Step Inside a Breathtaking Beachfront Retreat on the Shores of Sint Maarten

Nestled in the hills above Cole Bay, this 3,500-square-foot home is the ultimate escape for its owners, who spend nearly half the year living on the island of Sint Maarten. The team at Pure Salt Interiors was tasked with a full gut renovation to make this house a place where the homeowners could relax, adventure and gather with family. To do this they leaned into organic materials and the home's connection to its surroundings.

"We wanted it to feel as though it had always belonged to the island," says Leigh Lincoln, co-founder and principal designer of Pure Salt Interiors. "Every decision was made to create a home that feels rooted in its environment while offering a relaxed, luxurious retreat." Read on to take the full tour.

"First impressions matter," says Leigh. "We wanted the arrival to feel both striking and inviting." The oversized wood door and sidelight create a strong architectural statement while introducing many of the natural materials used throughout the home. "It hints at the warmth inside while framing the transition from the rugged island landscape into a calm, welcoming retreat."

"We wanted the interiors to feel quiet and restorative, allowing the incredible views to remain the focal point," Leigh explains. The living room is a prime example. By keeping the palette restrained, the sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea are the standout feature here.

There's no need for a ton of art on the walls when this is the view out the window. Soft white walls and upholstery blend seamlessly into the background. Leigh says this muted palette "reinforces the connection between the architecture and the surrounding landscape, making the home feel grounded in its setting rather than competing with it."

Keeping the color palette light and airy means the cozy elements have to come from textures and finishes. To make this living room feel welcoming and comfy, Leigh used a mix of organic materials, like warm-toned wood, soft linens and earthy stoneware. Plants also help create an inviting, nature-focused atmosphere — and they thrive in the light coming from the expansive window across the room.

Though hardwood floors would have paired well with the other natural materials in this space, the Pure Salt team had to come up with a type of flooring that could stand up to the climate. "We needed something durable and able to withstand the humidity, as well as something our client didn’t have to feel precious about when hosting family and friends. We landed on a porcelain tile made to mimic the look of a wide plank white oak floor," says Leigh. "With it installed throughout the home, it creates continuity while helping the interiors feel cool underfoot."

In a tropical locale, vaulted ceilings help air flow to keep temperatures comfortable. "Beyond the functional benefits, they also allow natural light to fill the spaces and emphasize the home's connection to the outdoors," Leigh says.

But that's not the only reason she chose to highlight the ceilings throughout the home. "The ceiling beams are one of our favorite architectural features because they tell the story of how the home was built," she explains. "In the Caribbean, homes typically don't have attics, so the structural framework is often visible rather than concealed above a ceiling. We embraced that by exposing the home's original structural beams, celebrating the craftsmanship instead of covering it up."

"Stone became one of the defining materials of the project, because it feels so authentic to the island," says Leigh. "We loved referencing the stone walls and roads found throughout Sint Maarten and carrying that texture into the architecture."

In addition to this stunning feature wall in the kitchen, the Pure Salt team utilized stone in the entry and exterior spaces as well. "It creates a sense of permanence, giving the home the character of an established island residence rather than a newly built house."

"The open shelving reinforces the relaxed, collected feeling we wanted throughout the home," Leigh explains. "It creates opportunities to display artwork, handmade ceramics and other curated decor along with useful, everyday pieces." Open shelving also helps play up the ceiling height. "It draws the eye upwards without the visual weight of upper cabinetry," says Leigh.

The palette of soft neutals and natural materials continues in the main bedroom, contributiong to a restful and refreshing retreat for the homeowners. Shiplap walls and beach-y landscape art add coastal flair.

"While we always prioritize soft, natural light during the day, it was equally important that the bedrooms provide a restful retreat," says Leigh. "Blackout window treatments allow the homeowners to comfortably sleep in despite the bright Caribbean mornings."

The muted aqua bed sheets pick up the color of the subway tile in the en suite bathroom. Both are reminiscent of the color of Caribbean waters for a dreamy nod to the locale.

