Published by Spirit of St Barth
Editor: Sébastien Martinon
Photography: Tim Williams and Jean-Philippe Piter
Painter: Victor Matthews
Edition N°13 - 2026 (Pages 14-23)
Dec 11, 2025
See original published article
Victor Matthews Custom Mural Painting at Villa Fleur de Mer - St Barth
Some villas just hit differently. Fleur de Mer is one of them. But there are many stunning homes on this island paradise, what could possibly make this one stand out? It seems a perfect blend of history, location, connection to the natural world, and attention to detail move the needle. Fresh off a renovation and addition by Nicolas Gessat Architecture in collaboration with Brad Krefman Interior Design, Fleur de Mer honors its roots while getting a remarkable refresh that’s undeniably fabulous.
Victor Matthews Custom Mural Painting at Villa Fleur de Mer - St Barth
ON THE HISTORY
Fleur de Mer was originally designed by Claude Pittoors, a brilliant architect who worked in St. Barth in the 1990s/2000s. The villa sits atop a hill in Colombier, a true jewel of classical architecture in the Antilles with a 360° view. It was, and continues to be, one of the most striking builds on the island given its location and architecture.
After Hurricane Irma hit in 2017, a new owner carried out work, mainly addressing the damage from the storm, changing almost nothing of the nature of the original structure. This owner commissioned Nicolas Gessat Architecture to design a second structure on the lower part of the plot, featuring a vast flat, grassy space where a magnificent centenary Tamarind tree stood.
After much collaboration on the nature of the build, a permit was filed — one that outlined a project in keeping with the same architectural language of the original Fleur de Mer, but in a more compact, contemporary way.
ON THE PROCESS
It was then that a new owner took over and decided to completely renovate the entire villa, which had been preserved in its original form for more than twenty years, and also to build the lower project, a 4-bedroom villa as granted in the recently obtained building permit.
This was the beginning of an over 4-year project spearheaded by Nicolas Gessat Architecture and Brad Krefman Interior Design, on the renovation of Fleur de Mer and the construction of Villa Tamarin. Valéria Manoukian, an Argentinian architect, would be in charge of all the execution plans, and Julius Gaume would head project management.
“Brad was charming from the start... friendly, sensitive, attentive, cheerful and very excited to carry out a project in Saint Barth, the island he has known for several years,” says Nicolas Gessat. “We listened to him because he knows the new owners, and this was very important for us in the approach to the project and its realization.”
It is no secret that collaborations between architect, interior designer, and project manager can be complex at best, but there seemed to be an instant sense of camaraderie on this project that no doubt spilled over into the overall vibe of the finished product.
“Even if we sometimes went through difficult times, there was always respect and listening, and objectives were put forward for the good of the project,” continues Gessat.
Natural materials, handcrafted finishes, and custom furnishings were selected throughout to create a seamless dialogue between the architecture and the surrounding landscape. The interiors open generously onto the sea and gardens, allowing light, air, and nature to become part of the experience of the home itself.
Works by contemporary artists, including paintings by Victor Matthews, were carefully integrated into the design, adding depth, character, and vibrant contrast to the villa’s serene palette.
Victor Matthews Custom Mural Painting at Villa Fleur de Mer - St Barth
ON THE RENOVATION
The renovation was major: floors, walls, ceilings, all the woodwork, a swimming pool and jacuzzi, construction of an office with a breathtaking view, pergolas to shade the outdoor dining area, and more.
The new construction of Villa Tamarin was designed around, and focused on, the old tamarind tree. Since the ocean view was cluttered and less clear from this lower vantage point, the idea was to create a garden view highlighting this century-old tree.
Not surprisingly a challenging undertaking, but one that gives the new build a sense of self and setting, creating a connection to the land on which it stands.
Overall, the project was a true success in creating a space that nods to the past, respects the present, and looks to a future of prime island living for its owners.
“THOSE SPACES EMBODY THE SPIRIT OF RELAXATION.”
Mixed media painting by Victor Matthews at Villa Fleur de Mer - St Barth
THE INSIDE SCOOP
We sat down with designer Brad Krefman to get his perspective on this very special project.
Q: What makes Fleur de Mer / Villa Tamarin so special?
Brad Krefman: The views are unforgettable, sweeping and ever-changing with the light, paired with a profound sense of privacy. What makes this home so special is its deep connection to the island, the ocean, and the natural world. The lines between indoors and outdoors are blurred, allowing you to live in true harmony with the elements.
Q: What was your favorite part of the renovation?
Brad Krefman: For me, the collaboration was the most rewarding part of the renovation. As a California-based designer, having the opportunity to work alongside a French architect and talented local craftsmen was truly a dream.
There was such natural synergy within the team, and everyone’s passion and dedication to craft and quality elevated the entire process.
As for the house itself, I’m especially drawn to the living room and its seamless connection to the pool. Those spaces embody the spirit of relaxation. They feel like the perfect place to unwind and fully embrace the setting.
Q: What was the most challenging part of this project?
Brad Krefman: Building at the highest level on St. Barth is a challenge in itself. With limited resources and the complexity of working in such a remote location, even the logistics require careful planning.
Beyond that, one of the biggest challenges was creating a sense of true luxury that could also stand up to the island’s climate. Every detail, from fabrics and furniture to rugs, had to withstand intense sun, salty air, and even the wear of everyday life like sunscreen.
Striking that balance between beauty, comfort, and durability was one of the most demanding, but ultimately most rewarding, parts of the project.
Q: Do you have a favorite room / area and why?
Brad Krefman: The hanging daybed off the main bedroom is one of my favorite moments in the house. It’s a quiet, tucked-away spot that feels completely removed from everything else. A place designed purely for relaxation.
I love creating these kinds of unexpected seating areas because they feel both purposeful and unique.
I’m also especially fond of the living room. The openness of the space, paired with the versatile seating arrangement of the broken sectional and swivel chairs, makes it incredibly welcoming.
The live-edge root style coffee tables add a natural, tropical touch that ties the room beautifully to the spirit of the island.
Q: Tell us about the mood/style you evoked in this design and what inspired you.
Brad Krefman: I had been visiting St. Barth for years before beginning this project, so I already felt a personal connection to the island and an understanding of its spirit.
At the same time, having lived in California for over 15 years, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the easy coastal sensibility of California modernism.
My goal was to weave these two influences together by combining the relaxed elegance of California with the vibrant essence of the Caribbean.
Our clients also have a love of color, so we embraced a palette that feels true to the tropics: light, bright pastels that bring freshness and energy, while still complementing the island’s natural surroundings.