Villa Clapotis

Wood sets the mood at Villa Clapotis. This house of character sits low on the slope at Petit Cul-de-Sac, just above the pond and close to the beach of the same name. From the decks, you look across the pond and scrub to a slice of sea between rocky hills. Green hillsides with houses rise behind. As a villa in Petit Cul-de-Sac, St Barts, it feels personal and handmade rather than polished.

The house is really two small Creole style cabins joined by decks and steps. Both have white walls and gray metal hip roofs on white posts, softened by dark wood louvered screens. Inside, dark wood cabinetry sets off polished concrete floors and counters. A brown leather sofa anchors the living space, with black pendant lamps and ethnic art around it. The kitchen pairs dark wood units with black counters and a black range. An island with stools invites you to sit while someone cooks.

The pool is small and lined in glazed blue green lava stone, like the basins of old island houses. Loungers and potted frangipani sit at its edge. Under the covered terrace, a long wooden dining table waits beneath woven pendants. Between the two cabins, an outdoor lounge with sofas is made for evenings under the stars. Banana plants and bromeliads screen an outdoor shower built around a stone column. A kettle BBQ handles the grilling.

The two bedrooms sleep up to 4 guests, one in a king bed and one in a queen. A dark wood four poster bed fills the first room. The second opens through louvered doors onto the deck. The two bathrooms have stone washbasins, and one basin is made of wood. Satellite TV is available.

Petit Cul-de-Sac is a small bay at the east end of the island, next to Grand Cul-de-Sac. It is secluded and quiet, and the eastern coastline is close. Families sizing up Petit Cul-de-Sac often also look at Villa Saphir for a long infinity pool facing a reef-sheltered bay.

A couple, or two couples traveling together, will appreciate the craft that went into this place. Choose this villa in Petit Cul-de-Sac, St Barts if you prefer texture and warmth to sleek glass and white walls.