Rockefeller Compound
- Thread starter SailAway
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rtfield
SBH Insider
Does anyone know the circumstances by which David Rockefeller came to know about St. Barth and to buy property on the island? Julianne Maher, in this book, quotes an anonymous SBH resident as saying, "Rockefeller came here in 1958; he had somebody prospecting for him" (p.50). I'd be interested to know more about this "prospector." Where else did he "prospect"? What, specifically, was he looking for? Did Rockefeller give him basic instructions (e.g. "Find me a beach.") or was it more specific? Rockefeller's arrival in 1958 really seems to have catalyzed a transition in St. Barth history and I'd like to know as much as I can about it.
Russell
Russell
David Rockefeller flew over much of the Caribbean looking for places to develop what have been called RockResorts. Little Dix and Caneel Bay are two that still exist today.
You are correct Kevin.
stbartshopper
Senior Insider
We have walked into the property as well over the years and seen the sad shape it is in. We have often wondered about the history and now understand a little more. We agree that it is hard to understand why, when there are those with the means, the property is left to its demise. Mr. Horn is apparently well into his years to decide to do something other than to sell it. Our guess is it will be a tear down and a Russian tycoon or someone else will rebuild into something very private but spectacular. Thank you to all for sharing your knowledge and insights.
From a post several years ago- interesting about the engraved plate-
Thanks Cec and Beldorade! What a pity the villa is so badly run today. As I said, I reached the building a couple of years ago, just for fun, and I was pretty surprised I could do that, no security, no curtains and so on. Garden was in wild condition, shutters where broken, but on the front wall of the villa there was a plate where it was engraved 'peggy and David lives here'. I Made to the large terrace overlooking colombier beach (can you imagine the view from up there??) and looked through the windows: some chairs, two sofas covered by white linen and dust, a very old tv and some fan on the roof were the only things in there. It should be a beautiful residence, but i would not like to see the bay being turned into a new St. Jean. I love St. Jean, i used to stay there, but my fav beach still is colombier as it is today: secluded and desert.
From a post several years ago- interesting about the engraved plate-
Thanks Cec and Beldorade! What a pity the villa is so badly run today. As I said, I reached the building a couple of years ago, just for fun, and I was pretty surprised I could do that, no security, no curtains and so on. Garden was in wild condition, shutters where broken, but on the front wall of the villa there was a plate where it was engraved 'peggy and David lives here'. I Made to the large terrace overlooking colombier beach (can you imagine the view from up there??) and looked through the windows: some chairs, two sofas covered by white linen and dust, a very old tv and some fan on the roof were the only things in there. It should be a beautiful residence, but i would not like to see the bay being turned into a new St. Jean. I love St. Jean, i used to stay there, but my fav beach still is colombier as it is today: secluded and desert.
rtfield
SBH Insider
I've looked into this a bit and found that it was Warren "Lindy" Lindquist that advised David Rockefeller to buy the St. Barth property. I've found a little information on Lindy. He was a war buddy of Rockefeller's who died in 2003. Does anyone here happen to know more?
R
Roof line is reminiscent of the old TWA terminal at JFK . . . which, I believe, is proposed to be recycled as part of a hotel.
Sadly, I think you're right about the place, Ellen . . . though perhaps there's someone out there that would preserve it as a home (another business oligarch, perhaps?).
Do you think it's time to start a historic preservation movement on SBH?
Sadly, I think you're right about the place, Ellen . . . though perhaps there's someone out there that would preserve it as a home (another business oligarch, perhaps?).
Do you think it's time to start a historic preservation movement on SBH?
katva
Senior Insider
I had the tremendous opportunity to work with his son, on their property in Maine. The residence in ME bears definite influence from the St. Barth property. I would be a huge supporter of preserving this property, and the Nureyev house as well--- but I think that residence has been undergoing work recently. These two homes are ones I would dearly love to see!!!! There must be many others--- I, for one, would be so interested to hear about the historic properties.
rtfield
SBH Insider
St. Barth Essential is an admirable local organization dedicated to environmental protection and historic preservation.
Russell
