Stonewall Villa, Oualie Beach, Nevis, Saint Kitts And Nevis

A grand villa set high on exclusive Ridge Road above the beautiful beach at Oualie, Stonewall is a masterclass in executive, classic styling. Gleaming marble floors, chandeliers and light, clean colors are set off by the black of polished granite work surfaces and wrought iron balustrades.

Set in 1.45 acres, the gardens are clean and manageable, but also a golden opportunity for anyone looking to develop a tropical paradise. Stonewall is surrounded by lawns that are edged by mature trees; there is significant potential to bring in the bright pinks of bougainvillea, the swaying palms synonymous with this part of the world, and beds filled with birds of paradise and orchids.

Inside, the vast reception rooms are ideal spaces for entertaining. But thought has been given to quieter, more intimate moments: there are cozy nooks and a separate lounge area in a mezzanine that lend themselves to times when a retreat is needed. For visiting guests there is also a completely independent apartment complete with kitchen, living room, laundry room, bedroom and bathroom. The design of Stonewall skillfully blends integration and privacy.

Each of the downstairs bedrooms comes with its own en suite bathroom, and in addition the primary bedroom – that leads out onto the terrace – features a generous walk-in closet. The two bedrooms upstairs share a bathroom between them.

As with so many Caribbean homes, thought has been given to how the inside and outside are blended together. Doors that fold back upon each other, arched windows and the inclusion of that generous open mezzanine lounge mean that sunlight and soft cooling breezes spill into the house. Practicalities have also been given a priority, with another laundry room in the main house plus a large double garage. There’s an outside restroom by the pool deck, and ample space for eating either in the shade of the covered verandah or out in the sunshine.

There is a minimalist feel to everything at Stonewall. It could be transformed, evolving it into a space of brighter colours and Caribbean trimmings – or it could stand the test of time and stay just as it is, a classic villa with a sense of restrained, contained grandeur. It works equally as well as either a permanent home or a holiday retreat, with its prime location above the best swimming beach on the island giving it significant potential as a vacation let. With few homes in this area and, due to the geography, little possibility of adding more, this is an excellent opportunity to own one of the more exclusive views on Nevis.