Carlea House

Carlea House is a beautifully renovated four-bedroom home on Chelsea Place in the prestigious Lyford Cay community. The 5,214 sq ft home sits on 0.55 acres.

Built by E.P Taylor and designed by John Volk, it was home to the original manager of the Lyford Cay Club. Although the home underwent a complete modern and custom renovation in 2019, the original front wall façade and the classic Lyford Cay roof lines preserve the charm.

At the front of the house, one is greeted by six Hong Kong orchid trees spaced along the street easement area. Many of the palm trees were original to the property and preserved during the built period then re-planted to maximize the new layout. The mature and extensive landscaping includes the original rubber trees flanking the east and west boundary and over 100 palm trees providing an oasis of privacy in the rear of the property and a sense of belonging from the street.

As you enter the grand mahogany door, you are invited into the foyer, illuminated by the glass pearl chandelier. One steps into the living room flooded with natural light, and looks out onto the pool. Complete with a handcrafted stone mantel fireplace flanked by floor-to-ceiling built-in custom shelving and a stunning millwork bar, it is the perfect space to entertain. When fully open, the large solid walnut stacking panel doors allow for guests to enjoy a seamless indoor-outdoor feel. To your right, the living room flows into the kitchen and dining space, also with a beautiful view of the pool area and the same seamless indoor-outdoor feel offered by the stacking doors. The dining table leads out onto an outdoor seating area, perfect for a cocktail before dinner.

The kitchen has modern Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Miele appliances and a hidden pantry that blends into the clean aesthetic. The space is adorned with hanging designer lights from a vaulted beamed ceiling that creates a high-end beach house feel. The classic black-on-white with walnut features is timeless and sleek. Off the kitchen one finds an entryway from the garage that presents a built-in cubby for the organization of outdoor clothing. One can then move into the family room adorned with an oversized sofa facing a 75-inch television that pulses surround sound for a cinema-like atmosphere.

The four bedrooms are adorned with king-size beds and walk-in closets for comfort and ease. With the remote-controlled blinds, darkness, and peaceful sleep is only one click away. Ensuite bathrooms provide privacy for each bedroom, containing large showers and vanities. The more spacious luxury of the master bedroom and bathroom allow for a couple to relax and prepare together but with space of their own and sliding pocket doors that open onto the pool area.

Carlea House has been designed with the outdoors in mind. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors off the great room, kitchen, family room, and master bedroom, allow for the outside to become one with the inside. Once unlocked, the doors easily slide into a pocket in the wall, creating an entirely open space that brings the beauty of the highly landscaped pool area into the comfort of the home. The 51-foot-long pool invites exercise, lounging, or a host of guests, to be entertained. The shallow water lounging area allows guests to bathe in the Bahamian sun while staying cool. When not in the pool, the various seating areas invite sunbathing, chatting with friends, or having a lovely meal at the outdoor table that sits 10 comfortably, while taking in the abundance of plants and torches that light up the space in the evening.

A game of soccer can be enjoyed on the soccer pitch covered with artificial turf. Or, a fun game of bocce ball can be had on the bocce court right beside the pool.

Also by the pool, you will find a cottage with a half bathroom and built-in bar. The cottage works perfectly as a little hangout spot, or study, or can double as another bedroom. Just by the cottage is an outdoor shower for the enjoyment of any guests.

The home is completed to current Bahamian building and hurricane codes along with modern custom design features. All exterior windows and doors are hurricane impact rated, including the bespoke pocketing multi-glide stacking glass doors. The roof structure is built from treated timbers imported from Canada and designed in excess of hurricane codes which allows unobstructed spans to provide the living space below to have vaulted ceiling throughout, protected by a treated cedar shingle and lightning protection system. A full specification sheet is available to all buyers so they can see every element and detail of this perfectly crafted home.

As a historic home that has kept its charm within the modernization of this day and age, Carlea House is the perfect home for a young family to grow into or an older, retired couple to move about with ease. The peacefulness it exudes is the perfect match for the laid-back lifestyle of The Bahamas.

Lyford Cay is home to the renowned Lyford Cay Club, which features beautiful beaches, a golf course, a marina, tennis courts, a pool, a fitness center, a beauty salon, restaurants, and hotel facilities.