Nestled at 1,100 feet on the southern slopes of Nevis Peak, just above Golden Rock, this graceful house, whose cut-stone walls are accentuated by aubergine-colored wooden shutters, is topped by a pineapple that lights up and glows at night and a bell that tolls softly in the wind. It's an eccentric masterpiece – a copy of a house first seen in South Carolina that was itself a copy of a home on Barbados – and there's no doubting the love and attention to detail that has gone into this extraordinary property.
A driveway sweeps past a row of royal palms, leading through the lower property and wrapping its way around to the upper lawn. High up on the mountain, Pineapple Estate and its 3.5 acres of grounds have uninterrupted views across to Redonda and Montserrat, as well as Antigua on a clear day.
The main house, features an artful gold and green pineapple on its roof and wrap around verandahs on two levels offering views of the mountain and the sea. This is a home where doors are thrown open and parties spill out onto the terrace.
Three generous bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom, all lead out onto the vast verandah. Downstairs, the wood-panelled living room is a work of art – interior design at its finest. There is an elegant separate dining room with a chandelier made of local mango wood, and a large, welcoming kitchen with a table with seating for eight. Pots and pans hang invitingly from beams above the kitchen island. The floors of the house are hardwood, with the exception of the kitchen which is soft-hued concrete tiling.
Everything throughout the home has been chosen both for its purpose and its beauty: the light fittings, the door handles, the crafted spindles on the stairs.
Close enough to be companionable, far enough away to feel private, sits the three bedroom, two bathroom guest house. This is an iconic home in and of itself, with a grand double front staircase sweeping its way upstairs to the three bedrooms, two of which lead out onto a wide verandah. A softer palette is used throughout this house: soothing whites and pale pinks and greens, even a muted peach, give this house a very different feel to Pineapple House itself. The kitchen downstairs is cozy, and spacious enough for entertaining. The lounge is a cool, relaxing retreat.
The bold purple aubergine colour of the exterior doors and shutters is repeated on a cottage set on the lower property. This has its own much smaller pineapple perched on top, and inside a blank canvas awaits. An artist's studio? A yoga room? An office? There is space and light for all possibilities.
Pineapple Estate is a glorious accomplishment. It is romantic, memorable, and instantly captivating. And yet it is ready for more. There are over three acres of land waiting to be transformed and of course there is ample space for a swimming pool. With a pool in place endless opportunities await. This could make the sort of intimate boutique hotel that guests return to time and again.
Or make it a home just for you. It is large but not rambling; spacious but not overwhelming; eccentric, but enchanting. There is a sense of history to this home that is remarkable for a building where construction only began in 1982. Now it is time for the next owners to make their mark.
PROPERTY NOTES:
Just over 3.5 Acres of land
Main House
Guest House
Workshop
Chattel House
Three water cisterns: Main house: 81,600 gallons, , Guest house: 51,000 gallons; Workshop: 21,000 gallons
Generator Building with Lister 15KV Generator
Mains electric NEVLEC
Cable & Internet connected
Sold Partially Furnished