A House by the Sea

Bunny Williams, a celebrated designer with more than 40 years at the pinnacle of the interior design world, invites readers on an intimate journey through her exquisite Caribbean retreat, La Colina, in her latest book. Known for her timeless elegance and impeccable taste, Williams has created a sanctuary nestled in lush, tropical gardens by the sea, where every element reflects her deep love for beauty, comfort, and the art of living well.

La Colina is more than just a vacation home; it is a personal expression of Williams's design philosophy, which seamlessly blends luxury with a relaxed, island-living vibe. This book offers a detailed exploration of every facet of the property, from the expansive outdoor rooms and meticulously designed garden plantings to the sumptuous interiors that exude a sense of warmth and welcome. Each room, each piece of furniture, and each carefully curated collection tells a story, creating a home that is as richly layered and inviting as the landscape that surrounds it.

The book is structured to guide readers through the different aspects of La Colina, with each chapter focusing on a specific area of the property. The outdoor spaces, a hallmark of Williams's design style, are given particular attention. Readers will be inspired by the outdoor rooms that blur the lines between inside and out, creating spaces that are perfect for entertaining, relaxing, or simply enjoying the beauty of the Caribbean environment. The gardens, too, are a central feature, with their lush plantings, vibrant colors, and thoughtful design that invites exploration and delight.

Williams's interiors at La Colina are a masterclass in island elegance. The villa's interiors are designed to complement the tropical surroundings while providing a luxurious, comfortable refuge from the heat of the day. The rooms are filled with furnishings that reflect Williams's impeccable taste, from antique pieces to more modern elements, all arranged with an eye for both beauty and function. The collections displayed throughout the villa add a personal touch, each item chosen not just for its aesthetic appeal, but for the memories and stories it holds.

What makes this book particularly special are the essays woven into each chapter, written by friends who have had the pleasure of experiencing La Colina firsthand. These essays provide a unique perspective on the property, offering insights and anecdotes that bring the house and its gardens to life in a way that is both personal and engaging.

Architect Gil Schafer provides a detailed look at the villa's architecture, discussing how its design reflects both the traditional Caribbean style and Williams's own distinctive vision. Schafer’s essay delves into the architectural details that make La Colina unique, from its elegant proportions to the way it harmonizes with the surrounding landscape.

Page Dickey, a garden writer and designer, takes readers on a tour of La Colina's gardens, highlighting the thought and care that has gone into their design. Dickey’s essay explores the different plantings and garden rooms, each designed to offer a different experience, from the vibrant colors of the tropical flowers to the soothing greens of the more shaded areas. The gardens at La Colina are not just a backdrop for the villa but an integral part of the overall experience, offering a space where nature and design come together in perfect harmony.

Author Roxana Robinson provides a charming glimpse into what it’s like to spend a weekend at La Colina. Her essay captures the essence of island living at its finest, from leisurely mornings on the terrace to evenings spent dining al fresco under the stars. Robinson’s reflections on her stay offer readers a sense of the rhythm of life at La Colina, where every moment is infused with a sense of relaxation and joy.

Angus Wilkie, a collector and writer, discusses the delights of collecting and how Williams’s collections contribute to the character and charm of La Colina. His essay delves into the stories behind some of the pieces, offering insights into Williams's approach to collecting and how these items are integrated into the overall design of the villa.

Finally, Jane Garmey, a food writer, revels in the pleasures of cooking, food, and friends at La Colina. Her essay highlights the importance of food and hospitality in Williams’s life and how these elements are woven into the fabric of life at La Colina. From preparing fresh, local ingredients in the villa’s kitchen to enjoying meals with friends in the outdoor dining areas, Garmey’s reflections add a layer of warmth and conviviality to the book.

For those who admire Bunny Williams's work, La Colina is a must-have addition to their collection. It offers not only a visual feast of beautiful interiors and gardens but also a deeply personal look at how Williams creates spaces that are not just stunning but also livable and welcoming. The book also serves as an inspiration for those looking to bring a touch of Caribbean elegance into their own homes, with ideas and insights that can be adapted to different styles and settings.

In addition to this latest release, readers may also enjoy Williams's previous books, An Affair with a House and Bunny Williams On Garden Style, both of which showcase her design talents and her ability to create homes and gardens that are as functional as they are beautiful.

In conclusion, Bunny Williams’s La Colina is more than just a book about a house; it is a celebration of a way of life that values beauty, comfort, and the joy of creating spaces that nourish the soul. Through stunning photography, insightful essays, and Williams’s own reflections, this book offers readers a rare glimpse into the world of one of interior design’s most revered figures and the Caribbean retreat that embodies her design philosophy.