Each winter, especially around the holidays, the tiny Caribbean island of St. Barthélemy fills with wealthy sun-seekers that include a slew of celebrities, an army of business and media tycoons, and an international array of aristocrats and jetsetters. And, as St. Barts welcomes its usual onslaught of seasonal visitors, a hilltop compound known as Le Manoir Voltaire, which commands views of Marigot Bay, has come available for purchase for approximately $42.5 million. 

The hillside property is arranged as two independent villas that can operate independently or as one estate offering the ultimate in privacy and comfort for homeowners and their guests and staff. Each residence has a private entrance and dedicated parking, a layout that works well during peak season, when guests and staff tend to come and go on staggered schedules. The two residences, one right above the other, are connected by an internal staircase. The upper residence is also accessible via a private elevator.

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A koi pond with a cascading waterfall sits at the interior landing. Not just a striking focal point, it functions as a transitional space, breaking up the scale of the home and softening the movement between the two levels. Altogether, the estate offers nine bedrooms. Seven are full suites, while the remaining rooms are configured with bunk beds intended for children and staff. 

The setup reflects how homes on the island are often used during the holidays, accommodating the large groups and extended stays that are common during that season. Despite the capacity to sleep more than 20 people, the configuration of the two units is cleverly designed to keep traffic dispersed, allowing the house to accommodate a full roster of guests without feeling congested.

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The breezy interior spaces lean toward classic French Caribbean design, avoiding trend-driven materials and finishes in favor of a more established and timeless look. Living and dining areas open directly onto spacious terraces and shaded lounges, with views extending to the horizon over the Caribbean Sea. Multiple pools and gardens are arranged throughout the property, forming a connected series of intimate spaces instead of a single, central gathering area. 

In a marketplace where trophy homes often change hands quickly and quietly, many never even being listed on the open market, Le Manoir Voltaire represents a rare, versatile opportunity. It is ideally suited for long-term investors seeking significant income potential or for discerning owners who return to St. Barts annually with a large entourage of friends and family, functioning beautifully as a luxurious, welcoming retreat during the peak December season and throughout the tranquil off-season months.

Click here to see more photos of the St. Barts compound.