Villa Maison Mexicaine

2-bedroom, 2-bathroom with vibrant history, private pool and petanque court in Lurin.

One of the most distinctive and historical places left on the island of St. Barth. Maison Mexicaine is a welcome departure from the typical architectural style. The luxury rental property was built in 1985 by Mexican artisans, and it reflects many of the features of traditional Mexican design, such as very thick walls, vaulted brick ceilings, wrought-iron chandeliers, terracotta and colorful tiles, and a color scheme of soft colors inspired by nature.

The vacation home's unique beauty is matched by its colorful history. In the past, Maison Mexicaine was owned by Mikhail Baryshnikov, and some of his furniture remains present in the house. Later on, it was owned by one of President Roosevelt's daughters. Celebrity residents aside, the house still oozes with history and creates a feeling of nostalgia for the early years of St. Barth.

That is true even for guests born after the beginning of Maison Mexicaine - the house is well suited to young families or couples traveling together. The two bedrooms are similar in size, decoration, and amenities. One has a queen bed, and the other has two twin beds that can be made up as a kind bed. Each has an ensuite bathroom with a rain shower and direct access to the terrace.

Along with the bedrooms, there is a cozy living room with a piano and excellent acoustics for those who like to sing. The dining area is charming, with a long wooden table that seats six. The kitchen is compact but has all of the conveniences one might expect, including a Lacanche cooking range.

All of the rooms open onto the terrace, which has a heated swimming pool, a gas barbecue, and a petanque court, a rarity for a private house in the Caribbean. When the glass doors are open, there is a lot of Caribbean breeze throughout. That combined with the thick walls, keep the house wonderfully cool, but just in case, there is air-conditioning in the bedrooms.

Maison Mexicaine is an ideal place for an authentic St. Barth experience. You are transported back in time while enjoying all the modern amenities; plus, it has easy access and ample parking, and its location in Lurin puts it very close to Gustavia. But when you are in the house, you feel as if you are the main character in a historical novel or a glamorous movie.