If you’ve ever stepped foot on the pink sands of Briland, you know the feeling. It’s that immediate, heavy-lidded relaxation that hits the second you hop off the water taxi from North Eleuthera. But staying here is tricky. You can do the big resorts, or you can find something that actually feels like the Bahamas used to feel. Coral House Harbour Island is basically the poster child for that "old-school Caribbean" vibe that everyone tries to replicate but almost nobody gets right. It isn’t just a rental; it’s a landmark.
Honestly, the first thing people notice isn't even the house itself. It’s the color.
That perfect, sun-bleached coral pink. It matches the sand. It’s located right on Bay Street, which means you’re basically in the heart of the action without being stuck in a noisy tourist trap. You’ve got the harbor right there. You’ve got the history of the 1800s baked into the walls. Most people think they need a massive beachfront estate to "do" Harbour Island correctly, but they’re wrong. Being on the bay side, especially at a spot with the pedigree of Coral House, gives you a sunset view that the ocean-side houses just can't touch.
The Real History Behind Coral House Harbour Island
This isn't some new-build villa made to look vintage. No.
Coral House dates back to the late 18th or early 19th century, depending on which local historian you ask at the Dunmore Terrace. It’s a classic Loyalist-style cottage. Think steep gabled roofs and wide, wrap-around porches designed to catch the cross-breezes because, back then, AC wasn't a thing. The house has survived more hurricanes than most of us have had birthdays. It’s sturdy. It’s lived-in.
When you stay at Coral House Harbour Island, you’re stepping into a space that was renovated by Chiqui de Segovia de Aróstegui. If that name sounds fancy, it’s because her aesthetic is legendary in the design world. She managed to keep the "shabby chic" soul of the place while making it feel like a luxury boutique hotel. It’s a hard balance. Too much luxury and it feels like a Marriott in Miami; too little, and you’re fighting off bugs in a shack.
She nailed it.
The house features two main buildings. There’s the original cottage and then the "pool house" or secondary wing. Between them sits a courtyard that feels like a private jungle. There’s a pool, which is actually a bit of a rarity for the older cottages in Dunmore Town. Most of these historic lots are tiny. Finding a spot with a private pool and enough room to sleep ten people comfortably is like finding a needle in a haystack—if the haystack was made of hibiscus flowers.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Staying Here
Everyone wants the "Pink Sands Beach" experience. I get it. The sand is literally pink because of foraminifera (tiny red-shelled organisms), and it’s gorgeous. But here’s the secret: living on the beach is loud and windy.
Staying at Coral House Harbour Island on the bay side means you are a two-minute golf cart ride from the beach, but you’re also steps away from Landing, Sip Sip (well, for lunch anyway), and the local bakeries. You get to hear the roosters in the morning. You get to see the locals heading out on their boats. It’s authentic.
The house itself is configured for groups. You’ve got:
- A massive kitchen that actually has decent knives (a miracle in rental homes).
- Direct views of the harbor from the upper balconies.
- Enough outdoor seating to host a small wedding, though you probably shouldn't.
One misconception is that because it's "historic," it's going to be cramped. Not really. The ceilings are surprisingly high for a Loyalist cottage. The air flows through the shutters in a way that makes you forget about the humidity. It’s basically built-in climate control from the 1800s.
The Interior Vibe
Think sisal rugs. Think white-washed wood. Think original art that doesn't look like it came from a discount furniture store. The bedrooms are tucked away, offering a level of privacy that’s hard to find in modern open-concept homes. You can have a party on the porch while someone else naps in the back wing without being disturbed.
It’s also worth mentioning the staff. You aren't just handed a key and told "good luck." Most high-end rentals on Briland, including Coral House, come with a housekeeper who usually knows the island better than Google does. If you need fresh lobster or want to know which charter captain isn't going to overcharge you for a trip to see the swimming pigs, you just ask.
Logistics: Getting to Coral House
Getting to Harbour Island is a bit of a trek, which is why it stays so exclusive.
