The Most Attractive House in the Bahamas

Lady Ranfurly, wife of the Governor of the Bahamas, described the amazing Unicorn Cay home on the island of Eleutheras as “probably the most attractive house in the Bahamas.” She would know. Hermione, Countess of Ranfurly, and her husband travelled extensively throughout the islands of the Bahamas during his governorship and were entertained in all of the fabulous homes of the day. Unicorn Cay, the countess noted, “is built right out of the town (of Governor's Harbour) on a high hill. Eleuthera is attractive because it has hills, unlike most of the other islands.” She commented on the Great Room and the two wings that form a courtyard in the centre. Lady Ranfurly noted the beautiful furniture and treasures from the travels of the owner, British explorer and writer Rosita Forbes. She described the area as “so picturesque with the sea all around – a quite incredible colour – and the little old church and the houses tuck up the sides of the hills beyond and the whole populace spread out below you…” Unicorn Cay is on the market and has been so well preserved; it stands as a monument to the great homes of the era. Located a couple miles south west of the historic village of Governor's Harbour, her 7,000 square foot home called Unicorn Cay is a happy blend of Old World charm and modern comfort. It sits on 11 prime acres and the icing on the cake is 300 feet of pristine pale pink sand beach frontage. Rosita Forbes designed the home in the style of a Loire Chateau with a large courtyard and entrance flanked by turrets. The interior is reminiscent of the English country homes the wealthy winter residents built here in the islands in days gone by. Ivy covered walls perpetuate the English country feel, offering a lush contrast to the backdrop of the dazzling turquoise Atlantic. This home is truly a treasure.