If the idea of buying and renovating a property on a tiny island thousands of miles from home sounds like a daunting task, you’d be right. There are supply shortages, steep costs for importing materials, and cultural differences to navigate. Not to mention embracing “island time”—a once humorous concept that soon becomes a daily reality. But for those willing to take the plunge, the end result is a custom-designed home, perfectly tailored to your lifestyle, and an unrivaled sense of achievement. Plus, you might even have some fun along the way.
Paul and Kelly Walker, from Loughton in Essex, UK, were far from the first to fall head over heels for Antigua during their first visit to the island. After tying the knot in September 2021, the newlyweds chose the Caribbean for their honeymoon—and ultimately for a second home.
“We were looking for a house in the sun and visited St Barts, Anguilla, and St Martin to see if we liked the islands,” Kelly recalls. “We thought we were going to buy in Anguilla, but when we visited Antigua and spent time in Jolly Harbour with friends who have had a place here for over 20 years, it was Paul who said, ‘I’ve fallen in love with this place, and I definitely want our second home here.’”
With four daughters between them from previous marriages, finding a safe location was a priority.
“We both found Jolly Harbour to be a wonderful community filled with friendly, happy people. Jolly Beach is just stunning, with crystal-clear water and white sands, and I dare you to find anywhere with a better sunset. We’ve even seen the green flash a few times,” Kelly smiles. “It also felt extremely safe, and we knew we’d feel confident letting our children wander around on their own.”
Finding Their Perfect Project
Initially, the couple looked at a few properties in the area, but nothing seemed quite right. “We left Antigua, and a few days later, our friends called to say their builder had a property on South Beach that had become available. We saw it over Facetime as they walked around and bought it on the spot,” Paul says.
The couple decided on a full renovation, with Kelly’s vision guiding the way. “Kelly was very clear on how she wanted the house to look,” Paul explains.
Kelly, a fresh fruit store owner, met Paul—who is the chairman of London’s Spitalfields Market—through work. “I took over my family’s business when my dad passed 12 years ago. He was a big customer of Paul’s and a good friend, so we met and fell in love while I was buying produce off him,” Kelly says.
With two daughters each, their household now includes two 15-year-olds and two 17-year-olds. “It’s like having two sets of twins. Poor Paul, can you imagine the hormones that run through our house? No wonder he bought a retirement home in the Caribbean,” she laughs.
From Essex to Antigua: A Renovation Journey
Those who know the Walkers know that their home in Essex is famous for its dinner parties, with Paul as the de facto chef. His legendary Sunday roasts are always a hit, and fresh produce is never in short supply.
The villa in Jolly Harbour wasn’t the first property they had refurbished together, but this renovation was a little different. Kelly’s vision for their Caribbean home left little room for compromise. Most of the furnishings were imported all the way from England, with the villa’s striking interior style brought to life in collaboration with luxury Essex-based firm Archco Interiors, Antiguan furniture store Gazebo, and acclaimed local interior designer Charmaine Werth.
“Charmaine, Kelly, and Archco all shared the same vision, and between them, they created what we think is a beautiful, calm, and homely environment,” Paul says. “Kelly’s favorite shop in Antigua is Gazebo. That’s where we got our dining and coffee tables. Vicky, who owns the shop, was incredible—so knowledgeable and helpful. Kelly would send her a picture of a space, and Vicky would suggest all the options.”
A Slice of Paradise
The couple's villa is a tribute to the aquamarine tones of the Caribbean Sea, complemented by a contemporary muted palette. The deluxe, expanded kitchen provides ample space for Paul to slice, dice, and sauté, while the open-plan living area is perfectly set up for their legendary dinner parties.
For now, though, Paul and Kelly are enjoying some well-earned R&R, whether it’s sitting on the terrace, listening to the water lapping, or enjoying sundown cocktails at the Pop-Up Bar on the beach.
Words of Wisdom for Fellow Renovators
Asked for advice for anyone considering a similar renovation, Paul doesn’t hesitate. “Be patient. Most of the timeframes we were given weren’t met, and we had to discover ‘Antiguan time’ pretty quickly. Be aware of the duty on importing furniture from the UK—it’s high—and normal household items on the island are very expensive. As with any building project, be prepared for the unexpected, have a contingency budget, and be mindful of supply shortages on the island.”
Paul and Kelly also recommend being physically present for as much of the renovation process as possible—and being prepared to get your hands dirty.
So, Would They Do It Again?
With the project now complete, and with the benefit of hindsight, would they do it all over again?
“Absolutely,” Paul declares. “And hopefully soon.”
By Gemma Handy
