We are nearing completion on our latest design build project Khaya, a four bedroom house on the canal in the prestigious Leeward community. If I had to describe it’s overall style in one word it would have to be “earthy”.  As such, the landscaping design will play a prominent roll.  I want the exteriors to be a big departure from the standard Caribbean tropical look and feel that is everywhere. I want to represent the dry tropical forest eco system we have here in the Turks and Caicos Islands and emulate the California desert vibe notorious in places like Palm Springs.  Bismark palms planted with the spring rains shade the backyard with their giant, sage green palm fronds.  We plan to embrace other drought resistant, sculptural species such as cacti, succulents, yucca, and aloe vera embedded in grey gravel along the perimeters.  The front will feature large boulders and wild grasses flanking the paved driveway and parking areas.

The defining feature of Khaya is the airy, completely unobstructed great room. Custom TC Millwork mahogany framed glass bi-fold doors slide open to the exteriors, transforming the heart of the home into indoor outdoor living. Timeless, labor intensive, hand laid native stone walls create an unparalleled ambiance as well as acoustics.  The house is characterized by high contrast; white porcelain floor tiles, white quartz waterfall countertops juxtaposed against dark mahogany T&G vaulted ceilings and built-in cabinetry. 

The layout of the home is unfussed, straightforward and logical.  The artistry of this home is in the craftsmanship and the interior design.  Contemporary, neutral furnishings with a masculine edge set the tone for Khaya, so named due to the African Mahogany used throughout.  Natural fiber, jute, sisal rugs and woven baskets will feature eminently, balanced by copper, black smoked glass, shiny hard surface elements.

I often say that lighting is comparable to jewelry in fashion.  Lighting can take a space from mediocre to memorable.  In Khaya’s case it elevates memorable to marvelous. Khaya will feature sable bronze, seeded glass sconces in the great room, illuminating the rough texture of the native stone walls, while statement pendants hang over the kitchen island and dining. Bedrooms feature glass pendants flanking the beds, each room unique. 

The master baths and their adjoining walk-in closets and outdoor counterparts are a crucial part of the home.  Custom floating dual sink vanities, glass encased showers with dual rain showerheads and concealed linear drains, polished chrome fixtures and saber style sconces make these baths the most modern of rooms in Khaya.  The outdoor showers, a key perk of island living, bring the endless summers indoors. 

Saving the best for last, waterfront living on the canal; an exceptionally quiet cul de sac with a flamingo frequented protected bird reserve within steps.  Khaya capitalises on 101′ of water frontage with a 40′ dock; the perfect platform for swift access to world famous Grace Bay Beach, yachting, diving, and island hopping.

View the listing on TCP Realty.