Villa Havsbris

Sunset is the main event at Villa Havsbris. From the Lurin hillside above Gustavia, the view drops west over red roofs to the coast. Yachts swing at anchor offshore near several rocky islets, and the open sea reaches the horizon, where faint islands appear. For a design focused villa in Lurin, St Barts with that outlook, this house is hard to overlook.

Gray and white flat roofed blocks with deep overhangs form the main house. They join an open sided living pavilion under a vaulted timber roof. Floor to ceiling sliders open onto teak decks, and steel cable and glass railings keep the view clear. White cone pendants hang above the living and dining area. Pale floors and white walls are lifted by teal and pink accents, and a bar height table with stools stands in the lounge. In the modern kitchen, a range cooker faces a wood bar counter with stools that opens to the terrace.

The long, narrow infinity pool runs beside a teak deck toward the islets. Cushioned loungers wait under large umbrellas. Covered dining happens at a long table with woven rope chairs, set for about 10. A lounge of cream sculptural sofas faces the sea. On the garden side, a lawn and tropical plantings sit behind stone walls.

Four bedrooms each have a king bed, for up to 8 guests. Bold graphic wallpapers hang behind the beds, from black ink splatter to big leaf prints, and the ceilings are cove lit. One room opens straight onto the pool, with the sea in view from the bed. Two others have balconies facing the water. The teal walled room opens to the lawn, with its own stone walled terrace and a bistro table. Bathrooms have glass walk in showers and floating sinks.

Lurin covers the hills just south and east of Gustavia. The elevation brings sea views. Town is a quick drive away, and so are the south coast beaches. Prefer a different outdoor setup? Villa Vinga features an infinity pool looking west over the islets and has 3 bedrooms for up to 6 guests.

The design and the evening light will win over families and pairs of couples alike. Give this villa in Lurin, St Barts a sunset or two and the reason for the long pool becomes clear.