Words by Chris Smith, Managing Broker – Coldwell Banker BVI
Photography by Rainbow Visions BVI
Villa Katsura, presented by Coldwell Banker BVI, is a 23,500 sq ft villa on the Little Dix Bay peninsula of Virgin Gorda.
Set in almost three acres of manicured gardens, this peaceful hideaway offers the ultimate in luxurious island living along with full access to the amenities of the world-renowned Little Dix Bay Resort.
The owners spent seven years building the property, finally completing the project in 2014. Delivering a subtle Asian feel blended with the Caribbean ocean views, the years of craftsmanship and subsequent meticulous maintenance have resulted in a house second to none.
Only materials of the highest quality were used in the construction of Villa Katsura, including an impressive array of woods from around the world such as Tiger Wood, European Larch, and Western Cedar. Handcrafted doors with floor to ceiling glass, flood the rooms with light and completely open up welcoming the outdoors inside.
The Asian inspired décor has been collected and imported by the owners to complement the tranquility of the landscaping and ocean views. High vaulted ceilings with intricate beams of Douglas Fir are the key feature of the palatial living space.
Whilst the superb architecture and stunning location set it apart from anything else on the market, it is the gardens that define Villa Katsura. Personally conceived by landscape designer Hoichi Kurisu—globally known for his rock landscapes and healing gardens—the grounds are immaculately manicured and accented with waterfalls, koi ponds, stone walkways and bamboo groves.
The origami cranes fashioned from metal atop the entrance gateposts, welcome you to the property and lead the way to the entrance pavilion complete with a water feature and steps down to the koi pond adjacent to the kitchen entrance.
The estate is divided into three separate pavilions: the master bedroom, the main house with living room, kitchen and one bedroom, and the beach house containing three bedrooms.
Officially the house has five bedrooms but the layout offers extreme flexibility to sleep more persons if necessary. Extra futons and screens can be added to create more sleeping areas in the main house bedroom and the self-contained apartment on the lower level of the beach house. Each bedroom has its own unique bathroom with either a custom shower or ofuro bathtub. Hidden behind shoji screens in each bedroom pavilion is a small kitchen with refrigerator, freezer, and microwave. Personal laundry facilities have been included in the upstairs bedrooms of the beach pavilion, the master bedroom, the kitchen, and by the pool for guests’ convenience. Housekeeping laundry facilities are also available at two other discreet locations on the property.
Set apart from the main house, the master bedroom is reached over a bridge and boasts its own sun terrace and fire pit. Unwind from a day at the beach in the oversized double shower that opens out on to a private koi pond complete with waterfall. Enjoy your morning coffee in a corner of the spacious veranda, shaded by one of the many indigenous trees included in the garden design.
The spacious kitchen is equipped with the professional grade appliances you would expect of a property of this calibre. Dining areas can be found both inside the kitchen, outside on the dining terrace, or downstairs on the pool terrace, which also features a professional gas grill and fully equipped outdoor kitchen.
Katsura’s own sandy beach offers excellent swimming and snorkelling on the reef close to shore and is not accessible by anyone except the neighbouring property. Situated below the main house and edged by rocks, the natural shape of the pool and reflection of the sky above gives the pool the appearance of extending out into the ocean beyond. Complete with heated spa rock pool, steam shower room, fire pits, and waterfalls, you and your guests will find no need to stray far.
Quality and simplicity are key themes in the overall ambience of Villa Katsura with the richness of the woods and the quality of the finishings.
Solar panels and ample battery storage make a significant contribution to the house’s power supply, partnered by full air conditioning throughout. Comfort, convenience, and efficiency have been prioritised and consequently the living experience at Villa Katsura is effortless.
Villa Katsura is currently enjoyed as a private residence, but owing to its careful design, is ideally suited to operating as a staffed, luxury vacation retreat.
Its price and stylistic elements will not appeal to everyone, but for the discerning few, Villa Katsura offers a remarkable opportunity to own a house unrivalled anywhere in the BVI. There is quite simply nothing else like it.
VILLA KATSURA
Product ID on Coldwell Banker Website: CS876
Price: $40,000,000
Beds: 5
Baths: 12
Lot: 2.793 acres
Location: Virgin Gorda
Location Type: Beachfront
View: Stunning sea views across the Dogs, Beef Island through to Tortola
http://www.coldwellbankerbvi.com/index.php?action=listingview&listingID=501
Chris Smith
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