In the fifteenth century, Spanish sailors named the little chain of islands around Mustique “Los Pájaros”, because to them they resembled a small flock of scattered birds, migrating across the ocean. Today, the island paradise still holds that feeling of wonderful, natural seclusion — a place set apart from the world, rich in wildlife and beauty, where the lucky few come to spread their wings.
Atop Endeavour Hill, one of the island’s two majestic summits, The Terraces is one of the most remarkable estates on an island known for its remarkable estates — a glittering jewel whose architectural prowess speaks to the grandeur and glamour of its historic setting.
From its perch in a rolling, verdant, 17-acre plot, The Terraces — listed by Knight Frank Private Office — commands panoramic views across the Caribbean and Atlantic Coasts and out towards the distant, pale blue peaks of the Grenadines beyond. It is the most extensive villa on Mustique, with nine master suites, two swimming pools — and the largest entertaining space on the island. Take a tour of the estate…
The Terraces was designed in high Palladian style — a faithful homage to the great 16th century palaces of Italy’s pomp. Broad, sweeping loggias wrap around each side of the handsome, stately villa, with a central temple facade setting the tone for the impressive symmetry of the rest of the house.
Clad in a cool, pale peach-coloured stone, The Terraces is built to withstand the Caribbean elements while remaining breezy, light-filled and open. Inside, its hand-painted ceilings demonstrate the artistry throughout — a series of painstakingly executed murals, painted by French artist Jean-Claude Adenin, that add a chic, continental maximalism to the sumptuous property.
The nine spacious bedrooms, many boasting wraparound verandas and huge, en-suite bathrooms, speak to the palatial mood of the house. Their walls are alive with ornate, handpainted, florid murals and exquisite wallpaper, while gilded furniture and classical screens are reminiscent of Versailles or the great palazzos of Como.
The beds, vast and inviting, sit centrally among the broad proportions and domed ceilings of the rooms, while the golden light streams through tall French windows and onto the arched detailing, pink marbles and local ornaments of the suites.
The Terraces has the largest entertaining space on all of Mustique — something of a statement on an island renowned for its open-doors hospitality and love of the good life. The estate has an entire house dedicated to games, hosting and fun, in fact — a sprawling annexe, set away from the main house down a flight of gleaming white steps, which is ingeniously positioned on the edge of the sloping terrain.
"The Terraces is the largest and grandest property on an island known for its remarkable estates..."
Here, a shimmering infinity pool appears to cascade directly onto the rolling green hills and down to the turquoise seas beyond, while inside, there’s provision for a cinema and a games room for when the dusk rolls in over the bay. Further away, across a rolling lawn, perhaps the finest tennis court on the island basks in sun-drenched splendour.
But it’s the handsome, sprawling proportions of the main house and grounds that play host to the most storied parties on Mustique — events aided brilliantly by the many dedicated hospitality staff, of course. In short: it is a villa for the few with which to welcome the many.
Mustique is famous for its enveloping hospitality and its historic insistence on fun — something born out by the eclectic cast of arch hosts who populate its various grand estates and beach-side haunts.
With The Terraces as their base, guests can hop over to any number of gatherings and events — like the famous Mustique Company Cocktail Party, held in the Great Room at the storied Cotton House; or the raucous, rumpowered ‘Jump Up’ held weekly at Basil’s Bar, the island’s most beloved establishment, which stretches languidly across the waters of the bay.
So how do you get here? Mustique sits among the tiny island nation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, just south of St Lucia and west of Barbados.
There are frequent direct international flights from all over the world to these larger hubs — while Mustique has its own small fleet of 18-seater Twin Otter aircraft to take guests on the short but breathtaking flight over to the island itself.
Looking for more incredible properties? In Verbier, The Rocks Estate offers a modern take on alpine architecture…
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