India Hicks’s Favorite Things to Do on Harbour Island

Originally settled in the mid-1600s by people who were shipwrecked (literally), Harbour Island is a pearl in the Sargasso Sea. Living here, we are reminded daily of the beauty of the pink sands and clear waters—and the important architectural history of this little town.

Our own house has evolved over time, layer upon layer, year after year. David [Flint Wood, my husband] remembers me saying, "It feels like home," as soon as I saw it. That was nearly 30 years ago.

My parents, on their honeymoon, had visited the Bahamian island of Eleuthera (Latin for freedom) and became enchanted by its coral sand beaches and simple villages. When, a few years later, they were offered the chance to buy a plot of land on the tiny adjoining island of Windermere, they could not resist. Whilst everyone else lived in perfectly normal Caribbean holiday homes, my father set about designing a house that looked rather like the ancient Egyptian temple of King Zoser, a mix of rough cement with sand from the beach. It was christened Savannah.

As a result, the island became a prominent feature of my childhood, with several trips to the neighboring Harbour Island, long regarded as the crown jewel of the Bahamas for its expansive beauty, bold use of color, and preserved community. The first time I crossed that turquoise bay I was about 4 years old. Never could I have imagined that I would end up falling in love, not only with a barefooted English man but also a way of life, and make Harbour Island my home where I was to raise my own five children.

View in Browser  India Hicks's Favorite Things to Do on Harbour Island Originally settled in the mid-1600s by people who were shipwrecked (literally), Harbour Island is a pearl in the Sargasso Sea. Living here, we are reminded daily of the beauty of the pink sands and clear waters—and the important architectural history of this little town. Our own house has evolved over time, layer upon layer, year after year. David [Flint Wood, my husband] remembers me saying, "It feels like home," as soon as I saw it. That was nearly 30 years ago. My parents, on their honeymoon, had visited the Bahamian island of Eleuthera (Latin for freedom) and became enchanted by its coral sand beaches and simple villages. When, a few years later, they were offered the chance to buy a plot of land on the tiny adjoining island of Windermere, they could not resist. Whilst everyone else lived in perfectly normal Caribbean holiday homes, my father set about designing a house that looked rather like the ancient Egyptian temple of King Zoser, a mix of rough cement with sand from the beach. It was christened Savannah. As a result, the island became a prominent feature of my childhood, with several trips to the neighboring Harbour Island, long regarded as the crown jewel of the Bahamas for its expansive beauty, bold use of color, and preserved community. The first time I crossed that turquoise bay I was about 4 years old. Never could I have imagined that I would end up falling in love, not only with a barefooted English man but also a way of life, and make Harbour Island my home where I was to raise my own five children. Read More In Partnership with 1 Hotels So Far. Sooo Good. Travel a little further to an oceanfront sanctuary on the Garden Island of Kaua'i. Learn More 21 of the Best Classic Murder Mystery Books of All Time Fall is the perfect time of year to dive into a good mystery novel. Read More A New Collection Based On Princess Diana's Iconic Sheep Sweater is Here Just in Time for Fall Warm & Wonderful has launched a 45th Anniversary collection including a Diana-inspired watch, new sweaters, and accessories. Read More The Best Gifts for New Moms (That Aren't Just for Baby) Because she needs a little pampering. Read More Mike Faist and Florence Pugh Will Star in Netflix's 'East of Eden' TV Show Zoe Kazan will write the show, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, Elia Kazan, who directed the 1955 adaptation of the famed novel. Read More Why You Must Smell The New Hermès Fragrance Barénia, the house's first chypre perfume, took years to develop. It was worth the wait. Read More Follow Us Unsubscribe | Privacy Notice | CA Notice at Collection Town & Country is a publication of Hearst Magazines. ©2024 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This email was sent by Hearst Magazines, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019-3779