Villa Colline

Red roofs and white fretwork give Villa Colline its charm. Its green hillside setting in Camaruche is quiet and residential. From the living room the view runs out over the north coast to Saint-Martin and Anguilla, with Tintamarre in between. Families looking for a villa in Camaruche, St Barts with a traditional Creole feel will find plenty to like here.

The villa is split into two buildings. One holds the living spaces and the kitchen, while the other, set on two levels, is given over to sleep. Inside, white walls rise to white timber ceilings over terracotta tile floors. Navy and white fabrics cover the rattan sofas. The white kitchen has blue bistro stools at the counter, a cheerful touch that suits the house.

Outside, a kidney shaped pool sits on a terracotta terrace with loungers around it. Verandas trimmed in white gingerbread fretwork hold chairs for reading in the shade, and a covered veranda serves as the dining room. Below, a lawn with Adirondack chairs gathers around a fire pit circle. Garden paths are lit at night. There is a BBQ, too.

Four bedrooms sleep up to 8 guests, with three king beds and two single beds, and there are four bathrooms. In the sleeping building, each bedroom has its own private terrace and bathroom. One king room has a four poster bed, and some rooms are painted with whale and jellyfish murals that children tend to love. The bathrooms are tiled in deep blue or green with brass taps. Air conditioning cools each bedroom, and a safe and satellite TV are provided.

Camaruche is a residential hillside running between Lorient and Marigot in the island's north east. It is a quiet family area, and the hilly terrain is good for hikes. From the hillside you look out over the bays below. Another nearby villa to review is Villa Douceur, set up for 2 bedrooms for up to 4 guests with an infinity pool backed by a dry-stone wall.

Villa Colline is a natural pick for families with children, up to 8 guests, who want a relaxed home with a real lawn. Island tradition shows in every veranda of this villa in Camaruche, St Barts, and the bedrooms look out to the neighboring islands.