BREATHTAKINGLY beautiful private Estate ON the water The Beacon Hill Estate. This unique, private, elevated waterfront Estate lies within the dense tropical foliage of the exclusive, and now world-famous Narrows, just minutes from the Pink Sands beach. Access is by boat, or by golf cart at the very end of a picturesque sandy ‘private lane’ that meanders a half mile through a plethora of flora, fauna, and beautiful coconut palms. Arguably one of the best locations on Harbour Island!
More about Beacon Hill
Uniquely located literally ON the water AND very privately secluded within the dense tropical foliage of the exclusive, and now, world famous ‘Narrows’. The Beacon Hill Estate can be found at the very end of a picturesque sandy ‘private lane’ that meanders a half mile through a plethora of flora, fauna, and beautiful coconut palms to the crest of a small hill overlooking the northwest bayside – the sunsets are breathtakingly spectacular.
The Bahamian authenticity of The Beacon Hill Estate has been respectfully rejuvenated during a three-year-long renovation which has brought the Estate, previously owned by Regine the ‘Queen of Nightclubs’, back to accommodate the lifestyle requirements of the modern and discerning.
Location and privacy
Although you are only a 4-minute golf cart ride from Dunmore Town Center where the charming hustle and bustle of Island life unfolds around the bars, restaurants, and shops, complete privacy at Beacon Hill is achieved partly by its unique and very secluded location at the end of a private ‘road’ and partly by the gorilla gardening and dense foliage the owner enjoys. Arrival by boat at Beacon Hill’s private dock is also very discreet and avoids the crowds if so desired.
Introduction and description
Two white frogs act as completely unnecessary guardians to the entrance of the property, which reflects more to do with the owner’s British humor than the need for any real security on Harbour Island at all.
Turn right through the gates, under the oversized pandanus and other trees, meander left around the long-curved drive where your senses will be tantalized by a vibrant jungle-like paradise filled with a profusion of textures, scents, and colors.
Entrance to the main house is afforded by a bridge spanning a giant aquarium, creating a moat-like appearance where water lilies provide shelter for freshwater fish and other wildlife. Your eyes will draw you through the property facing west into the hypnotic turquoise waters that are unique to the Bahamas’. The bayside surf laps the shoreline just in front of you and provides your very own private screening for some of the most spectacular sunsets you will see anywhere in the world.
Beacon Hill is very much about outside living. Embracing the natural surroundings while celebrating the classic elements of colonial-style design and decor. Beautiful glass/mahogany doors open the main house onto the large east and even larger west sunset veranda for an inclusive indoor/outdoor living experience.
Step through into the 80s-long west ‘sunset’ veranda and you will meet Gloria, Beacon Hill’s resident life-size hippo, who proudly sits in the southwest corner majestically bronzing as the light teases through the vast array of traditional Bahamian louvers. She shares the space with two large daybeds and a dining area to the north end: a perfect place for an afternoon snooze, some casual cocktails, or more formal dining. When it is just too hot to be outside to eat BUT you don’t want to be inside, then the east veranda provides a perfect and sometimes cooler alternative. On the rare occasions that you might want to be inside, slide the doors closed, switch on the AC, and turn the space into a cool retreat from the sun.
Beacon Hill comprises five buildings. The main house has a large open-plan living area and extends to around 5,000 sq. ft. It includes a bar reconstructed from a hot air balloon basket to reflect a global traveler decor and theme. And, with the east and west doors open, a cool breeze somehow magically wafts through keeping the property at the perfect temperature. Re-created using local craftsmen and artisans wherever possible, the use of luxurious hardwoods, IPE, mahogany, marble, granite, and coral stone are in abundance, as is the extensive use of dreamy mood lighting which ensures your evenings are every bit as inspiring as your day by the pool.
The hand-crafted kitchen provides one of many social hubs at the property, perfect for early morning gatherings or less formal dining.
