Our history
Our history
Brief History of La Gran Maria Villa Anguilla
Discover the rich history of La Gran Maria Villa, a premier Anguilla vacation rental located in the Lockrum Estates overlooking French St. Martin in the Caribbean. Originally, Lockrum was a smuggling site for rum, with demi-johns cast overboard in its landlocked bay. After the customs prohibition lifted, it became an agricultural depot, secured by three-foot rock walls built by villagers. Corn was stored in sand, protected from rodents by conch shells, while work was done through “jollification”—villagers joyfully laboring, with women cooking and serving food and liquor, some staying overnight on the beach as early tourists.
Our forefathers intended coastal land for agriculture, often leaving it to outside children, envisioning legitimate heirs moving inland to The Valley. The villa’s name honors Grandmother Maria, an iconic figure who oversaw jollifications and taught piano, wife of Captain Joe, who connected Anguilla via schooner “The Warspite” to islands like Trinidad and the Dominican Republic.
Today, this beachfront vacation rental in Anguilla boasts stunning views of St. Martin, Tintamare, and on clear days, St. Barthelemy and St. Kitts, with whales frolicking in the channel. Cool Atlantic and Caribbean breezes enhance the coastal experience. Designed by British architect Dan Hunte, the 13,000 sq. ft. luxury vacation rental in Anguilla maximizes ventilation and sunset views, serving as a “home away from home.”
Construction began in 1993, with Phase 1 completed in 2005, reflecting a laid-back Caribbean pace due to winding dirt roads. The Anguilla private villa rental has hosted celebrities, singers, boxers, and business figures, as well as small wedding groups and newlyweds, drawn to its lush vegetation and panoramic vistas.
Later, the site evolved into prime real estate, offering breathtaking views of St. Martin/Maarten, Tintamare, and on clear days, St. Barthelemy and St. Kitts from this beachfront vacation rental in Anguilla. Annually, guests at this Anguilla private villa rental can enjoy whales frolicking in the channel between Anguilla and St. Maarten. Bordered by the Atlantic on the left and the Caribbean Sea on the right, the area benefits from cool breezes from Africa, reducing mosquitoes and enhancing the coastal experience of this luxury vacation rental in Anguilla.
La Gran Maria Villa Anguilla was crafted by renowned British architect Dan Hunte, who lived on the island for years, mastering the sun’s path and wind directions. His design created a spacious 13,000 sq. ft. Anguilla villa rental by owner with optimal ventilation and stunning sunset views of neighboring St. Martin/Maarten, establishing it as a true “home away from home” Anguilla vacation rental.
Construction began in 1993, with Phase 1 completed in 2005, reflecting a relaxed Caribbean pace due to winding dirt roads. The mantra “Slow down Mon, What’s ya hurry” shaped this 6 bedroom vacation rental in Anguilla’s development. The villa has welcomed celebrities—singers, songwriters, a welterweight boxer, TV personalities, and wealthy guests—along with small wedding groups and newlyweds, who cherish its lush vegetation and panoramic vistas, making it a unique Anguilla Airbnb alternative.
