● Engel & Völkers is brokering the exclusive residence of Bob Marley’s widow, Rita Marley, for approx. $1M in Nassau
Located in Nassau, the capital of the Caribbean island state of the Bahamas, the “La Randa” estate has a richly interesting heritage. The property was built in 1920 by a rum producer during the era of Prohibition in the United States and is currently owned by Rita Marley, the widow of the music legend Bob Marley.
“La Randa is as unique as its history. Hardly any other property on the island combines such beautiful architectural details and original materials with such a fascinating story from bygone days,” says Colin Lightbourn, License Partner of Engel & Völkers Bahamas.
A holiday home steeped in history
The villa has living interiors spanning some 360 square metres, with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a spacious living area with a dining room and modern kitchen. The heritage of the property is reflected not only in the original ceramic tiles and wooden floors, but in one distinct architectural highlight: a tunnel running from the basement directly to the sea. During Prohibition, the tunnel was used to smuggle rum, but it is now closed off.
The estate also boasts sprawling garden grounds complete with a swimming pool and a guesthouse. Included in the sale of the property, the new owner will enjoy a two-year membership in the Nassau Palm Cay Beach Club.
About Rita Marley
Rita Marley is a Jamaican reggae artist. She married the global star Bob Marley in 1966. The Cuban-born musician was a member of the band The Soulettes, and later became a part of the music trio I-Threes, which performed together with Bob Marley on a tour through the USA and also as a supporting act for The Jackson Five. With Rita Marley at his side, Bob Marley shot to worldwide fame in the 1970s with the hit “No Woman No Cry”. Since the death of her husband in 1981, Rita Marley has managed his musical legacy. Among other things, she has converted their former residence in Jamaica into the Bob Marley Museum and founded the Robert Marley Foundation that focuses on the delivery of social interventions through education, culture, environment and sustainable community development. She also founded the Rita Marley Foundation that works toward the alleviation of poverty for people of developing and less developed countries. In 1992 she was nominated for a Grammy for her music album “We Must Carry On”.
