Villa Galion

Villa Galion climbs the hillside above Saint-Jean on several terraced levels, and every one of them looks down over red roofs to the bay. The rocky promontory sits in the middle of the frame, with the far hills behind and an islet offshore. At night the valley lights up below. Anyone hoping for a bright, airy villa in Saint-Jean, St Barts with a view from almost every room should take a close look.

The house is contemporary Caribbean, with white walls and sea green metal roofs. Large glass sliders open onto covered verandas, and white stairs between stone retaining walls connect the levels. Inside, the rooms are crisp and white under white beamed vaulted ceilings, with light tile floors. White sofas with orange striped cushions keep the living room fresh and casual.

The long infinity pool has a teak deck running down its middle, lined with white loungers. Above it, a lounge deck with sage green outdoor sofas sits right over the view. The covered veranda seats 6 for dinner. On a garden terrace beside a large boulder, a built in gas grill is ready for cooking. In the evening the stairs and gardens are softly lit.

Four bedrooms sleep up to 8 guests, with three king beds and one queen bed, and four bathrooms. Sliding doors open most rooms to the sea or the garden. One has a dark wood vaulted ceiling and a desk, good for anyone who needs to work. The white bathrooms have long sculpted basins, and big picture windows frame the bay.

Saint-Jean sits in the center of the north coast. Its beach and bay are lively, with beach clubs and boutiques, and the small airport runway lies at one end. Restaurants are easy to reach. Also nearby: Villa Millésime, a house with 5 bedrooms for up to 10 guests known for a large pool deck with a St Jean bay view.

Villa Galion is a fine match for families or two couples, up to 8 guests, who want to be close to the action but above it. This villa in Saint-Jean, St Barts keeps the bay in view from breakfast to the last drink of the night.