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Country music superstars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill have enjoyed decades of success, but one of their most extraordinary projects had nothing to do with recording music or performing onstage.
The couple transformed a secluded island in the Bahamas into a tropical family retreat, complete with a stunning white residence, lush greenery, and breathtaking ocean views.
Yet long before their dream house was finished, the family experienced a surprisingly rustic side of island life.
Their three daughters — Gracie, Maggie, and Audrey — spent time staying in yurts while construction was underway.
What eventually emerged was an extraordinary escape from the spotlight, where the family could enjoy the simple pleasures of being together.
From an Empty Island to Their Own Little Town
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In 2003, Tim and Faith purchased a nearly 20-acre island in the Exumas, a beautiful chain of islands in the Bahamas.
They named it L’île d’Anges, meaning Island of Angels.
At first, the property was almost completely undeveloped. There was little more than a small shack, and the couple soon discovered that creating their dream home would require far more work than they had imagined.
They needed electricity, running water, accommodations for workers, and other essential infrastructure.
As Faith later explained in a 2017 interview with Architectural Digest, the project became so extensive that they essentially had to build a little town.
Architectural Digest
Why Their Three Daughters Stayed in Yurts
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One of the most unexpected parts of the family’s story involves their daughters.
While construction continued, Tim and Faith spent time on the island with Gracie, Maggie, and Audrey, staying in two seaside yurts.
These circular tent-like structures offered a much simpler experience than the luxurious residence the couple was building.
But contrary to the dramatic wording of some headlines, the girls were not forced to live there against their wishes.
Faith compared the experience to camping, while Tim recalled that the children loved it.
For the family, those early visits became part of the adventure.
Architectural Digest
Inside the Extraordinary Eight-Pavilion Residence
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The completed residence, finished in 2012, was unlike an ordinary mansion.
Designed by architects Bobby McAlpine and Greg Tankersley, the property featured eight separate pavilions connected by covered, open-air passageways.
Its design included a spacious living area, individual bedroom suites, an outdoor dining space, and a swimming pool overlooking the ocean.
Interior designer Ray Booth created a relaxed atmosphere using white furnishings, soft blue accents, natural textures, and pieces inspired by the surrounding landscape.
Instead of overwhelming the tropical setting, the design emphasized ocean views, fresh air, and comfortable family living.
Architectural Digest
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A Home Surrounded by Nature
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Beyond the main residence, the island featured white-sand beaches, tropical vegetation, a private dock, and an observation tower.
The family could spend afternoons swimming, boating, or simply relaxing together.
In their 2017 interview, Tim described the feeling of arriving on the island as something special, while Faith emphasized how much she loved the natural breezes moving through the house.
For two musicians accustomed to busy touring schedules, the retreat offered a quieter way of life.
Architectural Digest
The Island Was Later Listed for $35 Million
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In February 2021, the island was listed for sale with an asking price of $35 million.
The listing described approximately 6,500 square feet of main living space, four bedrooms, covered walkways, staff accommodations, and the two beachfront yurts.
Reports later indicated that the island had been sold in 2021, although the final sale price was not publicly disclosed in the reporting reviewed.
The photographs therefore document an important chapter of the family’s history, rather than necessarily showing a property they still own today.
Architectural Digest
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The Family Memories Behind the Luxury
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For all its remarkable architectural details, the most memorable part of the Bahamas property may be how it began.
Before there were elegant pavilions, oceanfront terraces, and carefully decorated bedrooms, there were parents and children staying in simple seaside yurts.
The family’s experience illustrates how a building project can become a collection of memories long before the house is finished.
And while the estate eventually became a multimillion-dollar showpiece, the years spent enjoying the island together were part of what made it meaningful.
Would you rather spend your vacation in a luxurious beachfront mansion or a simple yurt just steps from the ocean?
Explore the 18 original photographs of the island and its interiors from Architectural Digest, including the pool terrace, bedrooms, courtyard, and family photographs.
For more celebrity family moments, take a look at Charlize Theron’s sweet gesture toward her daughters and Kate Gosselin’s former housekeeper’s startling account. You can also catch up on the former child star from *Forrest Gump* who left acting behind.