Watery blue subway tiles cover the walls and shower in the primary bathroom. The tiles are laid in a herringbone pattern that echoes the angles of vaulted ceilings. Leigh opted for a curved mirror to contrast the sharp angles. "The mirrors add softness and sculptural interest to each bathroom. Introducing organic mirror shapes creates balance while giving each bathroom its own unique personality," she says.

On the home's terrace level, a fully stocked wet bar is easily accessible from the outdoor living areas. Though the ceiling isn't as tall here, Leigh repeated the open shelving for continuity. A peninsula with wishbone stools offers a place to relax with a drink when the family and guests need a break from the sun.

"Because outdoor living is such an integral part of everyday life on the island, we approached the outdoor kitchen as a true extension of the home rather than a secondary entertaining space," says Leigh. "It has everything needed to comfortably cook, dine and gather outdoors, including a grill and pizza oven, a refrigerator, ice machine, integrated sink and plenty of prep area. We wanted to make it as easy as possible for the family to enjoy the incredible climate without constantly moving between indoor and outdoor spaces."

The deck also features a chic fire pit to keep the outdoor enjoyment going even after the sun sets. A glass railing allows for uninterrupted water views — day and night.

In addition to the traditional outdoor dining table, a bar height counter along the edge of the deck offers a casual outdoor eating spot that feels like you're dining on the veranda of a luxury island hotel. Cheers to that!

"In a tropical environment like Sint Maarten, there are so many opportunities to let the landscape shape the design," says Leigh. Like the stone accents inside the home, the fountain wall by the pool references the stone-lined roads leading to the property. "The landscape features native plantings selected with local experts," she says.

"One of the biggest considerations was designing a home that could withstand the island's climate and hurricane conditions without compromising the warmth and beauty we wanted to create," says Leigh. "It challenged us to think differently about materials, construction and durability, while reinforcing the importance of partnering with an exceptional local team."

For the pool surround, Leigh opted for sandstone pavers, a natural stone with a textured finish, from Eco Outdoor. "For the fountain wall, we used Bokara Freeform natural stone. It's a warm-toned stone with organic variation and a split-face texture that creates the look of traditional hand-laid masonry," she says. "Together, these materials add warmth, texture and a sense of permanence, helping the outdoor spaces feel deeply connected to the island landscape."

"We love incorporating outdoor showers whenever the setting allows, because they make outdoor living feel even more effortless," says Leigh. "In this case, our clients specifically requested one because they frequently scuba dive and wanted a convenient place to rinse themselves and their gear when they returned home. It's one of those thoughtful details that supports their daily lifestyle while adding to the relaxed, resort-like feel of the home."

While the outdoor spaces are the main sources of entertainment in this home, a decked out game room on the terrace level allows for the the fun to continue even on rainy days. A wall of pinball machines and a shuffleboard table offer indoor spaces for guests to relax and play. "Our clients are avid pinball collectors, and these machines are a source of fun for the entire family," says Leigh. "This room encourages family and friends to come together, play and make memories, which is ultimately what the home is all about."

One of the most memorable aspects of the game room is the pool window. "The pool window was actually a first for both our builder and us, which made it a particularly fun collaboration," Leigh says. "As we were designing the game room, we realized the adjacent pool wall presented a unique opportunity to create something unexpected. Rather than leaving it as a blank wall, the underwater window became an architectural focal point that brings movement, light and a playful energy into the space. It's one of those details that surprises guests while creating a memorable experience for the family."

Unlike a vacation home that only gets visited a few times a year, these homeowners spend nearly six months on the island and needed a home office. A navy blue storage wall gives this work space depth and creates a comforting feel.

"The primary living spaces were intentionally kept light and airy to reflect the surrounding landscape and maximize the natural light," says Leigh. "In more intimate spaces like the office and bathrooms, we introduced richer tones to create contrast, depth and a sense of coziness." Navy blue subway tiles in this bathroom also contribute to the coastal feel.

Behind a paneled door is a petite laundry space. A stacked washer and dryer maximize floor space, but it's not just about function here. White oak cabients bring airy warmth while plaid tiled floors add a touch of whimsy.