In our view
Nelson Gay is an iconic Barbadian colonial-style beachfront estate. It will capture you the minute you walk through the entrance and see the wonderful view to the Caribbean Sea.
A stay at Nelson Gay unveils six decades of charm and sophistication, presented over 1.5 acres of mature and immaculately maintained gardens. Located on a beautiful half-mile of beach on the outskirts of Speightstown, its surrounding waters and reef are a playground for swimmers and snorkelers.
The elegant coral stone mansion was originally built as the home of a United States Ambassador in the 1950s, and reflects a Palladian grandeur with 14-foot ceilings in the living room. To add to this, the villa's stunning 50-foot pool is tiled in Italian mosaics depicting turtle and fish, and positioned like a path from the centre of the house that summons the sea on its farthest end.
This family-friendly villa has a bounty of restful spaces and formal or al fresco dining areas, including a delightful option to dine by candlelight. The dwelling features a predominantly white canvas - a compliment to the tropical landscape - and is accentuated with several unique pieces and antiques. The bedrooms are remarkably bright and airy, with comfortable beds, quality cotton sheets and hypoallergenic pillows.
After approaching the house by a circular drive, the main entrance hall sets the tone for the home’s refined tropical elegance; it features a marble floor with a compass rose design, breezy latticework, tropical plants and impressive sculptures. The hall opens to the living room, featuring a high ceiling with an intricate wrought iron chandelier and most impressively, an unobstructed view of the gardens, pool and Caribbean Sea just beyond.
Situated on one level, the house has a central living area flanked by two wings; the rooms are spacious, airy and decorated with a sense of relaxed elegance. The design of white with accents of green complement the tropical surroundings as well as the vibrant art collection, which includes several antiques and notable works of art, including a stunning Erté mural and a fine collection of Haitian paintings.
Sip cocktails by the sea in the elegant garden gazebo complete with a wet bar. Two covered terraces on the north and south wing bedrooms offer additional privacy and comfort, while on the seaside, guests can enjoy safe swimming and snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters. Enjoy family friendly activity with an open air gym and a Pickleball Court!
The South Wing of the home includes the kitchen, laundry room and formal dining room, a masterpiece on its own. Lit by candlelight only, the dining room provides a dramatic, intimate setting for evening parties. Featuring a glass-topped table designed by renowned designer Oliver Messel, complimented by French antique chairs and a selection of five different place settings, including Wedgewood, Rosenthal and Mikasa, the dining room accommodates up to 12 guests.
There are 5 en-suite bedrooms in the main house. An additional self-contained guest cottage with private patio and en-suite bathroom sleeps two additional guests. There are also three traditional Barbadian wooden Chattel Houses.
The master bedroom adjoins a large bathroom and another four poster bedroom with en-suite bathroom. Two further bedrooms (Erté and Green Room) allow for walking access between each other through the bathrooms or can be locked off for privacy, great for families who want to remain connected.
The Erté Mural Room features a queen-sized bed, en-suite bathroom with bath/shower and access to a covered terrace opening on to the pool and gardens. The room has been aptly named due to the unique mermaid mural painted by the artist on the bedroom’s wall, where he stayed during his frequent visits to Nelson Gay. The Green Room, features two single beds (which can be combined as a large king), en-suite bath with shower, as well as a private patio opening on to the gardens.
The fifth bedroom is located near the kitchen with a tranquil garden patio. The guest cottage is located to the south of the main house from a walking path through the garden and the chattel house is located in the garden facing the pool and then a further two chattel houses near the entrance to the property.
The North Wing also has a media room with a range of entertainment amenities, including a 55” flat screen television with surround sound, cable television and a library of over 400 DVD titles. This room can be used for additional single accommodation if necessary, ideal for children. A self-contained guest cottage with private patio and en-suite bathroom sleeps two additional guests. There are also 3 traditional Barbadian wooden Chattel Houses.
Please note that an additional staffing charge of US$750 per week applies for any bookings with more than 12 adults, payable prior to arrival.
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Property owners tend to accept bookings over the Christmas and New Year period on stricter terms than at other times of year. In general, bookings are subject to a 14 night minimum stay but owners may require a 3 week booking in some cases and will often need to approve dates to fit with their own travel plans or those of other guests. A higher deposit of 50% of the total rental price is payable for such bookings and the balance becomes due earlier at 90 days before arrival.
All prices quoted above have been calculated based on information provided by the owners but are subject to confirmation during December and January as occasionally owners may insist on the higher Christmas rate being applied either side of the main Christmas period. We suggest you contact us for a firm price quotation at this time of year, before making your booking.
