Seastar House: the story of the build
Building a custom home is always an adventure, but creating your dream residence in Barbados? That's a story of serendipity, vision, and determination.
Seastar House rose from a small plot of land in Gibbes Glade, St Peter into the enchanting house it is today, beautifully designed inside and out with a relaxed and inviting atmosphere by Interior Designer Kate Haynes. Here we share the story of Kate’s dream that became reality.
The perfect plot: A chance discovery
Our journey began with a Google search that seemed almost too good to be true. Nestled in the vibrant parish of St. Peter, a plot of land in Gibbes Glade caught our eye - a west coast location that whispered potential. Without even setting foot on the property, we made an offer after a virtual tour.
"The prime location near the sea and relaxed neighborhood seemed too good to be true. Our offer was accepted. It felt like serendipity." - Kate Haynes
Bringing vision to life: Design and expertise
Transforming a dream into reality required more than just luck. We connected with a seasoned Barbados architect with over 30 years of local experience. What started as a napkin sketch quickly evolved into a unique vision - something distinctly different from the typical Caribbean villa.
The power of visualisation
3D visualisations became our secret weapon. As Kate notes,
"They are super important on a build project for practical and creative reasons. You can see the space, scale, materials, lighting, and textures all in context."
This approach helped us:
Spot potential design issues early
Communicate effectively with the construction team
Make clear, decisive choices while managing the project remotely
Architectural highlights: More than just a house
Our design prioritised both aesthetics and functionality. The windows and glazing became a standout feature, inspired by the classic Crittall look but adapted for the Caribbean environment.
Key design choices included:
Aluminum frames with impact-laminated glass (hurricane-spec)
Low emissivity coating to manage radiant heat
A tall, custom-made arched front door creating a dramatic double-height hallway
Navigating construction: Challenges and triumphs
Construction wasn't without its challenges. Unexpected coral rock threatened to derail our contingency budget, but flexibility became our greatest asset. We transformed potential setbacks into opportunities, such as elevating the home to capture partial sea views.
"We heard a lot of negative stories about building on the island, but our experience was anything but negative. We got lucky with our contractors. There were a few hiccups and misunderstandings, but all was navigated with transparency."
- Kate Haynes
A home that feels timeless
Sixteen months after breaking ground, Seastar House was complete. By avoiding a gated community, we created a truly customized residence that feels authentically integrated into its neighborhood.
The landscaping has been another remarkable success. What we worried might take years to establish has flourished rapidly, making the house feel as if it has always been part of the landscape.
An invitation to dream
Seastar House rose from a small plot of land, beautifully designed inside and out with a relaxed and inviting atmosphere by home stylist Kate Haynes. It stands as a testament to what's possible when vision meets careful planning. Anyone interested in building their dream home in Barbados can reach out to Kate for insights and advice.
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