Estate Belvedere's classic beauty remains fresh following an extensive two-year renovation, to fuse old world charm with contemporary amenities. Attention to detail has been given to every facet of the estate, while preserving the historical aspects of the original construction.
The focal point of this Estate is the sugar mill dating back to 1763, a place where sugar cane was purified into valued sugar and the molasses into Cruzan rum; other ruins of the aged plantation still beautify this captivating island Estate. Thorough historical investigation was undertaken by the current proprietors in both St. Croix and Danish annals, and after various years of painstaking and affectionate renovation, Estate Belvedere is now accepting vacationers fortuitous enough to revel in its uncommon past, astonishing landscaping on vast acreage, and its marvelous interiors.
The passage into the mill leads to an art gallery in the round, done with the ancient Danish brick floor, exhibiting the proprietors' assemblage of Caribbean art and historical memorabilia. A powder room with a hand-painted tropical mural is off to the side. Constructed to complement the arch of the sugar mill are the living area, gourmet kitchen and home office area, which are accessed through French doors onto an extensive terrace overlooking the sea, complete with cushioned furniture.
A covered pavilion is adjacent to the kitchen on this terrace, with a convenient pass-through bar to the kitchen for effortless serving, offering a sheltered, refreshing area for alfresco dining. Three bedroom suites on two levels of the mill afford opulent seclusion. Outside, a staircase curls up and around the sugar mill to its peak and to dazzling long-distance panoramas in every direction. A hand painted mural maps the islands you see in the distance from this lofty point of view.
On one side of the Estate are ancient plantation ruins where brilliant bougainvillea now blossom; a portion of this area has been converted into an enchanting patio where refreshing trade-winds abound. Estate Belvedere's vast and exquisitely-preserved ruins contain a classic Caribbean welcoming arms staircase and elegant arches framing the lavish gardens, allowing a captivating view of durable Danish stonework constructed more than 200 years ago.
Entered via one of the aged stone staircases is the Tower Building, a contemporary two-story pavilion with two very expansive, air-conditioned bedroom/bath suites. These colourful and fully equipped suites are ideal for family privacy, and further embellish the child-friendly essence of the Estate.
Immediately beyond is the Garden Cottage, constructed as a brand-new extension of the ruins; its entry patio assimilates portions of the ancient stone rubble walls. Walkways join the buildings and the ruins, rambling under soaring, shadowy trees, passing fruit trees and remarkable tropical gardens fenced by dignified wrought iron, boasting bursts of colorful flowers and exotic plants, and through green manicured lawns.
The Pool House and the ample swimming pool are located beyond the sugar mill and Tower Building; the pool area and surrounding lawn are lined by trees and shrubbery for complete privacy. Estate Belvedere is a treasure, and a valuable bookmark in St. Croix's rich past. Every modern convenience and comfort is here, the decor is today's classic Caribbean, but the spirit of early island days prevails. A perfect place for families or for building more memories with close friends, time spent within this elegant Estate will be relished and remembered by all fortunate enough to find this very special property.
Location
Distance to Beach: 5 minutes to Cane Bay Beach
Distance to Town: 26 minutes to Christiansted
Distance to Airport: 18 minutes to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX)
