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The history of the island of Mustique goes back to the 15th century when Spanish sailors first sighted a group of islands naming them 'Los Pajoros' or 'the birds' as they resembled a flock of tiny birds in flight.
In the 17th century the islands were renamed The Grenadines by pirates who used the sheltered bays to hide their ships and treasure. The Grenadines were later utilised by European planters to grow sugar
until the discovery in the 19th century that sugar beet would grow in Europe. Mustique's sugar plantations were soon abandoned and eventually swallowed up by wild jungle leaving only the sugar mill at 'Endeavor' and its 'Cotton House.'
Mustique was eventually purchased in 1958 by Lord Glenconner (Colin Tennant) under whose guidance the island began to thrive once again. HRH The Princess Margaret accepted his generous gift of a ten-acre plot of land as a wedding present in 1960 on which she built a magnificent residence, 'Les Jolies Eaux.' This lovely signature villa still exists today and has been recently featured in Architectral Digest.
In 1989, Mustique island was transformed from a family estate into a community of people dedicated
to maintaining and enhancing the island for generations to come.
The Government of St. Vincent & The Grenadines passed into law The Mustique
Company Limited Act which appointed The Mustique Company as custodian of the island.
Today, Mustique retains its natural beauty and tranquility, protecting the environment and offering
owners and guests alike one of the most peaceful, safe and pristine islands in the world.
| 1953 - |
Lord Glenconner (Honorable Colin Tennant) made his first visit to the island.
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| 1958 - |
Colin Tennant purchased the 1,400 acre island for the small sum of $67,500.
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| 1960 - |
Princess Margaret was given a 10 acre plot of land as a wedding gift.
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| 1968 - |
The Mustique Company was formed and the Mustique Company Ltd. Act was
signed with the country of St.Vincent and the Grenandines.
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| 1969 - |
The airport opened and the Cotton House became an inn. Construction
began on the first villas by the British theatrical designer, Oliver Messel.
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| 1976 - |
Mustique Company was sold to a consortium of shareholders.
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| 1979 - |
The Honorable Brian Alexander became the Managing Director.
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| 1986 - |
Jeannette Cadet joins the company as Villa Rentals Manager.
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| 1988 - |
Mustique Company was sold to the then current 55 homeowners.
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2008 -
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Today, the island consists of 100 villas, 72 of which are in the rental programme.
17 countries are represented in ownership and approximately 1,300
persons inhabit the island during the peak season period.
Roger Pritchard is named Managing Director
Mustique Company celebrates its 40th Anniversary |
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