By:

Laurie Kahle Contributor

ForbesLife

Two years after Hurricane Irma decimated Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, Valley Trunk is making its come back with a December 2019 re-opening. And, the private rental villa is even better than before.

“All in all, it is true that every tragedy has a silver lining,” says Valley Trunk’s longtime General Manager Chris Tilling. “After the initial heartbreak, we were able to visualize a new and improved Valley Trunk which would be restored using the same quality and attention to detail as the original.”

Built in the 1980s by the Wildenstein family, which made its fortune in art and horse racing, Valley Trunk remained a private retreat for family and friends for decades. When the next generation assumed the helm, they decided to make the estate available for exclusive-use rentals in 2014.

The property retained its ’80s spirit over the years, so it was due for an update. After the storm hit, the family embraced the opportunity in the crisis and commenced rebuilding with an eye to bringing it into the 21st century.

The 10 suites across five standalone villas now have airy, open floor plans and a clean, neutral coastal aesthetic with an emphasis on natural materials, such as wood and stone. Contemporary bathrooms are appointed with travertine floors, glass tiles, new fixtures and bespoke vanities.

The estate’s original green roof tiles were reproduced in Japan, while the doors and woodwork were handcrafted in Kenya, where furniture was also sourced. Vanities, cupboards and closets were custom made in Italy, and the new state-of-the-art stormproof windows and sliders were imported from Germany.

Valley Trunk, named for the island’s indigenous Trunkback Turtles, is perched on a hilltop occupying 19 acres with panoramic ocean views, gardens, a swimming pool, tennis court, and a stunning white sand private beach neighboring the island’s Baths National Park.

Sadly, the storm destroyed the remarkable Indonesian wooden beach house that the family had transported from Bali. But work is underway to fully restore Bali House, which was reproduced in Bali to match its original blueprints and shipped to Virgin Gorda for reassembly.

In the main building, the cinema-style screening room has been renovated, as well as the bar area. And the property’s centerpiece infinity-edge swimming pool has also been updated with a chlorine-free filtration system and a seating area for enjoying the vivid Caribbean sunsets. Under the care of the estate’s longtime gardener, the property’s gardens have been carefully replanted and restored so they are as lush as ever.

“Structurally, Valley Trunk remains the same,” Tilling says. “It was important that the estate’s buildings retained their original footprints, preserving the layout and aesthetic created by its original founding owner nearly 40 years ago,”

With the return of Valley Trunk and Oil Nut Bay earlier this year, and the soon to re-open Rosewood Little Dix Bay and the Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda is finally ready to reclaim its status as one of the Caribbean’s top luxury destinations.

Valley Trunk requires a seven-night minimum stay with all-inclusive rates starting in low season from $5,000 per night for a minimum of four guests (additional guests are charged separately). In high season, rates are $12,000 per night for a minimum of eight guests (extra for additional guests), with special rates for Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Rates include exclusive use of the property, all meals and beverages including alcohol, water sports, tennis, mountain bikes, transfers to and from Virgin Gorda airport, a visit to Virgin Gorda’s Baths National Park, laundry service and Wi-Fi.

Credits:  https://www.forbes.com