Architektonische Brillanz In Den Leamington Caves

Blending sophisticated contemporary design, a nod to history, high-end bespoke finishes, awe-inspiring natural magnificence, and a joyful Bermudian ’je ne sais quoi’, if any home on this mid-Atlantic island deserves to be described as a National Treasure, it is spectacular Leamington Caves. While the story of these magical crystal caverns dates back millennia, they were discovered as recently as 1914. Today, wide walking paths with railings and electric lighting wind through prehistoric stalagmites and stalagtites to the deep, turquoise salt-water pool with an access platform and dock for cave swimming -- literally, an experience of lifetime. Returning to garden level, set on a lush 1.5-acre hillside, the generous 5-bedroom, 4.5 bathroom main house and its 3-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom guest cottage are the 2004 creation of a prominent Bermudian/American architectural designer. With an artistic eye, spatial ingenuity, and an appreciation for quality materials, he transformed what had previously been a fine restaurant into his own private estate. Here you will find charming courtyards and bricked terraces for enjoying meals under the stars. Poised above the main house near tree line, a swimming pool and deck offer absolutely stunning Harrington Sound views. Farther up the hillside, a wood-decked pavilion and fire pit provide an inspiring setting for yoga, entertaining friends or colleagues, or simply enjoying the panoramic island views and sunsets. Inside the main house, beautifully milled mahogany windows, exposed wooden beams, cathedral ceilings, cedar accents, and Brazilian cherry wood flooring characterise most rooms. All the glass in the residence is hand blown. From the dramatic, vaulted entrance buttery ( a traditional Bermudian architectural feature), the living room with its fireplace and wet bar leads out via a ’welcoming arms’ staircase to a lush garden. From the living room, a staircase also leads down to one of the main house’s five well appointed bedroom suites. Sharing a double-sided fireplace with the living room, the limestone -floored dining room is a stand out with views of the night-lit interior palm court and three sets of French doors opening to one of those enchanting bricked patios. Then there is the kitchen, which is one of our favourites on this island. Quality speaks. And the varnished wood center island is nothing short of a work of art. Adjoining the kitchen, the family room with kitchen bar seating plus the third of six fireplaces completes the main floor plan. The second-floor landing, leading to three guest bedrooms and two luxurious bathrooms, is another one of our favourite features. The stairs are crafted from purple heart and the numerous windows invite a verdant ’jungle’ vista. The third floor is devoted entirely to the master suite including a private den with porch, a wet bar, a walk-in closet, a laundry and access to the pool. Behind ’secret’ book-lined doors is the spacious master bedroom with fireplace and cathedral ceiling. Completing the primary suite is surely one of Bermuda’s most extraordinary master bathrooms. The separate guest house (at one time the popular Plantation Restaurant) retains unique accents such as the restaurant’s original Bermuda cedar bar (where Bermudians ’of a certain age’ will recall the many good times had by all). The cottage, in and of itself, is a substantial and very comfortable home including an octagonal den or music room, a living room with fireplace, a full kitchen and an open-plan dining room, a master bedroom suite, and two additional bedrooms sharing a bathroom. Leamington Caves is available to International Purchasers a well as Bermudians, Permanent Residency Certificate Holders, and British Overseas Territory Citizens deemed to belong to Bermuda.