The history of the Rockefeller house
in Saint-Barthélémy
During our stay in Saint-Barthélémy, where we met our international partner Sibarth Real Estate, we had the privilege of getting close to the legendary Villa Rockfeller. We're running out of superlatives to describe this legendary, record-breaking property. The latest: it was sold in 2023 for the modest sum of 124 million euros to an American businessman.
Standing on a vast promontory overlooking the Caribbean Sea in the commune of Colombier, Domaine Rockefeller proudly stretches over 52 hectares of land. The property comprises a luxury villa with six bedrooms, spacious living areas, an infinity pool, landscaped gardens and breathtaking panoramic views. Every detail has been carefully designed to create an exceptional living environment.
Construction of the immense Villa began in the late 1950s. It was initiated by the powerful banker David Rockefeller, grandson of the founder of the industrial dynasty John D. Rockefeller, who bought the land in 1957 for 32,500 dollars. He called on architect Nelson W. Aldrich to design the building, which was completed in the early 1960s. First purchased in the early 1990s by Steve and Linda Horn, producers of television commercials in the United States, Villa Rockefeller suffered severe damage during Hurricane Irma in 2017. The couple were looking for a buyer for this house steeped in history. The record deal was made official on 7 April 2023, when Adam Sinn, a 45-year-old American national, became the new owner for around $136 million (€124 million). This was the highest property transaction ever recorded on the island for a single residence.
The new owner, Adam Sinn, head of a commodities trading company (Aspire Commodities) based in Texas, says he is "delighted to have acquired such an iconic piece of history". He plans to restore the property to the glory of the Rockefeller years. However, since the vote on a new local by-law in December 2020, the property is in a nature zone, with limited development possibilities to preserve its unique character. This sale also represents a great deal for the Collectivité territoriale de Saint-Barthélemy, which will collect 5% of the amount under the territorial legislation for registration duties on the transaction, i.e. just over €6 million.
The Rockefeller estate, witness to a bygone era, will continue to fascinate lovers of history and architecture. It remains a symbol of luxury and elegance, anchored in the enchanting landscape of Saint-Barthélemy.
