Villa Petit Astrolabe

Villa Petit Astrolabe is a small whitewashed cottage high on a rugged headland at Pointe Milou. Stone steps lead up to it, and from the deck the view drops to a turquoise cove and a rocky coastline, with low islets offshore and open ocean beyond. For a couple seeking a villa in Pointe Milou, St Barts that feels secluded and simple, the setting does most of the talking.

The cottage is Creole in style, with a pale green hip roof and louvered shutters. Sliding glass walls open it up to the outdoors. Inside, everything is simple and bright. White pitched timber ceilings sit above pale stone floors, and a white slipcovered daybed sofa invites an afternoon nap. Wood shelving adds warmth. The compact kitchen comes with a dining table for 4.

A small rectangular plunge pool is set in a white walled courtyard, private from the world. On the wood deck, loungers face the cove, while Adirondack chairs on the terrace look out to the islets. There is a small outdoor bar with stools and a gas BBQ, good for drinks at sunset. An outdoor shower area completes the picture. Up top, a wood decked terrace gives you one more spot to watch the sea.

The single bedroom has a king bed against a blue upholstered headboard wall. Windows on two sides frame the sea, so the view greets you from bed. The bathroom has a stone sink and a walk in shower. The bedroom has air conditioning.

Homes on Pointe Milou cluster on a headland high over the ocean. People come here for open sea views and the evening sunsets. The area is calm, and most of what you hear is wind and water. Prefer a compound feel? Villa Boussole combines 2 bedrooms for up to 4 guests with a cliffside pool facing the open sea.

Villa Petit Astrolabe is meant for two. Couples who want privacy and a plunge pool of their own will be happy here. The wild coast stays in front of you all day at this villa in Pointe Milou, St Barts.