PAGET PARISH, BERMUDA – Chelston, a historic and amenity-rich private compound on Bermuda’s Grape Bay Beach, is now being exclusively marketed by Christie’s International Real Estate, the world’s leading luxury real estate network. Offered at U.S. $45 million by Christie’s International Real Estate affiliate Sinclair Realty Limited, the 14-acre compound boasts an impressive setting in immediate reach of Grape Bay’s acclaimed pink sands and Atlantic waters. The beachfront estate, fusing classic island elegance and modern designs, is also situated minutes from the bustling streets of Hamilton.
A long, finely paved entrance trail—complemented on both sides by lush landscaping—leads uphill where the estate’s splendor is revealed. Past a gated entry, the grandly proportioned, pastel-colored property is visually propelled by its bright blue ocean backdrop. Offering 17,000 square feet of interior space, including a 10,000-square-foot main house and five cottages, the estate is accentuated by acres of sweeping lawns and gardens.
Cherished throughout the Bermuda community, Chelston was originally designed and constructed between 1939 and 1941 for Carbon Petroleum Dubbs—an innovator in the process that refines crude oil. In 1964, the property was passed on to the United States government and for more than 30 years, served as the official Bermuda residence of the United States Consul General. Due to its distinguished reputation, the estate has been visited by a lengthy list of notable individuals, both of the political and entertainment realms. Guests have included President George Bush, former Senator John Kerry, General Colin Powell, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, actor Michael Douglas, and model/actress Brooke Shields.
With a noted history, Chelston’s modern-day offerings are the result of a carefully orchestrated, three-year renovation process that was led by renowned architects, builders and craftsmen. Positioned 200 feet above sea level, the main home presents understated elegance and traditional Bermuda design elements. The spacious three-level structure offers high, “Bermuda Tray” ceilings, French doors, a salt-water aquarium with a living coral reef, and floor-to-ceiling windows that carry the exterior’s island atmosphere indoors. Intricate accents that hallmark the estate include decorative artisan tiles, Bermuda stone walls, glass-framed entrances, and hand-painted wallpaper—a true rarity on the island. The home’s lower level is notable for its well-equipped cinema, family room and gym, as well as a two-bedroom manager’s suite.
Additional accommodations within the compound—boasting a total of 15 bedrooms and 19 full baths—include four, multi-room guest cottages and a pool house. Outside, a charming flower-draped porch, complete with a Chinese-stone fireplace, provides a prime location for absorbing the serenity of Chelston’s zero-edge pool, and just past it, the sands and shores of Grape Bay Beach.
“Chelston is notable not only because of its enticing history, but also its luxurious modern comforts and exclusivity,” said Kathleen Coumou, Senior Vice President, Northeast Regional Manger of Christie’s International Real Estate. “With 14 acres of premium solitude, the property is an incomparable North Atlantic gem.”
“The compound is truly rare—from its meticulously detailed interiors, to its immediate access to Grape Bay Beach’s pink sands,” said John Sinclair, the listing agent with Christie’s International Real Estate’s exclusive affiliate, Sinclair Realty Limited. “This amazing residence radiates with culture and elegance and is surely among the most significant estates in the world.”
In addition to Chelston’s acres of manicured grounds and gardens, other noteworthy amenities include a croquet lawn and a small, beachfront pavilion known as “Obsipo,” which offers a wood burning pizza oven and recreation space for seaside entertaining.