The master suite is an impressive inter-linked but separate bedroom with a generous 1,200sq.ft. of living space and a large spa-like bathroom with floor-to-ceiling marble. The veranda is partly screened by more Bahamian louvers and overlooks the pool area to provide a perfect setting to relax or maybe watch the evening sun as it illuminates the bayside horizon with orange, yellows, and deep reds.
The pool house
As you venture outside, the pool house frames the garden to the south of the property and overlooks the large heated and ‘cooled pool’ with stunning bayside views. Poolside beds are in abundance and a ledge seat in the pool runs east to west for those who can’t resist a sundowner in the water. Palm trees sway gently in the breeze, the air is filled with soft music playing in the background, and as the sun finally disappears below the horizon, the poolside and garden lights cast a dreamy soft glow.
The pool house has full kitchen facilities, a BBQ grill, and a very well-stocked bar complete with wine, beer, and soft drinks fridges… this is where the evening can easily turn into tomorrow! There is an abundance of sofas and alfresco dining options. It provides the perfect backdrop for poolside fun and evening gatherings, parties, or just a private place to chill out. Beacon Hill has 8 Sonos zones, two of which are in the pool house for some extra ‘oomph’.
The Pink Gazebo
The pink gazebo is a landmark that some say was painted pink as a warning to ships entering the bay. It sits majestically atop the hill, commanding a breathtaking view of the bayside shoreline – the perfect spot for a morning coffee or cup of tea. A lower-level platform provides the small but perfect location for sunbathing, quiet contemplation or simply to watch and listen for dolphins and manatees playing in the bay. Steps lead down to the private 120′ dock, dock house, and bedroom 6 (affectionately known as the ‘doghouse’) with a 40′ deck and 12′ wide trestle table. Perfect for relaxed dining to the sound of the surf lapping up beneath you!
The guest house
A detached guest house sits high overlooking the garden but adjacent to the main house with an oversized master suite and generous ensuite bathroom. Planter-style armchairs, mahogany louvers, IPE, and marble are a constant reference to modern colonial decor.
The guest house master is interlinked to a second generously sized suite via a galley kitchen area.
A 12 ft deep veranda to the west gives you a glimpse of the bayside and wraps around the building overlooking the gardens to the east of the property and providing an area of quiet seclusion.
The gardens
The gardens provide a feast for the senses; surrounded by coconut palms and vibrant blooms. As you wander through this 2.5-acre botanical wonderland, you’ll be surrounded by an array of dazzling hues, from the fiery oranges and reds of the heliconias, the pink seminole hibiscus, and bird-of-paradise. The bright green fronds of ferns and tall palm trees provide a dramatic contrast to the deep, lush vines being encouraged to flourish against the trees. The gentle rustle of the palms and the sound of hummingbirds collecting nectar adds to the atmosphere. The jungle-like opulence is maintained by a full-time gardener, and he is under strict instructions not to cut anything – he is there merely to keep things tidy!
Customize your vacation
For the discerning guest seeking privacy in an upscale authentically cool vibe, The Beacon Hill Estate has now been released for rental for a few weeks a year. Guests should be aware that ‘Zsa Zsa Gabor’ and ‘George Hamilton’ (the owner’s rescue cats) are omnipresent – so animal lovers only please! … unless other arrangements are made in advance.
The Beacon Hill Estate offers different levels of service to cater to every need and preference:
- Housekeeping only: includes housekeeping staff, helpers, laundry service, property manager, gardener, and yard man. The rates shown on this website correspond to this level of service.
- Full service: includes all the above plus a chef, wait staff, helpers, and a bartender. It also includes two meals a day. Food and beverages are charged as an extra cost and will be deducted from the prepaid deposit.
- Full service plus: includes all of the above plus food and standard beverages available from the local store in Harbour Island. Only available in March, Christmas, and New Year’s.
Ready for an unparalleled experience? The Beacon Hill Estate is waiting for you!
