Solimar, Vigie, Castries, St Lucia

On roughly three quarters of an acre of prime hilltop real estate in Vigie, sits Villa Solimar, a 6,000 square foot two story Mediterranean style villa. The villa is oriented primarily to take advantage of the spectacular views. In fact, it commands a 300-degree view, only interrupted on the west by the picturesque lighthouse property. Breathtaking views of the Castries harbour, Morne Fortune, the west coast and the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea make it truly one of the most incredible sites. From the roof deck on a clear night, you can even see the lights from Martinique, the neighboring island to the north.

Built in 1998, the owners commissioned architect Brian Camacho to build their dream home; a home with a classic design aesthetic combining bold accents with unique details that had style and casual elegance ideal for Caribbean living, with all the modern amenities too. Complete with a satellite office, 3 car garage and maid’s quarters, Villa Solimar has been meticulously maintained.

Driving through the gated entrance, one is immediately surrounded by a beautiful landscape punctuated by two canary dates palms and a fountain which draws the eye in towards the mahogany front doors which have been stained in dramatic black. To the left of the main house, there is a wooden ti-caye or small house that was once a playhouse but is now in use as a satellite office space.

Once inside the main house, the double height sky lit foyer and wrought iron staircase create a sense of understated elegance. Prominent architectural features employed throughout the home include keystones, columns, door and window trim all rendered in coral, high ceilings and pickled beams. The home is ideally suited for entertaining with its open floor plan. The layout is like an unfolded fan, each room flows out from the main entrance with the colonnaded veranda wrapping itself around everything. The overall colour palette of off-whites and beige coupled with ebony wood finishes exude an elegant yet lived-in lifestyle that holds universal appeal. Red has been used as an accent for dramatic effect.

The living room is in the centre of the home and is decorated with white slip covered furniture that is anchored by a large marble-top coffee table. Four huge French doors with overhead fanlights present the perfect backdrop for the grouping of furnishings and accessories and provide a glimpse of the pool and spectacular harbour and sea views beyond. A double step up to the west of the living room takes you to the dining area. A ten-seater round pedestal dining table dominates the space. A silvered glass Sputnik inspired chandelier hangs overhead adding a touch of glamour and elegance to the room.

Adjacent to the dining room is the kitchen. Continuing the decor scheme, this space reflects the general style of the house. It has classic white cabinetry with grey/black quartz countertops. It includes a bar/breakfast area, a large pantry with second fridge/freezer and the convenience of pull out drawers. In fact it has all the amenities of a modern kitchen including a gas stove and oven, dishwasher, microwave, coffee/espresso machine and wine chiller.

The family/TV room is to the left of the living room and houses a large custom built entertainment centre, complete with TV, DVD/CD player, amplifier and surround-sound speaker system. It is the focal point in the room around which a comfortable upholstered sectional sofa and zero-gravity chair are arranged. Here again, touches of red add impact and flair.

Just off the TV room is a home office/library that is attractively decorated in a black, white and red theme. A large desk with chairs on opposite sides of it anchors the space; and there are handsome built-in wall cabinets made to specification to contain collections of books and media.

On the upper floor, the four bedrooms are designed for maximum benefit of the view and breeze. A light neutral colour palette consisting of white and off-white walls and porcelain tile floors that resemble hardwood are used throughout. The bedrooms are decorated for comfort and beauty and all feature en-suite bathrooms, closets and air conditioning. The master is complete with sitting area and TV armoire; as well as his and hers walk-in closets, double sinks and a Jacuzzi tub.

Going outside a large wraparound veranda extends the living area to the outdoors on the main level. One is made keenly aware of the gorgeous views of the Castries harbour, Morne Fortune and Caribbean Sea framed by lush landscaping. At one end of the veranda there is a lounge space with a hanging daybed perfect for catching an afternoon nap and at the other, an area for alfresco dining complete.

One step down from the veranda takes you to the pool area. The 50 foot long by roughly 15 foot wide pool is perfect for doing laps and has a semi-circular shallow area with jacuzzi jets for sitting and relaxing. Another plus, is the fact that it features solar heating so going for a swim never means having to dip your big toe in first to test the water. There is a wooden gazebo with gingerbread fretwork where one can sit and look out to sea to watch the famous Caribbean sunsets.

Adjacent to the gazebo is a wooden staircase that leads to a restored barracks brick building, from the time when the British ruled the island, which now houses a gym, infrared sauna and a pool changing/restroom facility. The entire surroundings are landscaped with tropical palms and plants that evoke the feeling of a truly private oasis.

KEY FEATURES
Located in desirable Vigie, minutes from George Charles Airport, Vigie beach and Castries, the capital city.

Unobstructed, stunning views of Castries harbour and the Caribbean Sea, complete with spectacular sunsets.

Double storey atrium dominates the entrance of the home and large wraparound balcony extends the living area to the outdoors on the main level.

High ceilings and exposed rafters add to the feeling of space and cross ventilation is used to huge effect throughout.

Plentiful windows and French doors keep the entire house bright and breezy.

Four luxurious air conditioned bedrooms each with en-suite bathrooms.

Fully-equipped and furnished to highest standards.

Transitional decor scheme with understated elegance, neutral colour tones, luxuriant fabrics, carved wood and contemporary upholstery for modern glamour.

Fifty foot solar heated pool with large deck and gazebo overlooking the Castries harbour and the Caribbean Sea.

Converted barracks building for a gym and state of the art infrared sauna.

Fenced and gated, complete with a 12 IP camera CCTV surveillance system.

30KVA Generator with capacity to power entire house.

Whole house filtration and UV system eliminates bacteria and viruses in tap water without chemicals.

Triple covered carport.

Maid’s quarters.

Greenhouse/vegetable garden.

Beautiful landscaped garden featuring exotic palm trees and plants.