Bequia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines
The Caribbean's Most Iconic Historic Estate
Welcome
Perched atop a waterfront estate on the serene hills of Mount Pleasant, The Old Fort Estate is where history, luxury, and exclusivity converge. Overlooking both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and built with cobblestone walls and exposed wooden beams styled with a Franco-Mediterranean flair, this remarkable estate blends historic charm with contemporary comfort. It 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 in the Caribbean.
Set within sprawling tropical gardens, the estate commands panoramic views across the islands of the Grenadines, golden meadows leading to the Atlantic, and ever-changing skies that inspire wonder. While wonderfully private, a comfortable ten-minute drive takes you to the island's main town and its finest beaches and activities — the best of both worlds.
The Properties
Each residence offers complete privacy and exclusive use of its own grounds, so whether you book The Old Fort or The Sugar House, the experience is entirely your own. Both sit within five acres of beautifully maintained estate, and may also be reserved together for larger gatherings. Set amid tropical gardens with sweeping ocean views, each home blends centuries of history with every modern comfort.
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
Rising from the stone ruins of a historic sugar mill, The Sugar House is one of the most distinctive retreats in the Grenadines. A dramatic circular thatched roof crowns curved stone walls, while an open-air design and solar power create a serene, carbon-neutral sanctuary where history and nature meet. Inside, two king four-poster suites, an open-plan living space, and a circular open-air pebble shower complete the experience — a singular vision brought to life by Mustique-based architect Thomas Dehen.
Highlights
Sleeping
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Shared Amenity
The large infinity pool is set apart from the main residences in its own peaceful garden setting, creating a private and relaxing atmosphere. The spacious pool area includes a shallow children's section, a waterfall, a natural pebble grotto, shared seating areas, and two gazebos.
When The Old Fort and The Sugar House are booked separately, the pool may be shared by guests of both residences. When both properties are reserved together as The Old Fort Estate, the entire pool area is exclusively available to that booking.
Rates & Availability
Every booking — whether one residence or both — is entirely exclusive and private. The two properties sit within five acres of beautifully kept grounds, offering an abundance of space, peace, and comfort. The wider estate extends across 28 acres in total, stretching down to the ocean with nature trails leading to the cliffs and beaches below. All rates are per night in US Dollars.
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 |
The Old Fort & The Sugar House · Up to 16 + 6
| Period | Min. Stay | Per Night |
|---|---|---|
| 1 May – 30 Nov 2026 Summer | 5 nights | US$ 1,619 |
| 1 Dec – 19 Dec 2026 Winter | 5 nights | US$ 2,000 |
| 20 Dec 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 Peak | 13 nights | US$ 2,667 |
| 8 Jan – 30 Apr 2027 Winter | 5 nights | US$ 2,000 |
Special Offers
Available when booked directly through our website.
Extended Stay
10% Off for Stays of 2 Weeks or More
Enjoy a 10% discount on any stay of fourteen nights or longer, year-round (excluding Peak Season).
Summer Season
Our Best-Value Rates of the Year
Summer (May–November) offers our most affordable rates — savings of up to 40% compared with Peak Season.
Powerboat Charter
15% Off a Private 36-ft Powerboat
Book a stay of two weeks or more and enjoy 15% off a private powerboat charter to Mustique, the Tobago Cays & beyond.
Deposit & Payment
A 30% deposit is required to confirm any booking, with the balance due 30 days prior to arrival (60 days for Peak Season bookings).
Availability
Select a property below to view live availability. Shaded dates are already booked.
Photography
Our Story
— or rather, the second time around
When Sonja and Otmar Schaedle sailed into Admiralty Bay on Christmas Eve 1978, what they found on the hilltop was little more than derelict, abandoned walls and scattered stones — the remains of a once-grand estate that had stood here two or three centuries before. A 1763 map and local accounts confirmed the site's long agricultural heritage. We later came to believe that the powerful earthquakes around the turn of the 19th century may have caused the destruction that led to its abandonment, though the full story remains a mystery.
Captivated, the Schaedles set about bringing the ruins back to life. Using local materials and craftsmen, they carefully rebuilt the estate while preserving its historic character, and by 1986 The Old Fort Estate had been reborn. Since 2005 their eldest son has carried the legacy forward — continually restoring and enhancing the estate, and adding The Sugar House within the original sugar mill ruins.
Amenities
Every detail has been considered to ensure your stay is as comfortable as it is memorable.
History
Bequia's history stretches back centuries. Before the British took control under the Treaty of Paris in 1763, the island was governed by the French — and we believe this estate was first built by the French, then later taken over or acquired by the English. Estates like Mount Pleasant played a central role in the island's early economy.
Discover
At a Glance
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 — just a community of seafarers, artists, and people who fell so deeply in love with the island that they never left. It is regularly celebrated among the Caribbean's finest hidden gems, a place where time slows and the warmth of the islands is felt at every turn.
Explore
Beyond your doorstep, we can arrange a full range of experiences — private powerboat trips, diving, sailing, and guided hiking & eco-tours. Among our guests' favourite excursions are day trips to the world-famous Tobago Cays to snorkel with turtles, glamorous Mustique, and the secluded beaches and reefs scattered across the southern Grenadines. Just ask, and we'll tailor the perfect itinerary.
Getting Here
Reaching Bequia is part of the adventure, and we're glad to help arrange every step of the way.
Fly into Argyle International Airport (SVD) on St. Vincent, then continue to Bequia by the scenic fast ferry or by our own private powerboat in just 15–30 minutes. The speedboat can be booked anytime — not only for late arrivals.
St. Vincent is served by direct and connecting flights from New York, Atlanta and beyond, with carriers including JetBlue and Virgin. Barbados (BGI) is the main Caribbean gateway, and St. Lucia, Grenada and Trinidad also offer convenient flights on to St. Vincent.
For comfort and flexibility, we can arrange a direct private powerboat from St. Vincent to Bequia at any time — a fast and spectacular way to arrive.
As Featured In
Recognition
A few of our many reviews and international recognitions. 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, West Indies (Caribbean)
Also Listed On
The Old Fort — Real Grenadines The Sugar House — Real Grenadines