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- Fly into North Eleuthera (ELH). You can get direct flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Nassau.
- Grab a taxi at the airport. It’ll cost you about $5 to $10 per person.
- The taxi drops you at the dock. You hop on a water taxi. Another $5.
- Five minutes later, you’re at the Government Dock on Harbour Island.
From the dock, Coral House Harbour Island is practically a stone's throw away. You don't even need a golf cart to get your luggage there, though you’ll definitely want to rent one for the week. A "Briland limo" (as we call the carts) is the only way to travel. Pro tip: book your cart months in advance during the peak season (Christmas to Easter). If you show up in March without a reservation, you’ll be walking. And while the island is small, it’s not that small when it’s 85 degrees out.
The Cost of Paradise
Let's be real: Harbour Island is expensive. It’s often called the "Nantucket of the Caribbean."
Coral House isn't a budget stay. Depending on the season, you’re looking at several thousand dollars a night. But when you split that between four or five couples, it suddenly becomes comparable to staying at a high-end resort like The Ocean View Club or Pink Sands Resort, but with ten times the privacy and a full kitchen.
You’re paying for the soul of the place. You're paying for the ability to sit on your own porch with a Kalik beer and watch the sunset over the water without a hundred other tourists in your shot.
Things to Do Near Coral House
You can't just sit in the pool all day. Well, you can, but you shouldn't.
Arthur’s Bakery is a must. Get the jalapeño cheese bread. It sounds weird for breakfast, but it’ll change your life. It’s a short walk from the house.
Then there’s the Lone Tree. It’s a big piece of driftwood stuck in the sand on the harbor side. It’s the most photographed tree in the Bahamas. Since you’re staying at Coral House, you can get there at sunrise before the "influencers" arrive with their tripods.
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For dinner, you have to hit The Landing. It’s right down the street. The building is historic, the wine list is massive, and the food is consistently the best on the island. Get the spicy crab capellini. Don't ask questions, just order it.
A Note on Seasonality
Don't go in September. Just don't.
Most of the island shuts down for hurricane season. The restaurants close, the shops board up, and the humidity is thick enough to swim in. The "sweet spot" is late April or May. The winter crowds have thinned out, the water is warm enough to actually swim in, and the breeze is still kicking. If you go in December, it’s a scene. It’s fun, but it’s hectic.
The Sustainability Factor
Living on an island means resources are tight. Coral House, like many of the renovated estates, tries to balance modern needs with island realities. Water is precious. Electricity is expensive (and occasionally goes out—that’s just island life).
When you stay at Coral House Harbour Island, you're supporting the preservation of a building that is part of the Bahamian national heritage. These houses are expensive to maintain because the salt air eats everything. Every piece of wood, every hinge, and every appliance has to be shipped in on a slow boat. By choosing a historic rental over a new mega-resort, you’re helping keep the architectural integrity of Dunmore Town alive.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
If you're ready to pull the trigger on a stay at Coral House, here is how you actually make it happen without the headaches.
- Book 6-12 Months Out: This house is popular. If you want a specific week in the spring, you need to move fast. Use reputable villa agencies or check the direct listing sites.
- Hire a Private Chef for One Night: The kitchen at Coral House is meant to be used. Ask the house manager to hook you up with a local chef who can do a traditional Bahamian boil or fresh cracked conch. It’s better than any restaurant meal you’ll have.
- Rent the "Fast" Golf Cart: Ask for a 48-volt cart. The hills near the middle of the island can be a struggle for the older 36-volt models when you have four adults on board.
- Pack Light: You don't need heels. You don't need a suit. Harbour Island is "barefoot luxury." A couple of linen shirts, a few swimsuits, and one pair of decent sandals will get you through the entire week.
- Cash is King: While the big spots take cards, having a roll of $5s and $10s for the water taxis and small roadside conch stands makes life much easier.
Coral House isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a gateway to a version of the Bahamas that is rapidly disappearing. It's quiet, it's pink, and it's perfectly positioned. Just make sure you save some jalapeño bread for the rest of us.