Bajan Bounty
Barbados is a celebrity snapper’s dream – sandy beaches dripping with rich-list sun-worshippers, super models and business tycoons. But the who’s who pecking order of the Platinum Coast is only one aspect of island life. Add to this, centuries-old plantation estates, Atlantic-lashed surf and a down-to-earth authenticity and you soon get a feel for what makes the island such a compelling second-home retreat. So what’s on offer?
Wise Buy: Nestled on 4 acres of Barbados’ platinum coast and boasting 57 private residences, St Peters Bay ticks all the essential ‘island living’ boxes – beachfront location, clear blue waters and a refined collection of leisure amenities, including membership of the exclusive Port St Charles Yacht Club. A 160ft freeform pool and gazebo border the beach, with a private SPB water taxi to whisk you up to Speightstown for lunch. Prices start from £1.5m for a three-bedroom residence. www.stpetersbaybarbados.com
The Verdict: The address for prestigious waterfront living. ‘Price on application’ resort projects look set to raise the luxury bar even further, with a realistic prospect of solid long-term capital appreciation.
Wise Buy: Introducing a popular mixed-use concept to the island’s south coast, Somerley is a one-of-a-kind complex meshing commercial and residential components. Designed by Caribbean kings Gillespie and Steel, this contemporary five-storey residence boasts private access to Worthing Beach and a Miami style roof top pool and sun deck. Two-bedroom 1,500 sq ft units and three-bed 1,900 sq ft units come with slinky Italian kitchens, granite worktops and porcelain floor tiles. Prices start from: £360,000 www.terracaribbean.com
The Verdict: A prime buy-to-let location - ideal for first-time buyers dipping their toes into the market. Quantity takes precedence over quality in some locations, so choose wisely.
Wise Buys: Sitting on 10,000sq ft of rugged hillside in the parish of St Joseph, the whitewashed architect-designed creation of White Caps boasts panoramic views from Pico Tenerife to Martin’s Bay. Built on three-levels, the property’s open-plan interior and floor to ceiling picture windows provide a bright and spacious living environment. Luxury extras include a fully equipped games room with pool table, projector screen and wine cellar. £650,000 www.barbadospropertylist.com
The Verdict: Traditionally a local buyers’ market, much of the eastern coastline is protected land, with limits on new development, so buyers are unlikely to see a replica of the west coast’s premium-price, high-density footprint.
For indoor/outdoor living always use 100% cotton fabrics so that cushions and upholstery can be washed. Floaty, light textiles for draperies will shade the interiors from the strong sunlight and still keep a feeling of cool elegance.
The tropical light makes all colours look washed out so you need to select much brighter, bolder colours than you would in the northern hemisphere. Outside the bougainvillea and tropical flowers are blooming, there is lush greenery everywhere so chose strong, vivid patterns that reflect your tropical surroundings.
When possible buy locally and support local artisans and artists to give your home a flavor of the tropics. Local furniture and accessories are designed from materials which will last in a tropical climate.
Soft lighting from lanterns and hurricane lamps inside and out will create a beautiful, ambient light while dining outside on the terrace on beautiful tropical evenings. www.jennyblanc.com
PICK OF THE BUNCH
WEST COAST
The Low Down: Landmark hotels and luxury waterfront villas ooze tropical refinement. Lively Holetown, the hub of the coastline, has wining and dining down to a fine art with its collection of trendy eateries and cocktail bars, while the sleepy community of Speightstown hits the spot for bygone colonial charm.Wise Buy: Nestled on 4 acres of Barbados’ platinum coast and boasting 57 private residences, St Peters Bay ticks all the essential ‘island living’ boxes – beachfront location, clear blue waters and a refined collection of leisure amenities, including membership of the exclusive Port St Charles Yacht Club. A 160ft freeform pool and gazebo border the beach, with a private SPB water taxi to whisk you up to Speightstown for lunch. Prices start from £1.5m for a three-bedroom residence. www.stpetersbaybarbados.com
The Verdict: The address for prestigious waterfront living. ‘Price on application’ resort projects look set to raise the luxury bar even further, with a realistic prospect of solid long-term capital appreciation.
SOUTH COAST
The Low Down: The birthplace of ‘island in the sun’ tourism, the sea is the same clear turquoise as the Caribbean side, and the sand just as white. The main difference is the buzzing atmosphere with a brand-new seaside Boardwalk and a pick ‘n mix of leisure amenities. Properties are a good third less expensive than the west coast, but still with a thriving holiday rentals scene.Wise Buy: Introducing a popular mixed-use concept to the island’s south coast, Somerley is a one-of-a-kind complex meshing commercial and residential components. Designed by Caribbean kings Gillespie and Steel, this contemporary five-storey residence boasts private access to Worthing Beach and a Miami style roof top pool and sun deck. Two-bedroom 1,500 sq ft units and three-bed 1,900 sq ft units come with slinky Italian kitchens, granite worktops and porcelain floor tiles. Prices start from: £360,000 www.terracaribbean.com
The Verdict: A prime buy-to-let location - ideal for first-time buyers dipping their toes into the market. Quantity takes precedence over quality in some locations, so choose wisely.
EAST COAST
The Low Down: Unashamedly glitz-free and endearingly louche in places. Rugged Atlantic waves and bracing beaches nestle amid spectacular rock formations. Villages sport the trappings of laidback surfer communities – makeshift rum shops, street food shacks and pastel coloured chattel houses.Wise Buys: Sitting on 10,000sq ft of rugged hillside in the parish of St Joseph, the whitewashed architect-designed creation of White Caps boasts panoramic views from Pico Tenerife to Martin’s Bay. Built on three-levels, the property’s open-plan interior and floor to ceiling picture windows provide a bright and spacious living environment. Luxury extras include a fully equipped games room with pool table, projector screen and wine cellar. £650,000 www.barbadospropertylist.com
The Verdict: Traditionally a local buyers’ market, much of the eastern coastline is protected land, with limits on new development, so buyers are unlikely to see a replica of the west coast’s premium-price, high-density footprint.
Styling Your Tropical Home
by interior designer Jenny BlancFor indoor/outdoor living always use 100% cotton fabrics so that cushions and upholstery can be washed. Floaty, light textiles for draperies will shade the interiors from the strong sunlight and still keep a feeling of cool elegance.
The tropical light makes all colours look washed out so you need to select much brighter, bolder colours than you would in the northern hemisphere. Outside the bougainvillea and tropical flowers are blooming, there is lush greenery everywhere so chose strong, vivid patterns that reflect your tropical surroundings.
When possible buy locally and support local artisans and artists to give your home a flavor of the tropics. Local furniture and accessories are designed from materials which will last in a tropical climate.
Soft lighting from lanterns and hurricane lamps inside and out will create a beautiful, ambient light while dining outside on the terrace on beautiful tropical evenings. www.jennyblanc.com