Villa Description

Nelson Gay is located on a half mile pristine, sandy beach with incredible swimming and a reef at one end ideal for snorkeling. A large area immediately in front of the house is roped off with buoys for safe swimming. The villa occupies a two acre beachfront site with spacious landscaped gardens. Many giant old trees offer shade and lush tropical vegetation and families of monkeys are a regular daily sight. The villa was originally built in the1950s for US Ambassador Scotten, a friend of US President Franklin D. Roosevelt and constructed entirely of coral stone in the grand Palladian manner. Nelson Gay retains the charm of a bygone era with all the original features including the floors, designed by Oliver Messell. Two new covered terraces have been recently constructed, for the North and South Wing bedrooms to offer additional privacy and comfort. This 6 bedroom, 9 bathroom estate can sleep 12 and up to 16. Our friendly, efficient core-staff of 6 who cook, clean, shop and give you an exclusive 5 star service. The house is ideal for holidays with children.

Nelson Gay is elegant, functional yet unpretentiously decorated and thus devoid of so-called 'glitz'. It represents a rare example of a bygone era of elegance and good taste. The house is child friendly. The rooms are airy and mostly decorated in white with some green to compliment the tropical surroundings. The dining table was designed by Oliver Messell with 12 French antique chairs and a large Messell mirror. The beds are new and comfortable with lOO% high count cotton sheets and soft hypoallergenic pillows. There are many antiques and works of art including an Erte original mural and a fine collection of Haitian paintings. There are 5 different place settings, including Wedgewood, Rosenthal and Mikasa crystal glasses and 4 cutlery sets. Dinner is by candle light and is served by your own chef, butler and a maid in stylish uniforms.

Air Conditioning: All bedrooms are individually air-conditioned. Air conditioners in the bedrooms and study are quiet, split systems with remote temperature control. There are fans in all bedrooms. South Wing bedroom and Chattel House have ceiling fans.

Bathrooms: There are 8 en-suite bathrooms (one bedroom has two bathrooms) and 1 powder room. Master bathrooms have showers only. The South Wing bedroom has his and hers bathrooms with showers. Bathroom in the cottage has a combination tub/shower. Bathrooms in North Wing with tub/showers. Chattel House has its own toilet/shower.

Living Accommodation: There is a stunning living room with 14ft high ceilings measuring approximately 22ft x 22ft. An 80ft terrace overlooking the pool, garden and sea with 2 covered seating areas. The house has various seating arrangements in the gardens.

Food/Kitchen: In high Season a full-time chef is available aided by an assistant cook. On the chef's day off you can either visit one of the many delicious local restaurants or our cook will be happy to prepare meals as required. Our chef, Tyrone Charles specializes in fresh, delicious Caribbean foods. He also makes excellent home made pasta, pizzas, grilled fish and a world famous coconut cream pie. Keep it simple, fresh and delicious is our motto (and lowish in calories). The kitchen is equipped with a professional six-burner gas range, large stainless steel fridge, freezers, smoke extractor and preparation table. All equipment is of professional standard. Our staff orders all your food and drinks requirements so there is no need to shop. The Butler has a car and will run errands as required.

Eating Choices: An elegant garden gazebo designed by well-known architect Larry Warren, by the beach seats up to 14 and is equipped with a wet bar and fridge. A dining table on partly covered terrace can seat up to 20. Formal candle-lit dining room with glass topped table was designed by Oliver Messell and seats up to 12. The round table on the terrace seats 8.

Entertainment: The study/media room is equipped with reclining chairs, a Sony 52" TV, DVD, surround-sound. TVs are connected to satellite Direct TV in 4 bedrooms (both master bedrooms, North and South Wing bedrooms) and the study (2 rooms only have DVD). A music system with multiple surround-sound speakers features in the living room, terrace and gazebo. There is a library of over 160 CDs and approximately 300 DVDs for all ages 3 of 5 Nelson Gay.

Leisure Amenities: Small weights, snorkels, masks, yoga mats, exercise balls, water weights an inflatable pool for toddlers and various games; cards, chess, backgammon, poker/chips. The garden has 8 beach loungers, 9 beach chairs and various seating arrangements. A gym and tennis court may be booked, subject to availability, next door at Cobblers Cove Hotel; the rates are reasonable.

Swimming: This property is located on a half mile of pristine, sandy beach with incredible swimming and a reef at one end which is ideal for snorkeling. A large area immediately in front of the villa is roped off with buoys for safe swimming. There is a stunning new heated* swimming pool 50ft x 12ft x 4.5ft deep, tiled in green mosaic, near the ocean. *At an extra cost

Staff: There are friendly, well-trained and efficient core staff of 8; Butler, Chef, Kitchen Assistant, Housekeeper, Maid, Laundress, Gardener and a contracted Night Watchman. Your staff shop, cook, clean and do all that is necessary to make your stay a true pleasure with the service of a five-star hotel. The property has self-contained staff quarters and 3 staff toilets with 2 showers. All staff wears day/night uniforms. A part-time manager supervises the staff and looks after the house.

Children: The house is ideal for children of all ages. There is a portable crib for babies up to 9 months, a high chair, children's plates, cutlery, buckets and spades and inflatable. The staff will prepare children's meals at earlier times as needed. A baby-sitter can be arranged. Two sets of bedrooms are connected which is ideal for close supervision and easy monitoring.

Communication: There are 2 phone lines and 1 fax line (dedicated), telephones in all bedrooms and a Dell laptop with unlimited broadband internet connection. Some UK/US cell phones work in Barbados.

Security: A night watchman patrols the grounds. A digital safe is installed in each bedroom. Each bedroom has a central alarm facility connected directly to a security company and the Police.

Medical Equipment: A defibrillator and First Aid kit are available.

Laundry: There is a full-time laundress 6 days a week. She will do all your personal laundry. Try to avoid bringing items that require dry cleaning. The laundry has 2 washing machines and two clothes dryers. Hand washing s possible. Normally personal laundry is returned the same day.

Accommodations & Amenities

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