Allamanda Estate - Beef Island - Tortola

The official residence of the Governor of the British Virgin Islands from 1998 to 2004, very private Allamanda Estate is situated on six acres of a breezy hilltop amongst lush, flowering gardens within prestigious Little Mountain Estate.

Commanding expansive wraparound vistas of ocean and green islets, this wonderful Estate has just been refurbished in a stunning blend of Indonesian, Chinese and Indian pieces and antiques, with touches of Moroccan style found in the filigreed lighting here and there. The covered entry foyer is flanked by two stately urns, and leads inside to the tiled gallery strewn with Persian rugs and hung with original art. The gallery leads to the traditional drawing room, elegantly-furnished with sink-into sofas and chairs and a reading library.

Adjoining through large double doors is the gracious formal dining room which connects to the large, just-remodeled kitchen. Glass sliders open from the dining and living areas to a covered portico where wide arches and tropical foliage frame a sweeping native stone terrace overlooking Beef Island's south side and across the sea to the south horizon - perfect for sunset cocktails. Off the Great Room is the very spacious air-conditioned king master bedroom with a romantic four-poster bed and an ensuite bath; this suite opens out to an L-shaped covered verandah and to a large Balinese daybed, the perfect cool and shady niche for reading that novel or snoozing. Adjoining is a smaller bedroom/bath with twin beds (or one king, if you wish), dressed in sunny yellow and crowned by an Indonesian carved wooden screen.

The gallery which connects these rooms offers a home office desk complete with a desktop computer with DSL line and a fax machine. On the other side, the gallery opens to the sunny pool set like a jewel within a flagstone and tile terrace bordered with graceful palms and island flora, and set with cushioned chaise lounges. On one end of the pool terrace is a shady covered deep verandah, the true heart of this villa, handsomely furnished with cushioned wicker seating for reading and relaxation in the shade, family TV, tables for casual dining and games, and a wet bar containing a mini-fridge, icemaker and a gas grill.

Allamanda Estate's guest pavilion is adjacent to the pool verandah, ensuring guests' privacy and comfort, and offers two spacious, air-conditioned king bedroom/bath suites with a convenient and cozy foyer between them equipped with a cushioned bench, table, sink, mini-fridge, microwave and coffeemaker. Original artwork and potted plants throughout enhance this villa's gracious charm, and beautiful wood soffits with soft indirect lighting frame every room's ceiling, giving the villa a warm and welcoming feel.

Bedroom suites are all fully screened, and island tile and terrazzo floors help the tradewinds cool the house. Allamanda Estate is the grand dame of villas, offering old-world charm and quiet seclusion. The lovely tropical gardens on the Estate, defined by stonework walls, feature many species of island trees and plants, such as manjack and cedar trees, hibiscus, ixora, fragrant jasmine and varieties of ferns. You may explore old plantation ruins nearby, or continue down Little Mountain's road to Long Bay Beach below, only a few minutes' drive away.

Allamanda Estate is also an ideal location for weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries and family get-togethers. Special arrangements may be made in advance for these special occasions, and you may also arrange for your own private chef, nanny, massages and day-spa services. A very special property, and highly recommended.