Sleeps 18 | Bedrooms 9 | Bathrooms 10 | Pool : Pool
Welcome to Nelson Gay, an exquisite 9-bedroom beachfront villa brimming with character and rich history, nestled in one of the most sought-after locations in Barbados. This magnificent estate graces the favored and exclusive West Coast, where its garden gate opens directly onto a breathtaking crescent of flawless coral sand. The calm, sheltered waters create the perfect haven for safe swimming and snorkeling.
This sophisticated coral stone Palladian mansion is set within a lush tropical estate spanning nearly 2 acres, showcasing the timeless beauty of the Grand Palladian style. Situated along a half-mile stretch of pristine sandy beach, guests will relish the idyllic beachfront setting. The villa's meticulously maintained gardens boast a generous, centrally located swimming pool (heated) and a pathway leading directly to the beach. Just on the outskirts of Speightstown, the villa offers a convenient location for shopping and exploring local restaurants.
Originally crafted in the 1950s for a US Ambassador, Nelson Gay stands as a testament to the grand Palladian tradition, constructed entirely of coral stone. Its graceful charm harks back to a bygone era. The north and south wing bedrooms are complemented by two covered terraces, providing additional privacy and comfort. Meanwhile, the open and airy living room boasts soaring 14ft ceilings, adding to the villa's allure.
A haven for families, this villa offers numerous inviting spaces for relaxation and dining, including an elegant garden gazebo complete with a wet bar. A sizable area right in front of the house is roped off with buoys, ensuring a safe area for swimming.
At Nelson Gay, the exceptional staff and villa manager are dedicated to catering to your every need, ensuring a truly rejuvenating family vacation.
BEDROOMS AND BATHROOMS:
Having recently added an additional Chattel House bedroom suite, Nelson Gay sleeps up to 18 persons in 9 bedrooms plus up to 2-3 small children, making it the ultimate getaway for a family holiday or group trips:
Bedrooms
Bedroom 1 King Bed Master En-suite, Shower only, Single Vanity
Bedroom 2 King Bed Master Shared bathroom with Bedroom 3, Shower only, Single Vanity
Bedroom 3 Erte Queen bed, combo tub and shower, single vanity
Bedroom 4 (Green Room) Queen bed Bathroom Tub/Shower combo, En-suite, Single Vanity
Bedroom 5 (South Wing) Queen Bed Bathroom En-suite, Shower only, Single Vanity (2 En Suite Bathrooms)
Bedroom 6 Cottage: King Bed Bathroom En-suite, Shower Only, Single Vanity
Bedroom 7 Chattel House 1 King Bed Bathroom En-Suite, Shower Only, Single Vanity
Bedroom 8 Chattel House 2 King Bed Bathroom En-Suite, Shower Only, Single Vanity
Bedroom 9 Chattel House 3 King Bed Bathroom En-Suite, Shower Only, Single Vanity
For 2 or 3 small children a Twin Single (2 single beds) Media room can be transformed into a bedroom, we recommend this room as an option for young children ONLY - shared bathroom with Master Bedroom 2, Shower only, Single Vanity.
Bathrooms:
There are 7 en-suite bathrooms in the main house and the cottage (one bedroom has two bathrooms) and 1 powder room. Master bathrooms have showers only. The South Wing bedroom has his and hers bathrooms with showers. The cottage bathroom has a combination bath/shower. North Wing bathrooms have baths/showers. The 3 Chattel Houses have their toilets/showers. Any guests using the media room will have a shared bathroom. Each sleeping accommodation is individually air-conditioned. All air conditioners in the bedrooms and study are quiet, split systems with remote temperature control.
STAFF:
When you stay at Nelson Gay, you will be personally cared for by our beautiful housekeepers, together with our chef and full-time gardeners. You will feel welcomed and pampered throughout your stay. If you should decide to leave the sanctuary of Nelson Gay, you will find an incredible selection of world-class restaurants just a couple of minutes away.
Our team of staff includes: (6 days per week)
• Housekeeper
• Night Security
• Laundress
• Cook (provides 3 meals per day, Breakfast Lunch and Dinner)
• Butler
• Gardener
An extra charge of US$750 per week will apply for staffing for any groups exceeding 12 adults.
Amenities:
• Nearly two acres of mature tropical gardens right on Cobbler’s beach, with safe and excellent swimming
• 50ft x 12ft heated (on request) Italian mosaic tiled pool
• A beautiful gazebo, garden dining for 14, or as a living and seating area
• Covered terrace, dining for up to 18
• Formal dining room seating 12
• Child-friendly furniture, slip-covered in Sunbrella/cotton towels
• Medical kit
• Security Safes
Entertainment:
• 55″ flat screen TV in Media Room with surround sound, PS3, and cable TV including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video
• Sonos Sound System and Alexa
• 42″ plasma TVs in 2 master bedrooms (cable TV)
• 32″ plasma in 3 other bedrooms (cable TV)
• Broadband, fax, 2 phone lines
• Snorkels, masks
• Small library
• Ping Pong
• Basketball Hoop
• Water Volleyball
• Open-air gym
• Full-size pickleball court - the fastest-growing sport in America, perfect for friends and families of all ages. It’s the only privately-owned home in Barbados with such an excellent facility.
