The finest contemporary style in Caribbean property

As soon as the celebrated theatre designer Oliver Messel relocated from London to the Caribbean in 1966, he became the architectural stylist of choice for the international jet set who holidayed there. His clients included Princess Margaret, who chose his signature look – classical grandeur mixed with comfortable indoor-outdoor living – for her house on Mustique. 

For decades, Messel’s style set the tone for international homes throughout the region, but contemporary Caribbean architecture now offers 21st-century levels of comfort and luxury, as well as elegance and pared-back beauty. It’s less “traditional colonial style” and more “Beverly Hills modern”, according to Tom Vickery of Savills Global Residential Network.

 “In Barbados, notably at the Sandy Lane estate, we still see strong demand for traditional properties,” Vickery explains. “Along other parts of the prime west coast and across the Caribbean, however, owners are introducing a new aesthetic, replacing coral stone and wood with glass and metal, and adding floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise light and provide dramatic sea views.” 

A few steps away from Mullins Beach on Barbados, Blue Oyster is a prime example. This five-bedroom beachfront property has been artfully remodelled into a sophisticated home with glorious ocean views.

“The potent combination of more of us working remotely, and several Caribbean islands introducing policies that encourage people to stay for lengthier periods, means buyers are focused on space,” says Vickery. “They want a room away from the kitchen or living area to use as a study or office, providing a clear separation between work and play areas. Blue Oyster is modern in the space it offers. It has a large open-plan living room that opens onto the terrace, reminiscent of Messel’s ‘great rooms’, but also has its own gym and sauna.”

In the Cayman Islands, the clean lines and crisp silhouette of Serenity House, on Governor’s Creek, demonstrate the best of modern design. The details are equally impressive: the house has a gym, a cinema, a games room, a study and a private dock on 200ft of water frontage.

“The facilities expected at these higher price points have changed,” says Vickery. “Pools and gardens were always must-haves, but gyms, spas and extensive outdoor kitchens are increasingly requested. There’s a concerted push to add smart technology into new-build homes throughout the Caribbean, and an ever-growing interest in improving sustainability – using solar panels and efficient cooling systems, for example.”

While property styles have changed, the in-demand locations remain relatively consistent, with Barbados, Antigua and the Caymans all evergreen favourites. In Barbados, the west coast remains the most prestigious location, while desirable areas in Antigua include Galley Bay in the north and English Harbour in the south. The villa plots for sale on the Windward Bay estate in English Harbour are between two famed yachting hubs. 

 “Antigua is an island that has an established history with international homeowners, helped by its top-grade sailing reputation and international regattas,” says Vickery. “The Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos are also finding favour, but overall the nationalities of buyers have changed more than the prized locations. North Americans, Canadians in particular, are increasingly looking at the eastern Caribbean – Antigua, for example – rather than their previous first choices of the Bahamas or the Virgin Islands. Improved air transport has helped enormously.”

British Airways has been flying from London to Barbados for 70 years, reflecting the Caribbean’s long-lasting appeal. What has changed for homeowners in this idyllic region is the range of architectural styles and lifestyle options on offer. A place in the sun has never looked better.

Pictures from top: Serenity House, on Governor’s Creek in the Cayman Islands; a view of Antigua (Getty); Blue Oyster in Barbados; and Mullins Beach, Barbados (Unsplash)