Estate of the Day: St. Barths

This newly built and magnificent estate is located in Colombier’s exclusive gated domaine, Les Étoiles. A total of 7 bedrooms as well as multiple in-door and out-door living and dining areas are woven among its pools and gardens, and terraced across the crown of a mountain top. The estate gently cascades down the hillside and is bordered by beautiful stone walls, hand-crafted by master stonemasons, from the property’s excavated volcanic rock. A true private retreat, La Grande Maison des Étoiles boasts breathtaking views of the ocean, the neighboring islands of Saba and Statia and St. Maarten, a panorama of the incoming yachts, and glorious sunsets.

A large pool, heated, serves as a focal point; it is unique – sort of a soft J shape – and shallow at both ends, making it ideal for smaller children. A glass pyramid rises from the deeper middle section and is actually the skylight for a fitness room tucked below. Airy and flooded with light, the fully-equipped gym contains the latest in cardio equipment, complete with individual satellite TVs, free weights and a massage table. The fitness room also includes its own half-bath.

The estate also has quiet and private little office – à deux – with WiFi connectivity, should guests choose to keep up with the outside world.

The top level encompasses a guest bath; a compact chef’s kitchen with the ultimate in high-end appliances; an elegant dining room enclosed in glass to ensure the views. A BBQ area complements the large outdoor covered dining area. All just perfect for entertaining!

The expansive living room with high-def TV, Bose surround sound and wet bar opens onto the pool and, again, the fabulous vistas. The pool terrace itself is expansive, with a number of comfortable sitting and lounging areas for sun-lovers and shade-seekers alike. A wet bar and shower are located on the pool level.

A pretty path winds down between reflecting pools to the 2 bedroom villa, the Manuel Canovas Cottage, which has a fully equipped, sleek granite kitchen and a relaxing living area. The 2 identical queen bedrooms, named Celeste and Jeanne, both have baths en suite. Its large yard is an ideal play spot for children. In essence, it is self-contained with its own pool, terrace, private entrance and parking.

Each of the estate’s 5 other bedrooms – all with private terraces and baths en suite – are named for a famous designer and themed in tribute. The Hermes and Dior rooms are both king-bedded and connect via a generously sized walk-in closet as do the Yves and Coco room. Yves is also king-bedded and Coco has 2 queen beds. All of the bedrooms have plasma TVs, DVD players and iPod alarm clocks. There is central air-conditioning throughout.

The Master Suite, in its own pavilion with a secluded terrace and plunge pool, is named for Louis Vuitton. Its en suite bath is sumptuous and as throughout the estate. the décor is exquisite, but oh-so-comfortable. The Louis suite’s king bed has a striking hand-carved headboard and an upholstered banquette is fashioned into a window-seat framing a magnificent water view. Lovely touches here are the vintage Louis Vuitton steamer trunk and suitcase, evoking an earlier, glamorous time when the first jet-setters traveled to St. Barth. La Grande Maison des Étoiles is one of the island’s finest properties.

Visit www.stpartproperties.com for rental rates and information