Who Owns Princess Margaret Mustique House?
Princess Margaret’s iconic retreat on the island of Mustique, known as Les Jolies Eaux, has long fascinated royal watchers, design aficionados, and jet-setters alike. The story of its ownership weaves together royalty, Caribbean intrigue, and one of the twentieth century’s most exclusive private islands. Understanding who owns Princess Margaret’s Mustique house today means delving into history, real estate, and the enduring allure of this legendary villa.
Essential Highlights
- Les Jolies Eaux was built for Princess Margaret in the 1960s on land gifted by Colin Tennant, later Lord Glenconner.
- Princess Margaret transferred ownership to her son, David Armstrong-Jones (Viscount Linley), in the 1990s.
- The estate was sold in 1999 and is now privately owned—available for exclusive rentals, not royal use.
- Mustique itself is owned and managed by the homeowners’ consortium, The Mustique Company.
- Les Jolies Eaux is renowned for its exclusivity, architectural pedigree, and royal connection.
Table of Contents
The Origins of Les Jolies Eaux on Mustique
Princess Margaret’s Ownership and Legacy
The Sale and Current Ownership of Les Jolies Eaux
Mustique Island: Ownership and Legacy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Origins of Les Jolies Eaux on Mustique
The story of Princess Margaret’s Mustique house begins with a remarkable royal friendship and a wedding gift that changed the island’s fate.
In 1958, Colin Tennant (later Lord Glenconner) purchased the then-undeveloped island of Mustique for £45,000. His vision was to transform the remote and mosquito-infested outpost into a luxurious private haven for the elite[2][4].
In 1960, as a wedding present to Princess Margaret, Tennant offered her a 10-acre plot on the southwestern tip of Mustique. Here, the princess commissioned British stage designer Oliver Messel to build a villa; the result was Les Jolies Eaux—the beautiful waters—completed in the late 1960s[3][5][7].
- Architect: Oliver Messel, famed for Baroque and theatrical flourishes.
- Location: Southernmost tip of Mustique, offering sweeping Caribbean and Atlantic views[7].
- Initial Ownership: Princess Margaret, as her private residence, unique among Windsor properties[6].
For more on the transfer and ownership of unusual royal properties, explore Who Owns.
Princess Margaret’s Ownership and Legacy
Les Jolies Eaux was the one property Princess Margaret truly called her own—distinct from any royal inheritance or grant.
Princess Margaret’s attachment to Mustique was legendary: she visited several times a year, hosting celebrities, artists, and close friends[6]. She famously said Mustique was “the only place I can relax”[2][6]. The villa became synonymous with royal glamour and privacy during the 1970s and 1980s, making headlines for both its parties and its discretion.
Key details:
– The villa served as Princess Margaret’s personal sanctuary for decades.
– To avoid inheritance tax complications, she transferred ownership to her son, David Linley (now the 2nd Earl of Snowdon), in the mid-1990s[5][6].
– The villa maintained its allure as a private royal residence until its sale.
For a detailed timeline and background, visit Who Owns Princess Margaret Mustique House.
The Sale and Current Ownership of Les Jolies Eaux
Les Jolies Eaux is no longer in royal hands and today enjoys a new life as an exclusive rental property.
In 1999, Viscount Linley sold Les Jolies Eaux to a private owner, reportedly for around $2.9 million[1][2][5]. The exact identity of the current owner remains private—a standard practice for Mustique estates, where ownership is fiercely protected for privacy[2][7].
- Current Use: The villa can be rented for luxury vacations, reportedly fetching up to $44,500 per week[1].
- Status: The house is part of Mustique’s prestigious portfolio of villas, managed by The Mustique Company[7].
Further insights on Caribbean luxury properties and secretive ownership structures can be found at Who Owns.
Mustique Island: Ownership and Legacy
The unique ownership model of Mustique has preserved its allure and exclusivity for over half a century.
- Mustique is owned and managed by The Mustique Company, which is effectively a private, limited company whose shareholders are the island’s homeowners[2]. This model ensures that the community of villa owners has a direct hand in maintaining the island’s infrastructure, security, and ambiance.
- Notable Past Owners: The original developer, Colin Tennant, later sold his controlling interest to Hans Neumann, with Mustique’s legacy now entwined with both British aristocracy and international high society[6].
For a comprehensive overview and details on private island ownership, see Mustique’s Wikipedia entry and Simply Islands’ royal residence history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who currently owns Princess Margaret’s Mustique house?
The property, known as Les Jolies Eaux, is now owned by a private individual. After Princess Margaret’s son, David Linley, sold it in 1999, the identity of the current owner has remained confidential[1][2][5].
Can Les Jolies Eaux be visited or rented?
Yes, Les Jolies Eaux is available for private rental and is managed as part of Mustique’s high-end villa offerings—luxury and privacy are guaranteed[1][7].
How did Princess Margaret acquire her Mustique house?
Colin Tennant gifted Princess Margaret the land as a wedding present in 1960. She then commissioned architect Oliver Messel to design the villa[3][4][5].
Why did Princess Margaret give the house to her son?
She transferred Les Jolies Eaux to David Linley primarily to minimize inheritance tax and ensure smooth succession[5][6].
Who owns Mustique island as a whole?
Mustique is owned by The Mustique Company, which is in turn owned by homeowners of the island’s villas[2].
What makes Les Jolies Eaux architecturally unique?
Designed by Oliver Messel, the villa blends Baroque, neoclassical, and theatrical elements, set amid tropical gardens with breathtaking views—the epitome of private luxury[5][7].
Where can I learn more about royal property ownership?
Explore further at Who Owns, Town & Country Magazine’s royal coverage, and Woman & Home’s royal news.
Interested in the intriguing world of luxury property and royal estates?
Explore more at Who Owns for expertly researched ownership histories and insightful guides to the world’s most exclusive homes.
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