deep blue shutters perfectly reflect the island’s sands and skies, the house belonging to the scene as much as the garden’s waving palms and bright flamboyant trees.

The villa was originally conceived and crafted over three decades ago by owners who came to help create the Four Seasons golf course. The same imagination that was used to make the iconic course with its sweeping vistas and unforgettable fairways was applied to the design of Maison Bougainvilliers with a dramatic entrance across a raised wooden walkway leading to the vaulted ceilings of the Great Room.

The same thought that has gone into the external appearance has of course been applied within. A soft palette of warm pastel colours features throughout the villa, with bold contrasts created using dark cabinetry in the kitchen and slate floors in the bathrooms.

It is the use of light, though, that perhaps most stands out. Traditional louvered windows and doors spill ripples of light into the villa, or the generous French windows in all the principal rooms can be thrown open onto upper and lower wraparound verandahs. Hallways that might have been dark have been opened up with the artful use of sweeping cutouts. The hardwood stairway that leads to the lower level is not, as in so many homes, heading down to a series of darkened rooms but rather a gorgeous suite of guest bedrooms; one of the three rooms features a glorious, oversized sleigh bed. All are light, airy and inviting spaces.

As with all homes on the island, the outdoor living space is given prominence. With such wide verandahs wrapping themselves around Maison Bougainvilliers, there’s ample room for Adirondack chairs, sofas, and even swing chairs for a fun touch of decadence. The views from here across The Narrows to the snaking peninsula of St Kitts that spills into the sea are unrivalled. It’s an excellent location for anybody looking to be near the safest swimming beaches, easy water taxi access to Nevis’ sister island, and within a few minutes of some of the island’s finest restaurants.

Those looking for somewhere that defines the Caribbean and that has benefited from the care and attention of an artist and interior designer need look no further: Maison Bougainvilliers is the beautiful, definitive answer.

The owner applied her talents as decorator to the remodelling of the villa in 2022 giving it a fresh look and a vibrant feel.

The main entrance door opens to a large living space combining an open plan kitchen and a sitting area of considerable size. Hard wood floors with an aged patina, add character and contrast with the white painted ceilings while lattice works contribute to the traditional charm of West Indian homes.

Kitchen:

Bright and breezy with multiple openings and ceiling fans, the kitchen offers a welcoming gathering spot. Built in cabinetry and plenty of work surface including a large island that divides the kitchen from the remaining space.

Sitting Room:

A comfortable space to relax when the weather confines people to the inside. French doors open to the large veranda running the whole length of the villa. Artworks from the owner hanging on the walls bring varying hues of blues symbolising the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea and are found throughout the villa.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms:

Master Bedroom:  The master suite is in continuity with the main living area. Painted in soothing colours complementing the flooring, it is a spacious room with casual furniture. Air flows from the window and double French doors allowing for the stunning view of Oualie Bay to be enjoyed.

Master bathroom and guest bathrooms:  All bathrooms have a step-in shower, single or double vessel vanities, wall wide mirrors and several towel racks.

Wooden accents reminiscent of driftwoods contrast with the all-white tiled walls and grey paint.

Guest Bedrooms:  Great for privacy, the 3 guest bedrooms are one level down from the main living floor. All the bedrooms are spacious, fitted with large built-in closets, ceiling fans and air conditioned. Each one has its own ensuite bathroom.

The ground floor reached via an internal staircase is a very large open space and accommodates the laundry, garage and plenty of storage.

In true Caribbean style, emphasis has been given to the outdoor. Each level has a wide veranda with French doors opening to it from every single room. Sitting spots grant views to inspire, to celebrate and to contemplate the beautiful Caribbean Sea and the island of St Kitts.

The sizeable lot affords privacy, and the mature trees hide away the neighbours’ properties. The owners did consider the addition of a swimming pool and have architectural plans for one. In the end, they felt that the warm and sandy beach of Oualie Bay, only a couple of minutes’ walk from the villa, didn’t justify the expense.

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 3

Bedroom 4