Villa Firmament

Villa Firmament is a classic Creole home wrapped around a courtyard pool, set among green hills and dense trees in Saint-Jean. Red roofs of neighboring houses sit below, and beyond the valley a narrow slice of open sea shows on the horizon. With two pools and a private, leafy setting, this villa in Saint-Jean, St Barts feels a world away from the busy beach.

The single level house is built in a U shape. White walls and posts carry red corrugated metal hip roofs, and louvered shutters close over the openings. A rubble stone wall runs along one side. A long covered gallery faces the teak deck. Inside, white tongue and groove vaulted ceilings show their exposed beams, with fans turning overhead. Pale stone floors sit under white slipcovered sofas. Teak armchairs and rustic wood coffee tables keep it relaxed, and a large colorful painting adds a burst of energy. The big open kitchen has concrete counters with dark wood cabinets and open shelving. A wide window looks out to the view.

One pool is a long, narrow lap pool along a weathered teak deck, lined with loungers. The second is a rectangular pool in the courtyard, framed by the wings of the house. Covered dining seats about 10 on wicker chairs. On the veranda, hammocks hang near bar seating, and a gas grill stands by the stone wall.

There are three bedrooms for up to 6 guests, with two king beds and two single beds, and three bathrooms. Dark wood headboards and shuttered doors to the deck or courtyard give the rooms a traditional feel. The bathrooms have concrete counters and white basins, one of them a large trough sink. Showers are walk in, behind partitions.

The views here are of green hills and the valley rather than the bay. Down on the coast, Saint-Jean has its beach and beach clubs, plus plenty of restaurants. Another Saint-Jean listing with room to spread out is Villa Galion and a long infinity pool with central teak deck.

Families or friends of up to 6 who prefer quiet greenery and tradition will enjoy this villa in Saint-Jean, St Barts. Villa Firmament rewards slow days by the pool and long evenings in a hammock.