Property Description
Pyramid Point, an architectural tour de force commanding a private peninsula on St. Croix. The main residence of this gated sanctuary is distinguished by a geometric and modular design with seven arresting pyramid structures, capping all seven rooms. Stark-white exteriors, elegantly enhanced by walls of glass, and seven pyramid-shaped spires, were inspired by the original owners' travels to Egypt, and define this visionary architectural design, as well the home's name. Inside, the result is six soaring pyramidal vaulted ceilings, built of African mahogany, that feature beautiful skylights at their peaks, which welcome in the sun and star-lit night skies. The exception being the entry atrium, with its pyramid constructed entirely of glass to invite even more natural light inside.Three private stand-alone bedroom en suite modules, again topped by pyramids, connect to the main living area, and pool deck through outdoor patios and walks.
The property offers three additional cottages for guests and extended family. The Reef House, the Beach House and the Tamarind House are ultimately private and offer a total of five additional bedroom suites, spacious living areas, kitchens and private patios overlooking the water.
The art of the home's architecture is perhaps best appreciated at night, fully illuminated from within the sliding walls of glass within the roof's pyramidal peaks,which are seemingly suspended above the water on top this four-and-one-half-acre private peninsula.
Rick Moeser, executive director of Christie's International Real Estate said: "Recently, Architectural Digest dedicated an entire coffee table album, Private Views, Inside the
World's Greatest Homes. The 30 estates chosen were those owned by design icons such as Ralph Lauren, David Bowie, Catherine the Great and Georgio Armani. Pyramid House was also included in this select group."
The 5,000-square-foot main residence, and its three additional cottages (adding another 5,000-square feet), were conceived and completed in 1989 by its former owners, Donald C. Smith and his wife, Carol A. Groh. Mr. Smith, then the chairman of the global architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, was responsible for some of the world's most environmentally advanced buildings and significant public spaces,and Ms. Groh was an acclaimed designer of commercial interiors. The current owners purchased the home in 2007.
The architectural theme begins at the stone front gate, topped with a white pyramid frame. Proceeding down the palm-lined and landscaped gravel drive, the ocean vista remains partially hidden from view while walking up the granite walkway passing a grand cylindrical stone structure, reminiscent of the sugar mills that once sustained the island economy, and the cottages on the estate grounds. Finally, only upon stepping into the landscaped atrium entry are the crystal ocean waters on dramatic view beyond the glass walls of the living room.
Minimalist interiors perfectly harmonize with its Caribbean island backdrop by allowing nature to lead the design. Sea foam marble floors throughout, imported from China, mirror the ocean's color. White walls are warmed by wood ceilings. The living and dining rooms are surrounded on three sides by sliding walls of glass inviting in the ocean views and sea breezes. An elegant dining table, a marble slab with a lighted glass inset, perched on another block of marble, was designed by Ms. Groh, as are other of the home's bespoke appointments, which are included in the sale.
Outside an oasis of serenity awaits with covered terraces off the living room and three bedrooms overlooking the pool, another terrace off the dining room for al fresco entertaining, grassy expanses, native plantings, swaying palm trees (some connected by hammocks), and the green-tiled circular pool surrounded byon a deck of silver-white granite from Sicily.
Shoy's Beach, arguably the island's most beautiful, is directly accessed from the property just steps away. The tip of the point is encircled by a fabulous snorkeling reef with all manner of sea life. There is ample land to build tennis courts or additional building(s).
The night views of the twinkling lights of historic town of Christiansted and the more distant landfall are enchanting. There are two additional stone sugar mill buildings on the property, complimenting the one at the entry. Two are used for equipment storage and one as a beach changing room with facilities. Golf, tennis and fine dining are nearly in the adjacent Buccaneer Resort. Yacht owners can moor their vessels at neighboring Green Cay Marina.