Villa Vétiver

The view does the heavy lifting at Villa Vétiver. From high on a steep hillside on the north slope of Vitet, you look down over the Grand Cul-de-Sac lagoon and its reef. Petit Cul-de-Sac and the offshore islets complete the picture, along with the whole east end of the island. Every room has a sea view. If you want a quiet villa in Vitet, St Barts with old island character, this cottage fits the description.

The house is a traditional West Indian cottage with gray shingle roofs, white trim and pale blue shutters. Stone retaining walls and lush garden paths surround it, and a brass ship bell hangs at the entry. Inside, the decor is colonial, with period furniture. Terracotta tile floors run under vaulted white timber ceilings. Blue floral sofas sit among dark wood antiques, including mahogany dressers. A teak dining table anchors the dining area, and the kitchen is plain white wood. Open walls frame the view, and the living room opens onto a terracotta tiled terrace. The interior covers 915 square feet.

The small dark tiled pool is set into a large gray timber deck with white railings. A row of teak loungers faces the lagoon. There is a teak dining table on the deck for meals outside, and a pergola covered terrace holds a round table for coffee. A BBQ is on hand.

Each of the three bedrooms has a king size four poster bed in dark wood, for up to 6 guests in all. One room is blue, one pale gray and one pink. The three bathrooms have mahogany vanities. One features a blue tile shower, and another has a sink area with a sea view. Every bedroom has air conditioning, and the house provides a safe and satellite TV.

Vitet covers green hills on the east side of St Barts, inland and elevated. It is peaceful, with wide views in every direction. Same coastline, different house: Villa Ylang-Ylang comes with 5 bedrooms for up to 10 guests and a studio bedroom with its own kitchenette and terrace.

Three couples who like a slower, old style Caribbean home will feel right at home. At this villa in Vitet, St Barts, the lagoon below changes color all day.