TORY BURCH’S CHIC CARIBBEAN RETREAT
Tory Burch is pretty high on the list of women who I’m deeply inspired by. I am fascinated by people who create eponymous lifestyle empires, and Tory has certainly done that incredibly well. Although I was always aware of the Tory Burch fashion label, it was only through my admiration of another great woman, Bunny Mellon, that I really came to know and love Tory.
Bunny Mellon was a famous gardener and philanthropist who married into one of the wealthiest families in America. When she died in 2014 at the age of 103, she left behind a legacy of taste and style that is still admired today. It seems that one of her fans is Tory Burch, who purchased Bunny’s former estate on the island of Antiqua in the Caribbean (pictured above)
Bunny built this home on Antigua with the help of architect H.Page Cross - he also built her NYC townhouse, an elegantly imposing vertical mansion stuccoed in pristine white which made the home look like a very chic wedding cake. For the Antigua home, Mellon and Cross created a residence that was open on all sides to the heavenly views.
Mrs Mellon had a very particular style when it came to decorating. Although she was a billionaire, her homes were a tapestry of understated elegance and old-money chic.
Tory, another billionaire, called on Daniel Romualdez to help her restore the Antigua property after 20 years of it being uninhabited. The result is a haven of taste which perfectly respects its former resident without being a carbon copy. Tory has kept much of the original layout designed by Cross, only slightly altering some of the rooms to accommodate modern living.
Tory on the terrace overlooking Half-Moon Bay
Bunny Mellon standing on the same terrace
The living room, which is open on all sides has ‘Bunny’ touches throughout - from the potted Myrtle topiary to the Gustavian furniture and antiques.
The library with exquisite painted floors.
This picture, from the real estate listing, shows the library as it was in the time of Mrs Mellon. You can see that room leads out onto a terrace.
The bedroom has a charming bed that was inspired by the one Bunny Mellon had in this exact room.
The same room and bed, different view.
The pool is surrounded by gardens that were restored by Miranda Brooks
Relaxed planting provides an oasis of calm.
Bunny and Givenchy relaxing with some tea
Tory in one of the properties many structures. The whole place just evokes calm and tranquility.