Mickey Drexler, the former CEO and chairman of J.Crew, is known for his impeccable fashion sense and sharp real estate acumen. Over the decades, he has commissioned renowned French architect Thierry Despont to design various properties, including a rustic alpine retreat in Idaho and a sophisticated 9,000-square-foot townhouse in New York City. In 2010, Despont completed a stunning beachfront home in The Bahamas for Drexler and his wife, Peggy. Known as Zehava and now available for $42 million, it stands as the island’s most expensive single-family residential listing.
Located off the east coast of Eleuthera, Zehava spans three and a half acres in the prestigious Narrows enclave on Harbour Island, famously known as Billionaire’s Beach. This hidden gem has attracted a host of celebrities, including Taylor Swift and Tom Cruise. “Zehava represents a rare and unparalleled opportunity,” said broker Matthew Marco of Bond Bahamas. “Designed by Thierry Despont, this home fuses timeless elegance with modern luxury, creating a unique living experience. Such exceptional properties rarely come to market, making this a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a piece of architectural history in paradise.”
The 9,500-square-foot residence features solid poured concrete, natural Brazilian hardwood, and cream-colored travertine stone. Its butterfly-style roofline gives it a light, airy feel. Inside, the home maximizes its waterfront location with high ceilings, expansive glass walls, and foldable wooden panels that connect indoor and outdoor spaces. The main house includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms, along with a spacious living room that opens directly to a covered patio. There’s also an intimate den, a generous dining room with a serving kitchen, and a chef’s kitchen with warm paneling. For guests, there’s a two-bedroom, one-bath cottage.
The grounds feature expansive decks leading down to palm-lined lawns and the beach, sheltered terraces for sun protection, and even a sunken pickleball court. Before Zehava, the highest-priced listing in the Bahamas was a $40 million property in Old Fort Bay named Aspara, which sold for nearly $39.5 million in April.
“The Bahamas real estate market now rivals exclusive destinations like the Hamptons and Malibu,” Marco noted. “Demand for luxury properties has surged as buyers seek both smart investments and serene environments. The Bahamas is firmly established as a premier luxury market worldwide.”
