On the Island of St. Barths, This Beautiful Oceanfront Villa Stands Alone

Outdoor stairs now descend to a pool, hot tub, and a second strata of living spaces, among them a massage room and lounge. In the rocky embankments that overlook the shore, meanwhile, Nureyev is said to have dug a space to the dimensions of his body, so that he could snooze snugly beside the surf.

His spirit permeates the property to this day. Shipshape rooms clad in dark wood boards call to mind not only the hull of a boat but the dachas of his native soil. Crystal chandeliers twinkle in the sun and sway in the breeze. (Because the house is cleverly nestled into the terrain, with one main exposure, the wind doesn’t sweep through the interiors.) Much of the furniture is original, including the living room’s upright piano, which Nureyev used to wheel onto the terrace for gatherings with friends. Notable guests included Grace Kelly, Marie Helène de Rothschild, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. According to Nureyev biographer Julie Kavanagh, the former first lady didn’t quite get the vibe, telling a mutual acquaintance: “If Rudolf invites you to visit, say no.” With all due respect, Jackie O, for once, you don’t know what’s good. And ultimately, the home wasn’t meant for others. Nureyev kept to himself, absorbed in his daily rituals, whether morning walks to the natural swimming pool Grand Fond or alfresco naps. Written on the wall of the house today is a quote by the dancer that, translated from French, reads: “I am not made to live in society, it is artificial.” For lucky guests, there’s no more magical place to both escape and embrace the world.