Caribbean idyll: Tortola, $2.5 million (£1.59 million) (pictured above) This traditional Caribbean house is positioned to take advantage of the magnificent westerly and northerly views of the islands of St John and Jost Van Dyke. The open-plan layout makes the most of sea breezes and expansive terraces offer lots of outside entertaining options.
Coral Hill House, Smuggler’s Cove Beach 3 bedrooms, studio, infinity pool Savills (020–7016 3740)
Extraordinary views: Tortola, $7.775 million (£4.96 million) Sitting on Long Bay’s hilltop, overlooking one of the island’s most famous beaches, Celestial House has a wraparound verandah and an infinity-edge swimming pool. It’s a 15-minute drive from the West End Ferry Dock for passage to other islands and the international airport.
Celestial House, Long Bay 5 bedrooms, pool, Jacuzzi BVI Sotheby’s International Realty (00 1 284 494 5700)
Contemporary Caribbean: Grand Cayman, $1.89 million (£1.2 million) This modern development stretches from George Town harbour to Seven Mile beach and so is within walking distance of the action but is close to the beach. The apartment has professional appliances, an infinity- edge pool and parking.
Oceana Villas, George Town Savills (020–7016 3740)
Contemporary Caribbean: Barbados, $3.995 million (£2.55 million) This 8,000sq ft villa overlooks the fairway at Royal Westmoreland. It’s almost entirely surrounded by a sun deck and has an entertainment room, gym, study and koi pond.
Sundeck, Westmoreland Chestertons International (020–3040 8210)
Contemporary Caribbean: St Barths, €4.95 million This brand-new, three-bedroom villa is perched on a hillside. The beach below is just a short stroll away, although the currents are too strong for swimming.
Villa Wide View, Toiny St Barth Properties (00 1 508 570 4481)
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‘Its loss became a cautionary tale, and a rallying cry for architectural conservation’: The rise and fall and renewed interest in Ireland’s remarkable country housesLesley Bond traces a brief history of Ireland’s country houses and questions whether you can ever separate the house from the history it represents.
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Alan Titchmarsh: 'I am so weary of seeing Lutyens-style benches and chairs absolutely everywhere'A strategically placed chair doubles as a focal point and a spot to rest — but we need to move on from Lutyens-style ones says our regular garden columnist.
