Miss Lily and The Swedish House

Long before it became home to Sibarth, the Swedish House formed part of Gustavia’s early story. Built in 1841 by trader John Hodge Bryan of Anguilla, the structure still carries traces of its origins, including the initials above the entrance. Constructed with stone from neighboring islands and pavers from Grand Galet, it reflects a resourceful era when homes were built to endure both time and weather.

Arlette Magras, who once cared for the house, shared her vivid memories of Miss Lily. A schoolteacher by profession, Miss Lily was known for her care and independence. By many accounts, she lived in a way that felt ahead of her time.

Miss Lily was the first woman on St. Barth to hold a driving license, and her family played a meaningful role in the island’s early spiritual life.

Upstairs, the house was designed for living, with wooden floors, a central salon, and bedrooms on either side. The kitchen sat in the courtyard beside a large cistern, while the ground level served as storage for boat materials. Details lingered in Arlette’s memory: a four-poster bed so tall it required a small ladder, a garden out back, candlelight reflecting off photophores, and a marble table resting on lion-shaped feet.

Today, after many thoughtful restorations led by architect Pierre Monsaingeon, with interiors shaped by Udo, the Swedish House continues its story as Sibarth’s office.

The Swedish House remains a retreat in the heart of Gustavia and home to our exclusive residences, including Swedish House, Botanist, Alchemist, and Greenhouse.

Should your path bring you through town, consider this a standing invitation to step inside and experience the house for yourself.