Bequia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines
The Caribbean's Most Iconic Historic Estate
Welcome
Perched atop the serene hills of Mount Pleasant, The Old Fort Estate is where history, luxury, and exclusivity converge. Built with cobblestone walls and exposed wooden beams, styled with a Franco-Mediterranean flair, this remarkable estate blends historic charm with contemporary comfort.
The property comprises two distinct residences — The Old Fort, a grand historic estate house with six elegant suites, and The Sugar House, an enchanting two-bedroom retreat set within sugar mill ruins believed to be among the oldest, if not the oldest, in the Caribbean. Each can be rented separately or together for complete privacy.
Set within sprawling tropical gardens, the estate commands panoramic views of the Grenadine archipelago, golden meadows leading to the Atlantic, and ever-changing skies that inspire wonder.
The Properties
Both properties sit within the same private estate and can be rented independently or together for up to eight bedrooms and complete exclusivity.
The Old Fort
Built entirely of stone — a feature unmatched by any other villa on the island — and finished with hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, and fine woodwork, The Old Fort is as solid in construction as it is rich in character. Generous living spaces open onto breezy terraces, tropical gardens, and an infinity pool overlooking the Grenadines.
Highlights
Sleeping
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The Sugar House
Expertly designed by Mustique-based architect Thomas Dehen, The Sugar House is set within sugar mill ruins believed to be among the oldest, if not the oldest, in the Caribbean. This two-bedroom retreat features a dramatic circular thatched roof, curved stone walls, and an open-air design powered by solar panels for a carbon-neutral stay.
Highlights
Sleeping
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Rates & Availability
All rates are per night in US Dollars. A 30% deposit is required to confirm your booking, with the balance due 30 days prior to arrival (60 days for Peak Season).
6 Bedrooms · Up to 12 Guests + 4 Extra
| Period | Min. Stay | Per Night |
|---|---|---|
| 1 May – 30 Nov 2026 Summer | 5 nights | US$ 1,214 |
| 1 Dec – 19 Dec 2026 Winter | 5 nights | US$ 1,500 |
| 20 Dec 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 Peak | 10 nights | US$ 2,000 |
| 8 Jan – 30 Apr 2027 Winter | 5 nights | US$ 1,500 |
2 Bedrooms · Up to 4 Guests + 2 Extra
| Period | Min. Stay | Per Night |
|---|---|---|
| 1 May – 30 Nov 2026 Summer | 7 nights | US$ 405 |
| 1 Dec – 19 Dec 2026 Winter | 7 nights | US$ 500 |
| 20 Dec 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 Peak | 13 nights | US$ 667 |
| 7 Jan – 30 Apr 2027 Winter | 7 nights | US$ 500 |
Both Properties · Up to 16 Guests
Reserve both properties together for exclusive use — ideal for larger groups, family gatherings, or private celebrations. Combined nightly rates:
Summer
US$ 1,619/night
Winter
US$ 2,000/night
Peak Season
US$ 2,667/night · 13-night min
Extended Stay
10% Off 2+ Weeks
Year-round, excl. Peak Season.
Summer Season
Best Value Rates
Save up to 45% vs Peak. May–Oct.
Powerboat Charter
15% Off 36-Ft Charter
Book 1+ week. Mustique, Tobago Cays & beyond.
Availability
Select a property below to view live availability. Shaded dates are already booked. All rates shown exclude security deposit.
Photography
Our Story
On Christmas Eve 1978, Sonja and Otmar Schaedle sailed into Admiralty Bay and discovered a secluded spot above the sea. A 1763 map and local stories confirmed the site's agricultural heritage.
Using local materials and craftsmen, the Schaedles carefully rebuilt the site while preserving its historical character. By 1986, the property had transformed into The Old Fort Estate. Since 2005, their son has carried on the legacy — including the addition of The Sugar House, designed by Mustique architect Thomas Dehen within the original sugar mill foundations.
Amenities
Every detail has been considered to ensure your stay is as comfortable as it is memorable.
History
Bequia's agricultural history stretches back centuries — while the British established formal control in 1763, there is evidence of estates on the island as early as the 1600s. Estates like Mount Pleasant played a central role in the island's early economy.
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The Island
Bequia (pronounced Beck-way) is the largest of the Grenadine islands, sitting just 9 miles south of St. Vincent. At only 7 square miles, it is intimate enough to feel like your own private island, yet rich enough in character, culture, and beauty to fill weeks of exploration.
Unlike the resort-heavy islands of the Caribbean, Bequia has kept its development deliberately small-scale and authentic. No large hotels, no cruise ship crowds — just a community of seafarers, artists, and people who fell so deeply in love with the island that they never left. It has been celebrated by the New York Times, Financial Times, Vogue UK, Forbes, and CNN Travel as one of the Caribbean's finest hidden gems.
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Getting Here
The journey is part of the adventure. Our team meets you on arrival and transfers you directly to the Estate.
Fly to Barbados (BGI), then a 35–45 min shuttle with Mustique Airways or SVG Air to Bequia Airport. We provide complimentary transfers to the Estate (~10 min).
Fly to Argyle International Airport (SVD), taxi 30 min to Kingstown ferry terminal, then enjoy the scenic 1-hour ferry to Port Elizabeth. We meet you at the dock.
For late arrivals or groups, we arrange direct private transfers from St. Vincent to Bequia via Grenadines Dream Tours — flexible, fast, and spectacular.
As Featured In
Recognition
Since the early 1990s, The Old Fort Estate has been consistently celebrated by the world's most authoritative travel and lifestyle publications — named among the Caribbean's finest and most unique retreats for over three decades.
"One of the most enchanting places in the world."
Washington International, 1995
"Transformed into the kind of property you never want to leave."
Condé Nast Traveller, 2013
"Located near the top of the island, where the sea looks like a great blue sword."
Condé Nast Traveller, 2018
"The most romantic spot on Bequia."
Frommer's, 2010
"Dramatic hilltop perch with expansive views… The Top Tower Room could be the most romantic on the islands."
Gourmet Magazine, 2005
"Have your breath taken away!"
The Guardian, 2007
"An institution!"
Harper's Bazaar, 2007
"Sweeping views down onto the endless blue sea beyond."
Mr. Porter, 2017
"One of the top ten finds in the Caribbean."
Outside Magazine, 1997
"One of The Top Ten in The Caribbean."
Travel & Leisure, 1996
"Brimming with character!"
Brides, 2009
"One of the 101 best."
Tatler Abercrombie & Kent, 1999
"Notre coup de coeur." (Our favourite.)
Terre de Charme, 1999
"A 10 for romance."
Conference & Travel, 2001
"The most romantic spot on the most romantic island."
"The most romantic spot on the most romantic island."
Travel Magazine, 1991
Newsweek
October 2014
Condé Nast Traveller
September 2013
Tatler — Abercrombie & Kent
1999
Video
Get in Touch
We are here to help you plan your perfect Bequia getaway. Reach out for reservations, travel planning, or any general enquiries.
Location
Mount Pleasant, Bequia
St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Eastern Caribbean
Also Listed On
The Old Fort — Real Grenadines The Sugar House — Real Grenadines
