Exclusive Feature Property: Steele Point Estate
Photography by Dougal Thornton and Rainbow Visions BVI, provided by Coldwell Banker
Steele Point, the iconic property of the British Virgin Islands, is quite possibly the most recognisable estate in all the Caribbean. Named after the peninsula it is situated on, Steele Point is the magnificent villa that dominates Tortola’s grand geographical location on the western headland. It is often the first spectacle to meet the eyes of sailors and passengers entering the BVI.
This prestigious architectural attraction that sits on the cliff like a natural part of its environment has been a magnet, attracting infinite praise. One of the most photographed homes in the world, it has been featured in publications such as Architectural Digest, Island Life, Millionaire Magazine, Steinway & Sons, Caribbean Travel + Life, and in our VIPY feature in April 2013 detailing unique architectural designs. This prized architectural creation is the pride of the BVI and is a landmark remembered by visitors.
Presenting the incarnation of privacy, this sophisticated property is often described as providing many of the benefits of a private island or a simulation of living aboard a great ship, but with a little more convenience – the calming, refreshing breeze throughout the property and the dramatic, panoramic views overlooking the azure blue seas of the Atlantic and Caribbean currents meeting together on the point, are breath-taking. The treasures of each day are filled with awe, resonating from morning rainbows, orchids in bloom, romantic sunsets, turtles, porpoises and the fleets of fantastic yachts which ply the waters throughout the day. The views are unlikely to change for one is surrounded by islands unimpeded by development — Little Thatch, Great Thatch, St. John , Great Tobago, Little Tobago, Jost Van Dyke, Green Cay and Sandy Spit. The natural beauty of the views from the property are spectacular.
The inviting airy main house evokes the feeling of freedom that is prevalent throughout the property. The villa features patios, courtyards, indoor and alfresco dining areas, and five air-conditioned suites with private, full-sized baths. The newly designed gourmet kitchen is accentuated with high end appliances, quartz countertops and beautiful millwork. The lounge area possesses all modern conveniences and is a relaxed and comforting space.
A collection of fine art and original sculptures decorate the property’s interior and exterior, enhancing its majestic yet subtle aura. The private dock—a rare and highly useful resource—catering to a wide range of boat sizes, augments the sense of freedom that the property emits, facilitating travel around the 60 islands and cays of the BVI. This fantastic marine amenity with a private cove in the cliffside, is also ideal for swimming, snorkelling and diving.
OBM International’s Tebelio Rodriguez, the architect responsible for the recent two-year refit of the property concluding in the latter part of 2013, explained that the original design by Michael Helm was never compromised, but rather upgraded and enhanced utilising only the best materials and newest technologies.
The architect used the surrounding natural lighting to amplify the beauty of the property’s exterior and interior by strategically locating and increasing building fenestrations. The stunning panoramic views from Soper’s Hole to Jost Van Dyke are key elements in creating this impressive effect, allowing for improvement of the views such as the twinkling lights of St Thomas on a peaceful night, or the striking sunsets around Jost Van Dyke.
The refit was made increasingly attractive by the insightful nature of the original design: “A profound reflection and understanding of the building and its relation with the surrounding environment, expressed as: an appropriate interaction of natural, durable, low maintenance materials, the selection of state-of-the-art furniture, fixtures and equipment, and…natural light,” said Rodriguez.
Property owner Irina Wilson Gage and Rodriguez testify to the unfathomable connection of the property to the environment. The villa has an unparalleled clarity that collaborates with its tailor-made interior and a design in each room responding to orientation of the building, resulting in a perfect spatial experience.
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This gated peninsula is a leisurely driving distance from Tortola’s casual, gourmet restaurants and white sand beaches. An additional convenience is the very short drive to Tortola’s westerly port of entry, making accessibility from St. Thomas or a homeowner’s private boat a simple course.
The incredible architecture of this property truly commemorates the expertise of design combined with location in the BVI.
For further details about this property, please visit Coldwell Banker
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