Villa Raisinier

A tall rocky peak rises behind Villa Raisinier, and the coastline spreads out below it. The house is terraced into a steep green hillside, high above the south coast. From up here, the view sweeps across several bays and beaches. Headlands and offshore islands fill in the rest. It is a villa in Saline, St Barts for anyone who rates the view above everything else.

The architecture is contemporary and white. Flat roofs mix with gray hipped roofs, and glass sliders open the rooms to the terraces. White columned pavilions step down the slope, and a pool pavilion stands at the end of the deck.

Interiors are clean and modern. White walls meet pale stone floors, and pale timber pitched ceilings carry wooden ceiling fans. White L shaped sofas with mustard cushions fill the living area. The open kitchen pairs steel and wood cabinets. In the bedrooms, wooden pendant lamps hang over the beds, and wall to wall wardrobes keep things tidy.

The long infinity pool has a vanishing edge aimed straight at the sea. A timber deck with loungers runs beside it, ending at the white pool pavilion. For shade, a covered outdoor lounge waits nearby, along with a small round dining table facing the water. Garden areas surround the terraces.

Each of the six bedrooms has a king bed and its own bathroom, for a total of 12 guests. One bathroom features a freestanding soaking tub next to a walk in shower, a good spot to end the day.

The neighborhood takes its name from the old salt ponds behind Grande Saline beach. That beach is natural and undeveloped, with no buildings along the sand. If you want more outdoor drama, Villa Douceur delivers an infinity pool backed by a dry-stone wall along with 2 bedrooms for up to 4 guests.

A big family will enjoy the space as much as the drama of the setting. Spend an evening on the deck at this villa in Saline, St Barts and watch the light change over the bays.