Mon | Jan 5, 2026

Dream House | A private Sandy Bay waterfront sanctuary

Published:Sunday | January 4, 2026 | 12:07 AMBarry Rattray - Contributor
All bathrooms are air-conditioned. This one showcases the walk-in, indoor-outdoor open-air rain showers.
All bathrooms are air-conditioned. This one showcases the walk-in, indoor-outdoor open-air rain showers.
The dramatic front entrance leads to an open-air courtyard with astounding seaviews.
The dramatic front entrance leads to an open-air courtyard with astounding seaviews.
Multi-sided bedrooms that bring the enticing outdoors in.
Multi-sided bedrooms that bring the enticing outdoors in.
Outdoor dining areas appear sea-based.
Outdoor dining areas appear sea-based.
No words can aptly describe the feeling of being in this living room.
No words can aptly describe the feeling of being in this living room.
Many describe this home as “to die for”. We see why.
Many describe this home as “to die for”. We see why.
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This Dream House is quite mindful of the fact that its very private, concealed (until now) waterfront address in a small island developing state like ours is increasingly vulnerable to the horrific consequences of climate change. The Sandy Bay, Hanover home, recently escaped the ravages of the “storm of the century”, so described by the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization.

The single-level, angular-walled home also recognises that those housed within its enticing walls live a lifestyle that many across the globe can only dream of. This, my friends, is architectural romance, filled with warm, intimate spaces that evoke memorable, happy emotions and are inescapably compatible with an astounding marine backdrop.

Its multiple pyramidal rooflines in wood shingles (with an open-air entrance courtyard at the front) extend over 4,000 square feet of interior space on two acres. This includes: a front porch, living, dining and media room (with a wet bar). All open spectacularly via French doors, directly onto the freeform heated, zero-entry seawater, infinity swimming pool (with its oval-shaped hot tub) at their doorstep. Alongside is outdoor open-air dining, a thatched gazebo, and 300 feet of beach in full view.

There are four bedrooms, one in its very own octagonal-shaped cottage, and the principal merits its own distinct sitting room. All their connecting bathrooms are equipped with air conditioning, featuring soaking tubs, walk-in, indoor-outdoor open-air rain showers, double sink vanities, and compartmented toilets.

We are impressed by the two separate kitchens, the island-style main one, and the other for staff. A grand verandah with an automated screen enclosure allows for entertaining.

The atmosphere further seduces with a constant invigorating sea breeze and sea views from every angle. Colours induce calm with hues of blues and greens. The property is opportunely sandwiched between a remarkable pond and the shoreline, with the golf course fairways in its midst.

As it looks to the future, this Dream House and its occupants are determined to weather the storms of life (in all its forms) that may venture their way. Happy New Year to one and all!

Barry Rattray is a dream house designer and builder. Email feedback to barryrattray1@hotmail.com and lifestyle@gleanerjm.com.