Tropical homes with Caribbean flair

Home and Garden

"Tropical Homes of the Eastern Caribbean" by Derek Galon and Margaret Gajek features a visual tour of 31 homes. The book just won the "Best Coffee Table Book of the Year Award" at the IBPA Ben Franklin Award Ceremonies for 2010.

The book, "Tropical Homes of the Eastern Caribbean" explores gorgeous homes such as Mt. Hartman Bay Estate in Grenada. Fully planted roofs and rounded shapes of windows and doors are reasons why the home is compared by some to a Hobbit's House, or as locals call it, "Cave House." Designed by Richard and Rose Lee, they opted for an organic design, with no "straight lines and flat walls." The distinctive rooftop supports a whole array of plants, from cacti and agaves to various kinds of grasses.

The spacious Mt. Hartman living room holds a unique and impressive collection of antique Biedermeier furniture, acquired over many years and restored by Rosa and Richard Lee. The furniture is made of lightly colored wood where the visible grain is the most important element of its restrained decoration.

One of the bathrooms at Mt. Hartman features a futuristic-looking shower cabin, with suitably corresponding modern fixtures. One can also take a peek out of the small, rounded window, which appears just as strikingly unique from the inside as it does from the outside.

The unusual tube-like structure emerging from below the deck is part of the internal waterfall situated in the central living room. Together with other elements of upper-level deck, they create an almost surrealistic image, like from a Dali painting.

Jade Mountain, St Lucia: Perched on a steep cliff with views of the Caribbean Sea and two volcanic peaks, this resort designed by Canadian architect Nick Troubetzkoy offers a heavenly experience for travelers. The high-end resort is the antithesis of the traditional hotel, creating the liberating feeling of living on a rocky mountain shelf.

Individual bridges lead to the rooms. "The bridges are my protest against traditional relentless, claustrophobic hotel corridors," comments Nick.

From the roof terrace on top of Jade Mountain, guests can admire the magnificent panoramic view on the Pitons (volcano peaks) and the Caribbean Sea.

The iridescent tiles glistening in the sun were made by David Knox from recycled glass in a wide range of colors, which are different in each room, and mixed in the common areas.

Water and a variety of differently shaped pools constitute an important component of the design at Jade Mountain. Their organically curving lines lend balance to the rigidity of the bridges and columns, while the soothing sound of running water brings a calming effect and prepares you for the intimacy of your room.

There are two levels of infinity pools at Mt. Edgecombe, connected by a waterfall. Because they are virtually hanging on the cliff of a steep hill, swimming in them feels like floating in the air, while at the same time one can enjoy sweeping vistas across the tropical jungle and the sea. These pools are a recent addition by Peter de Savary.

In the Mt. Edgecombe plantation yard, a boat named after the owner makes for an unusual planter.

Villa L'Ansecoy is located on Mustique Island, one of the Grenadine Islands. The private island features a select amount of celebrity hideaways designed for luxurious yet informal living. Villa L'Ansecoy incoporates a fan-shaped design and offers picturesque panoramic views from virtually every room of the home. Built in the late eighties by Arne Hasselquist, who used to work with the illustrious architect Oliver Messel, Villa L'Ansecoy emanates a quiet, elegant simplicity.

A colonnaded gallery runs through the entire length of the house at Villa L'Ansecoy, connecting the two main terraces that come from both sides. It is here, out of reach of the hot sun, that all outdoor living usually concentrates.

From an elevated location on a high cliff, Villa L'Ansecoy commands a vast view over the sea and the other Grenadine Islands.

Architecture here reaches out and embraces the exquisite beauty of the outside world. In various parts of the house, there are many vantage points from which you can observe different views, with their constant display of ever-changing light and color.

The Messel Wing at Fustic House is a two-story building with open-air lounge and bedrooms on both floors. An upper bedroom is accessible by an outdoor staircase leading to the veranda and Moon Deck for stargazing. Instead of marble railings as in the Maddox House, here Messel used simpler wooden fretwork.

Simple, wooden furniture and white or beige fabrics with blue accents have been chosen for the bedrooms. "I try to use pieces of furniture that are natural and ageless, that will stay forever," says the owner. Huge, arched doors, letting in lots of light and fresh air, can be quickly closed to provide coziness during stormy weather.

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The book, "Tropical Homes of the Eastern Caribbean" explores gorgeous homes such as Mt. Hartman Bay Estate in Grenada. Fully planted roofs and rounded shapes of windows and doors are reasons why the home is compared by some to a Hobbit's House, or as locals call it, "Cave House." Designed by Richard and Rose Lee, they opted for an organic design, with no "straight lines and flat walls." The distinctive rooftop supports a whole array of plants, from cacti and agaves to various kinds of grasses.

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