Elegant Historic Villa Private Pool, Walk to Town and Beach

Overview & Photos

Perched on a hilltop overlooking historic Governor’s Harbour and the sea, Buena Vista feels less like a vacation home and more like a timeless island estate with a story to tell. Originally the residence of the Bahamian Governor when Eleuthera served as the seat of Parliament, this landmark home blends colonial-era elegance with relaxed Caribbean luxury.

As you arrive, the home immediately commands attention from its hilltop setting, where sweeping 360-degree views stretch from the calm turquoise Caribbean waters to the deep blue Atlantic beyond. Mature palms sway around the property, and the wraparound verandas invite you to slow down.

The grounds feel entirely private and designed for island living. The pool area is surrounded by lush landscaping, shaded seating, and lounge areas that make it easy to spend entire afternoons outdoors.

Despite its peaceful and private setting, Buena Vista is only a short stroll from the heart of Governor’s Harbour — close to restaurants, shops, and the famous Friday Night Fish Fry. French Leave Beach, a mile-long crescent of pink sand that has been ranked among the top beaches in the world, is a 8-minute walk down the hill.  Buena Vista also comes with a golf cart for easy access to the beach.

Buena Vista offers the rare combination of privacy, history, walkability, and unforgettable views, all wrapped into one extraordinary Eleuthera home.

Stepping inside Buena Vista, you’re welcomed into a bright and airy main living space that balances historic charm with modern comfort. High ceilings, elegant furnishings, and abundant natural light create an atmosphere that feels both refined and completely relaxed. The living room is designed for gathering after long beach days, with comfortable seating, a smart TV, and views that constantly pull your attention outdoors.

Just beyond the living area, the dining room offers a more formal setting, centered around a large table with seating for eight. It’s the kind of room made for slow island dinners, morning coffee with ocean breezes drifting through the windows, or cocktails before sunset.

The kitchen is surprisingly expansive and modern for a historic home, thoughtfully updated with contemporary appliances while preserving the warm character of the property. A large eight-foot island anchors the space, making it ideal for entertaining, cooking with family, or gathering while meals are prepared. Just off the kitchen, a screened-in outdoor lounge creates another peaceful space to relax, dine, or escape the afternoon sun with a book and a breeze.

All four bedrooms are located on the second floor, creating a private and peaceful retreat above the main living spaces. Three of the bedrooms are spacious master suites with king beds and private en suite bathrooms. The fourth bedroom is a cozy den-style room with a queen bed that shares a bathroom with Bedroom #3. (There is also a powder room on the first floor.)  Each bedroom feels calm, elevated, and connected to the island surroundings through large windows, soft natural light, and access to the shaded veranda wrapping around the upper level.

The upstairs veranda may be one of the home’s most memorable features. From here, you can take in panoramic views of Governor’s Harbour, watch boats drift through the bay, or enjoy the changing colors of Eleuthera from sunrise to sunset. Climb a little higher to the rooftop terrace, and the perspective becomes even more breathtaking — a true vantage point above the island.

Amenities at Buena Vista include private pool (pool heat available for $50 per day), air conditioning throughout, high-speed Starlink internet, washer/dryer, golf cart (for riding to the beach; not licensed for use in town), gas grill, beach chairs, beach towels, coolers, and back-up generator and more.

The town of Governor’s Harbour, just a 3-minute walk from Buena Vista, has restaurants, a coffee shop, a bakery, an ice cream shop, two bars, grocery stores, a liquor store, a bank with an ATM, and two gift shops. It also has a charming collection of 19th-century homes and churches overlooking a picturesque harbor. You can buy fresh fish and lobster from fishermen at the town dock. Friday Night Fish Fry in Governor’s Harbour is a lively street and beach gathering that brings together tourists and locals with food, drinks, music, and dancing. You won’t want to miss it.

Eleuthera is most famous for its 100 miles of spectacular, deserted beaches. It has a population of just 8,000 people, and everyone knows everyone. The island is known for being exceptionally safe. The snorkeling and diving are world-class, with many reefs accessible directly from the beach. Fishing is also excellent thanks to the island’s undeveloped nature and low population density. Bonefishing is especially popular, along with deep-sea and reef fishing. You can explore on your own or hire a guide.

Boating, surfing, and other water sports are also popular. Visitors can rent power boats, sailboats, sea kayaks, paddle boards, jet skis, and bikes. Charter captains are available for fishing, snorkeling, and diving excursions. There are also several popular cliff-jumping spots, including some suitable for children.

Eleuthera offers incredible sightseeing as well — vast caves, dramatic cliffs, a bottomless ocean hole, dozens of unique beaches, historic churches, charming villages, and 19th-century homes waiting to be explored. Local guides are available to show you around. The island is truly magical.