One of my favourite properties on the island of Anguilla is Koal Keel which was originally constructed in the 1700s as a sugar and cotton plantation. Since that time, the building has been leased to the British Government for use as a residence for the island's doctor (who also doubled as chief of police and magistrate) and when it housed the representative of the Crown became known as the "Warden's Place".
After Anguilla's "revolution" in 1967 and the elimination of the position of magistrate, Koal Keel was left empty. It was bought in the 1970s by Alan Gumbs and restoration of the building commenced in 1984. Architect Adrian Kobbe of Kobbe Design was commissioned to oversee the restoration which was carried out as sympathetically as possible. Attempts were made to match the original materials used in the building especially in the stonework around the base of the structure. In 1989, a restaurant was built in what used to be the house's garden duplicating the style of the original house. A few years later, construction of the wine cellar La Dôme (which is the recipient of a Wine Spectator award) was completed and again, attention was taken to match the stonework, interiors and exteriors of the original structure. Upstairs is Le Petit Patisserie, which serves tea and pastries among antiques and artefacts, while the lower floor houses The Old Rum Shop where vintage rums and Cuban cigars can be purchased.
Images: island*atelier
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