• Tennis, gym, and spa at the next-door Cobblers Cove Hotel, subject to availability and at extra cost
• Nelson Gay is an excellent villa for weddings.
Note:
Rates quoted are based on 9-bedroom occupancy for 18 guests. We do also have rates available for the use of fewer bedrooms and people throughout the year, so please email [email protected] for more information.
BEACHFRONT HOMES
This villa is a beachfront home. It should be noted that beaches change their shape and size from day to day, week to week and month to month, mainly as a response to seasonal waves, currents and tides. Every effort has been made to depict the beach in front of this property, but temporary changes may occur.
| Nightly Rate | Weekly Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Winter 2026 - 10/01/2026 - 15/04/2026 | $4,600 | $32,200 |
| Summer 2026 - 16/04/2026 - 14/12/2026 | $3,000 | $21,000 |
| Winter 2025 - 15/12/2025 - 18/12/2025 | $4,600 | $32,200 |
| Summer 2025 - 07/07/2025 - 14/12/2025 | $3,000 | $21,000 |
| Christmas 2025 - 19/12/2025 - 09/01/2026 | $14,000 | $98,000 |
| Tax: | 10% |
| Service Charge: | 2.5% |
| Please Note: | An extra charge of US$750 per week will apply for staffing for any groups exceeding 12 adults. |
Unavailable The best thing is probably the staff who manage to keep that fine balance between staying out of the way, allowing you some privacy, and being on hand whenever you need them.
This is the third year running we have visited Nelson Gay for spring half term, and each year it spins it's magic on us. We love the laid back style, the friendly staff, and the great food.
Excellent villa! Very charming rooms, great pool, beautiful gardens, walk onto superb beach! Best part (although difficult to top the property itself) were the staff & the truly outstanding food!
The setting of the villa is spectacular. It is on a calm beach and has a spectacular pool. Watching Sunset every night with cocktails is heaven on earth. The food was made fresh for each meal exceeded our expectations.
We were treated so well by the staff that the vacation would be amiss without mentioning them. Every need was taken care of without ever having to ask.
We were made to feel at home from the moment we walked in. Great people keeping the grounds and living quarters in an impeccable manner. Cooks who plan menus with the guests and then proceed to buy whatever is needed, including the wines and spirits. In short, we were treated royally.
There were 16 of us plus an infant. Our visit to Nelson Gay was exquisite! The staff were all phenomenal and attended to our every need. The food was excellent, the accommodations were excellent, and the weather was perfect. We loved swimming in both the pool and ocean. Snorkeling was terrific and the local monkeys provided entertainment. We all would recommend Nelson Gay for anyone looking for a get-away vacation. Thanks again for providing such lasting memories from all of us. BEST VACATION EVER!!!
We have been to Barbados several times, and Nelson Gay House is the most wonderful place to stay. We took our adult children and their significant others, we didn't need all the bedrooms, but could see how many more people could be accommodated. Everything desired was available, from the use of tennis courts, spa, and water sports next door through Cobblers Cove, to the absolute privacy of the property for relaxing, to the proximity of Speightstown, and the accessibility of the water right out the gate. Some homes have wonderful views but no access! This home has both. The breakers afforded a place to snorkel, and for two days there were high enough waves to boogie board without fear of a rocky bottom. The staff was supremely professional. The chef did the shopping and prepared three meals a day, not the usual two we've been offered in the past. The laundry was done daily with our clothes brought back early each afternoon. The butler had coffee ready every afternoon at 4:00. The monkeys came and went, and we fed them only on the last morning, I recommend feeding them the first day! They are adorable and keep their distance. The landscaping is incredible as well. Banana and mango trees, breadfruit, even a sandbox tree. The bedrooms are comfortable and inviting. The formal dining room is exquisite, we only used it on Valentine's Day for two, by candlelight, after sending the kids out to Cin Cin! The house has the feel of a loved home, not just a rental house. There are games and snorkeling equipment, books and a Sonos system for music. You will never want to leave. We didn't!
We stayed here as a family of three generations. Every aspect of the visit was perfect for each generation. From the pool, to the beach, to the luxury of the accommodations, the meals, and the excellent indulging staff all were satisfied. The villa is a classic historical modernized villa with all the amenities one could wish for. The beach was great for the little ones as it was very calm. There were coral reefs about a 100 yards out that provided snorkeling excitement--sea turtles and tropical fish. Every need was taken care of. I think our parting words with one of the staff summed up the attention we were given. As we were packing to leave, one of the staff asked us if we had any dirty clothes to be washed before we left. We replied that we could wait until we arrived home. Her reply "no one leaves Nelson Gay with dirty clothes".
