Villa Linnea

Perched on top of the Lurin hill, Villa Linnea overlooks Shell Beach and the Gustavia anchorage from a cliff top. Superyachts float on turquoise water below. Rocky islets and a rugged green headland frame the cove. Design lovers looking at a villa in Lurin, St Barts will find dramatic minimalist style here, with an overflow pool that seems to drop into the sea.

The villa is bright white and spread over two levels. Flat roofed cubes sit beside pavilions with gray shingle hip roofs and slim wood soffits, all edged in glass balustrades. A covered walkway cantilevers out over the cliff. Two bedrooms share the main floor with the kitchen and living room, beside the pool. Three more bedrooms are below. Inside, the look is white and gray with a zen calm. Wood floors and recessed cove lighting set the tone. Long white sofas face the view. Nearby, a white dining table seats 10, and the kitchen has a gray lacquered island. Porthole lights line a corridor.

The large overflow lap pool has no railing on the sea side, so nothing blocks the view. White loungers and a round woven daybed surround it. Covered outdoor dining seats 10, and an outdoor bar has stools. A wood zen patio holds a Buddha fountain. The walled garden has arched niches with bougainvillea around a lawn. At dusk, the lights of the yachts and Gustavia come on across the water. A home gym looks out to sea. There is also a BBQ, plus a garage.

Five bedrooms sleep up to 10 guests, with four queen beds and one double bed, and five bathrooms. Several open to sea views. One has a white canopy bed, and others have round platform beds and art photos. Bathrooms feature a bright blue lacquered wall and stone vessel sinks. Walk in rain showers behind glass walls look out to sea. The interior measures 2,605 square feet, with air conditioning throughout and a safe.

Up here, Lurin looks down on Gustavia from the hills to its south and east. Both the town and the south coast beaches are a quick drive away. A second solid read is Villa Solhem, built for 9 bedrooms for up to 18 guests around a huge curved infinity pool over the bay.

Villa Linnea is made for design lovers and families of up to 10. Sit at the edge of the pool at this villa in Lurin, St Barts as evening falls and watch the yachts glow below.