A former residence owned by Rudolf Nureyev, who hosted the likes of Grace Kelly and Jackie O at the property, Hotel Le Toiny now manages the property.
St. Barths is one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands in the world, and there is no shortage of luxury resorts, upscale villas, or chic, contemporary condos. One home stands out from the crowd, and not in a bad way either.
There is a single house nestled between the so-called côte sauvage, a wild stretch of coast known for its hypnotic whistling of the wind and waves, tucked in between a well-traveled road and the coast.
Although it is low and discreet—with a gated driveway, privacy walls, and barely any street-facing windows—the residence is well known on the island because of its exceptional location and persistence, according to Rich Report. Compared to neighboring properties that were severely damaged by Hurricane Irma, this property was only scratched.
Currently, the four-bedroom retreat is available for rent through the nearby Hotel Le Toiny, with a breakfast service and access to the hotel’s beach club.
Its extraordinary pedigree will also be recognized by those in the know. Originally built by a lieutenant of the US Navy, Rudolf Nureyev purchased the residence, furnishings included, in 1990.
Rumors say the Soviet-born dancer, who defected at Paris’s Le Bourget airport, dreamed of dancing on the water from his terrace. In order to make the daisy chain of rooms more spacious, he installed a generous amount of timber decking along the chain, which now includes a sauna and a free-standing guest suite.
Among the living areas on the second level are a massage room and lounge. Outdoor stairs lead to a swimming pool and hot tub. As a result, Nureyev is believed to have dug a space in the rocky embankments that overlook the shore that matched the dimensions of his body, where he slept snugly in the surf.
Despite his passing, his presence still permeates the property. Dark wooden boards clad rooms resemble the dachas of his native land in addition to a boat hull. A glistening crystal chandelier twinkles in the sun and sways in the breeze. (Because the house is nestled into the terrain, with a main exposure, the wind does not blow through the interiors.)
Among the notable guests of the house were Grace Kelly, Marie Helène de Rothschild, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The living room’s upright piano, which Nureyev used to transport onto the terrace, is also original.
In her Nureyev biography, Julie Kavanagh writes that the former first lady didn’t quite get the vibe, telling a mutual acquaintance: “If Rudolf invites you to visit, say no.” With all due respect, Jackie O, for once, you don’t know what’s good. And ultimately, the home wasn’t meant for others.
While out walking to the natural swimming pool Grand Fond, or taking alfresco naps, Nureyev kept to himself. A quote by the dancer, painted on the house’s wall today, implies: “I am not made to live in society, it is artificial.” For lucky guests, there’s no more magical place to both escape and embrace the world.
