Clifftop Compound in the British Virgin Islands Boasts Endless Blue Horizons

On the westernmost tip of Tortola, the largest of the 50 or so islands that make up the British Virgin Islands, an eight-acre compound is privately perched on a rocky peninsula, surrounded by the heavenly blue-green Caribbean. Even though Tortola’s restaurants, bars and white sandy beaches are just a short drive away, the four separate dwellings that comprise the Steele Point estate, so named after the peninsula on which it sits, offers total tranquility and seclusion.

The BVI offers easy access from both the United States and from Europe. And with its own helipad and two docks, Steele Point is a perfect set up for a wealthy globe-trotting owner who likes to be surrounded by friends and family. Mooring balls, to accommodate a large yacht, can be added. Asking $25 million, the gated 13-bedroom spread is available via Lucienne Smith at Nestseekers. The offering also includes undeveloped lots that might be built on in the future.

The four villas each offer contemporary finishes and unique floor plans that work beautifully for multigenerational gatherings. Connected via garden pathways and surrounded by hibiscus, oleander and other tropical blooms, each villa is completely separate from the others and has its own pool. This means the entire property, or parts of it, can be let out as vacation rentals, providing a steady stream of income to offset maintenance and staffing costs. Indeed, the property’s main residence has recently been used as a rental, with rates that push up on $4,000 per night.

Set atop and into the cliff-face, and composed of several pods, the main house gives the feeling of being aboard a cruise ship, with 360-degree views from its various terraces and decks. In fact, the pool and sundeck overhang the ocean. Stone steps lead from the pool to a stand-alone pod that holds the first of the main house’s five bedrooms, while the main pod includes an open plan kitchen, a dining and living area, and another bedroom suite. Glass sliders give way to three decks; built into the rocks is a summer kitchen with built-in grill. Three more bedrooms are contained in a three-story pod that hugs the cliff, making for unforgettable views. A stone walkway leads to sun loungers, a swim platform and the docks.

The trio of additional residences include The Treehouse, with great room, kitchen, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms (plus an outdoor bathroom), and Blackbeard’s Hideaway, the compound’s newest structure, which provides two spacious en-suite bedrooms and a central great room with an 18-foot ceiling that makes it a fantastic space for entertaining. Sliding glass doors lead to a covered balcony with dining and seating areas. A few steps more are a sun deck and swimming pool. Finally, the four-bedroom Gestalt villa’s living space and kitchen are seamlessly integrated with the peaceful surroundings. Open-air showers — one with a palm tree growing up out of it! — add to the relaxed Caribbean atmosphere.

The compound presents a great opportunity to create unforgettable gatherings of family and friends, with days spent swimming and snorkeling, ending with cocktails on a sun deck, admiring the sunset. And of course, it is already a moneymaking venture. Who needs the mainland?