Mango Hill Greathouse - St. Croix

Mango Hill Greathouse has been lovingly designed and built to replicate a Danish Colonial greathouse of 150 years ago, but is replete with all the modern conveniences of today. Completed in 2006, this stunning and beautifully-executed estate home is sequestered on a breezy knoll within exclusive gated Estate Shoys. Mango Hill embodies West Indian traditions brought into today's world: two-foot thick walls in island style keep the houses cool, traditional shutters trim all windows and doors, hip roofs gracefully top both the Main Villa and the adjacent Kumquat Guest Cottage, and long covered verandahs border both sides of the Main Villa's upper and lower levels.

A Caribbean "welcoming arms" curved entry welcomes you into Mango Hill's entry foyer, featuring carefully-chosen antique pieces and a grand mahogany staircase. Tall french doors and paned windows meld the vivid flowering gardens and blue skies outside with Mango Hill's serene, cool interiors. The main level offers a large, formal Great Room executed in a pale blue and enhanced by built-in shelves full of leather-bound books, original paintings and an artful mix of family heirlooms, Crucian and West Indian antiques collected over the years. The floors in Mango Hill are both traditional stone pavers and stunning Peruvian cherry overlaid by sisal area rugs. The formal, air-conditioned dining room adjoins the Great Room, with seating for eight. Beyond is the gourmet kitchen, a modern wonder of stainless steel and an array of chef's tools; at one end of this sleek, functional room is a charming breakfast/sitting area with french doors opening to the gardens and a covered patio just outside, perfect for coffee or cocktails. Mango Hill Greathouse's main level is bordered on its entire seaward side with a deep colonnaded verandah, set with a second dining area for alfresco meals and cushioned wicker seating. Just steps away is the large pool, surrounded by gardens and sun deck. The colonnade and pool deck overlook the Buccaneer Hotel's golf greens and sweeping ocean views. Toast a tropical sunset, and then dine with a backdrop of the twinkling lights of Christiansted across the bay.

On the upper level are three air-conditioned bedroom/bath suites and the beautiful library, furnished with so much history, including a 17th-century wooden chest. The grand master suite has its own private sitting room with centuries-old family treasures on display, a large bath featuring blue granite, and a carved West Indian four-poster king bed. The heart of the queen suite, next door, is a graceful mahogany four-poster bed and a spacious bath done in travertine tiles. The cheerful third bedroom suite offers two twins (which can be made into a king bed with advance notice). All three suites have an ingenious cross-ventilation system which makes air-conditioning almost unnecessary - the french doors can be swung wide open and pocket screened doors pulled together, allowing cooling island tradewinds to pass through. Each bedroom's french doors open out on both sides to covered verandahs.

Returning to the pool deck below, adjacent is Mango Hill's charming Kumquat Guest Cottage, built in West Indian style. Fully air-conditioned and charmingly furnished, Kumquat features a living area and a king bedroom/bath suite complete with step-out balcony. Typical West Indian shuttered windows provide privacy and breeze, and french doors frame picture-postcard views. Kumquat is just steps from the pool.

Although only a very short drive from Christiansted, this substantial home is sequestered within the prestigious Shoys enclave, offering secure privacy and tranquility. Mango Hill provides an unusual opportunity to experience the style of a Crucian manor of long ago - the owners are happy to share their family heirlooms and centuries of history in this beautiful setting with their appreciative guests. Elegant interiors, serene and restrained, and the sublime combination of old and new in a luxurious, secluded setting make Mango Hill Greathouse one of the most unique and treasured properties we've had the pleasure to offer...very highly recommended.