Sophia Wilson discovers a sprawling beachfront hideaway with palatial proportions and an A-list guestbook on Barbados’s party coastline...
Barbados is famously bling, and this 10-bedroom Palladian-style mansion channels the island’s opulent vibe. Sitting on a cliff on the western coast, Cove Spring House, built 30 years ago using coral stone, is the perfect pad for those wanting to avoid the long lens of the paparazzi. “Because of its elevated position, this home benefits from panoramic ocean views from every level while maintaining privacy for the guests,” says Rae Stollmeyer, head of sales at Barbados Sotheby’s International Realty. All beaches in Barbados are public but the house has the advantage of private access, via patio steps, to a stretch of sand that is otherwise accessible only by boat.
The property’s lavish decor matches its grand architecture and is peppered with gilded mirrors, crystal chandeliers and contemporary artwork, including photographic prints by Terry O’Neill.
The main house has seven bedrooms with expansive verandas and Italian marble bathrooms, while a further three bedrooms are in a separate two-storey cottage. There is a strong focus on blending indoor and outdoor living – a covered patio runs the entire length of the house and the current owner has created a relaxed Caribbean bar that opens directly on to this space. It also boasts a large free-form pool with a waterfall and separate spa pool, plus a gym and a cinema room.
This popular rental property is currently marketed for up to $25,000 (£19,500) a night during peak season and previous visitors are rumoured to have included Tom Cruise, Prince Harry and Elton John. “Beachfront in Barbados still has the highest demand and this property can provide rental income to help with any maintenance costs if the owner chooses. The potential to cover expenses has become an increasingly important factor for purchasers in recent years,” says Stollmeyer. A lack of supply of properties of this magnitude has further boosted its sizeable price tag. “There are very few, if any, lots on the west coast to build a property like Cove Spring House,” adds Stollmeyer. “This scarcity of development land has allowed beachfront homes to maintain values during downward market trends.”
The Lowdown
- Less than 3.5 nautical miles north, Port St Charles has six berths that can accommodate yachts of up to 75 metres.
- For golf enthusiasts, the championship courses at Sandy Lane, Royal Westmoreland and Apes Hill are all within close range.
- Party spots, including the recently opened Nikki Beach Barbados and the trendy Cliff Beach Club, both share the same stretch of coastline.
Cove Spring House, The Garden, Barbados is on the market with Barbados Sotheby’s Realty for $40 million.