- Girasol, a Caribbean estate owned by retired hedge funder Bruce Kovner, has sold.
- It had previously been listed for $67 million, though the final sale price is uknown.
- The buyer is an unnamed European businessman.
A lavish Caribbean estate with a private beach and coconut grove has sold after listing for $67 million.
Originally built by banker and businessman Benjamin de Rothschild, the so-called “Girasol” is set on more than seven acres of land on the Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy, or St. Barts.
Its most recent owner is former hedge fund manager Bruce Kovner, who bought the estate in 2005 and gave it a major makeover, adding in a new pool and deck. The property includes two villas that have a total of six bedrooms and two pools.
Christian Wattiau of Sibarth Real Estate had the listing, while Christie’s International Real Estate provided global marketing services. Though the final sale price was not disclosed, a Christie’s representative shared that the buyer is a European businessman who intends to use Girasol as a vacation home.
St. Barts was one of the Caribbean islands most impacted by Hurricane Irma, but Girasol's buildings weathered the storm.
"While there is still work to be done, the island will recover and is already recovering, as evidenced by this significant sale," Christie's Executive Director Rick Moeser said in a press release.
Let's take a tour of the incredible estate.
Girasol is set on seven acres of land on Marigot Beach in St. Barts and includes 175 yards of private beachfront. According to the listing, these waters are classified as a natural protected area.
The island setting is paradise.
A view from above shows its two mini mansions nestled in the middle of a green oasis that is home to nearly 600 different plant species.
The two villas are hidden behind a coconut grove.
The main villa has a modern feel to it. In the main room, Kovner's private collection of art lines the walls.
The main suite has a lounge area with deep sofas and armchairs.
Attached to the master bedroom is a marbled bathroom, which overlooks the lush greenery.
The three bedrooms in the main villa are connected to mini terraces decorated with plants and bordered by Japanese basins.
The villa also has its own private pool, which is 10 foot deep. Next to the pool is a fitness room with a cross trainer, bicycle, and treadmill.
The second villa, known as the Caribbean Villa, is a separate guest house that has three large bedrooms. The main lounge looks out onto the private pool through large open doors.
The pool has an uninterrupted view of the crystal waters and out across the bay towards Turtle Island.
The interior is made with exotic Brazilian wood.
Each of the three large bedrooms has an ensuite lava-stone bathroom.
"Whether entertaining guests or enjoying immediate family, the estate will serve as a haven for its new owners," Moeser said in a press release when the home was listed in March.
