le Manoir de Lurin

High up on a hillside overlooking the sea and embraced in a profusion of tropical flora, Le Manoir de Lurin evokes the gentility of the West Indies' colonial past, combining traditional decor and architecture with a 21st century sensibility of quiet refinement and meditative relaxation. When passing the gate into the property for the first time, visitors are taken aback by the vast, verdant lawn and landscaped gardens bordering it. Le Manoir de Lurin's gardens are a veritable Eden of flowering plants, fruit trees, palms and orchids. Multicolored bougainvillea compete for attention with the vivid red of a flamboyant tree. A row of royal palms rustle in the breeze and cast shifting shadows on the plush, green grass.

In true colonial style, Le Manoir de Lurin master bedroom suite occupies the second story of the main house, striking a balance that provides privacy without sacrificing convenience. The other three bedrooms are in independent bungalows opening onto the garden and lawn. The living and dining areas are centrally located on the first floor, and offer a mix of traditional style, such as beamed ceilings, and modern touches, such as a comfortable and chic Christian Liaigre sofa. The bedrooms are furnished with mahogany four-poster beds, old-fashioned writings desks, and Caribbean decorative accents like wood-louvered windows and doors. Each bedroom has a private en-suite bath and access to the terrace overlooking the gardens and the magnificent ocean view. A short distance across the gardens from the main house, guests will find a second terrace for sunning, swimming laps in the refreshing water of the pool, or relaxing with a book in the shade of the gazebo. A barbecue, refrigerator and ice machine make the gazebo perfect for any meal from a quiet, starlit dinner to a Sunday afternoon barbecue.

Le Manoir de Lurin's extensive gardens lend the property a special sense of privacy and serenity. The layout of its rooms and terraces, combined with the intelligent landscaping of the property's natural spaces, makes this villa ideal for couples vacationing together. Lurin is perfectly located as well for those who like to be off the beaten track but still have easy access to Gustavia, which is less than five minutes away. The pristine beaches of Saline and Gouverneur are also a short drive from the villa.