Paradise found: Valley Trunk Estate
The Valley Trunk Estate offers an extraordinary sense of space in the British Virgin Islands – with room for friends and family to be together, or to spread out into peaceful, private residences – surrounded by 18 acres of gardens, tennis courts and breathtaking views
Mango trees, cashews and almonds line the short path to a 1,000 feet long white sandy beach. Facing full west, the sun sets over the Sir Francis Drake Channel, with the silhouettes of Tortola, Great Camanoe, Guana Island and St John beyond. On the promontory behind is the main house of the Valley Trunk Estate, taking in the full panorama. It’s surrounded by smaller dwellings, each designed to take in the splendour of a 270-degree, Caribbean Sea view.
The appeal of the British Virgin Islands lies in their sense of indulgent, barefoot luxury, and this 18-acre estate on the island of Virgin Gorda is true to type. With over 20,000 sq ft of accommodation, as well as bougainvillea-filled gardens, infinity swimming pool looking out over the water, and tennis courts, it offers space to be sociable or to be separate. The main house acts as a central hub, with a spacious open plan dining and inside-outside living area, pool table, gym and bar.
Around it are five separate self-contained cottages – close enough to be together, separate enough to retreat. Much like the Estate as a whole: Shops, amenities, and a marina are within reach of a five or 10-minute drive, and yet the estate itself feels entirely private. Set among hills, and striking boulder formations, Valley Trunk – named after the Trunkback Turtles found here – is a secret hideaway.
Following Hurricane Irma in 2017, the entire site, including three staff cottages and a further four-bedroomed guesthouse, was renovated to the highest modern standards – but there’s still room to make a mark: close to the beach is a further property ripe for renovation. Historically known as Bali House, with consideration and planning, it would make an ideal beachfront addition to the site’s extensive accommodation.
“For me it’s the incredible sense of space that makes Valley Trunk stand out,” says Knight Frank agent Edward de Mallet Morgan. “If you’re bringing extended family or entertaining friends you have the best of all worlds – room to be together in the main villa, or to spread out into cottages, where everyone has their own version of the incredible view."
