Lyford Cay, Bahamas — The Caribbean's Most Exclusive Address

Lyford Cay Community Snapshot

A Legacy of Distinction

Lyford Cay's story begins with Captain William Lyford Jr., who received a land grant from King George III in 1788 for his services as a Loyalist during the American Revolution. The modern community was created when Canadian businessman E.P. Taylor purchased the land in 1954 from Bahamian developer Sir Harold Christie, building the club in the late 1950s with a vision of unmatched privacy and luxury.

In December 1962, President John F. Kennedy visited. Over the decades, Lyford Cay has been home to Sean Connery, Henry Ford II, the Aga Khan, the Bacardi family, and members of European royal families. The community's understated elegance and absolute discretion have made it the Caribbean's most enduring address for the world's most prominent families.

Glenn's Take:

"Lyford Cay isn't just a luxury community — it's an institution. The invitation-only club, the Rees Jones golf course, the yacht harbour that serves as a port of entry — nothing else in the Caribbean combines this level of history, amenity, and privacy. If you value lineage and discretion above all else, this is the only address."

Property Types & 2026 Pricing

Architecture at Lyford Cay ranges from classic Bahamian Colonial estates to striking contemporary designs. Many properties feature private pools, guest cottages, staff quarters, deep-water boat docks, and extensive tropical landscaping. With over 300 homes and virtually no new development possible, inventory is permanently constrained — quality listings move quickly and discreetly.

The Lyford Cay Club

The club is Lyford Cay's beating heart — and it sets this community apart from every other in the Caribbean.

Membership is by invitation only. This selective process has preserved the community's privacy and prestige for over 60 years. Property ownership alone does not guarantee club membership. The club serves a diverse international membership of prominent social and business leaders from around the world.

Golf: 18-hole championship course designed by Rees Jones with ocean views and pro shop. One of the most beautiful courses in the Caribbean.

Marina: Well-protected 74-slip yacht harbour — notably, this is a port of entry into the Bahamas, meaning you can clear Customs and Immigration directly at the marina. Fuel, ice, marine supplies, and fishing equipment available.

Beach: A ¾-mile stretch of private white sand described by the club as "the finest in the islands." Full water sports programme including snorkelling, scuba diving, waterskiing, and sailing.

Racquets: State-of-the-art tennis centre with 12 courts, padel courts, and professional instruction.

Dining: 6 dining venues and 8 bars — from casual beachside to formal yacht club dining. Known for exceptional cuisine and service.

Wellness: Spa services, fitness centre, and swimming pools. Guest accommodations and meeting facilities also available.

Social: Year-round calendar of events — galas, charity events, cultural gatherings, and member activities. The club is both a social and networking hub for the global elite.

Marina, Golf & Boating

Lyford Cay's 74-slip yacht harbour is one of the best-protected marinas in the Bahamas — and one of the few residential marinas that serves as a Bahamas port of entry. Arriving by yacht, you clear Customs and Immigration without leaving the community.

Many canal-front homes also have private docks for direct deep-water access. The western tip location provides excellent access to the Exuma chain, Berry Islands, and open Atlantic waters.

The Rees Jones golf course is a crown jewel — 18 holes with ocean views, immaculate conditioning, and a relaxed yet prestigious playing atmosphere. Members enjoy preferred tee times, tournament play, and pro shop services.

School & Family Life

Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) — founded in 1962 by E.P. Taylor himself — is one of only 55 schools worldwide authorised for all four IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP, and CP). Accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Preschool (18 months) through Grade 12, with 100% university acceptance rates and over $10.9M in graduate scholarships since 2010.

LCIS has two campuses totalling 23.5 acres — the Lower School (preschool to Grade 6) is within the Lyford Cay gates, while the Upper School campus is just half a mile away in western Nassau. The community is genuinely family-friendly despite its exclusivity — children's programmes, the beach, pool facilities, and the safe gated environment make it popular with young families.

Also nearby: Windsor School (campuses at Old Fort Bay and Albany — Cambridge curriculum, NEASC and CIS accredited 2025, pre-Reception to Grade 12, boarding and day) and King's College School (Western Road, opened 2022 — part of Inspired Education Group, Cambridge + IB Diploma + A-Levels, 10-acre purpose-built campus with $13M beachfront boarding house at Love Beach). Western Nassau now offers three premium private school options within minutes.

Glenn's Club Tip:

"The club membership question is the single most important thing to understand before pursuing Lyford Cay. Membership is by invitation, and the process has real requirements. I advise on what to expect, how the process works alongside the property transaction, and what the membership means for your day-to-day life in the community. Get this right and everything else follows."

Costs & Ownership

See the complete tax guide or use the interactive calculator.

Residency & Tax Advantages

Every Lyford Cay property qualifies for Economic Permanent Residency (EPR) — the minimum is $1,000,000 (since January 2025), and all homes here well exceed that. Purchases of $1.5M+ commonly receive priority consideration.

Bahamas tax advantages: Zero income tax, zero capital gains tax, zero inheritance tax, zero wealth tax. The Bahamian dollar is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, eliminating currency risk. These advantages — combined with Lyford Cay's lifestyle — are why the community has attracted global wealth for over six decades.

Lyford Cay vs Nearby Communities

Lyford Cay's differentiator is heritage and invitation-only exclusivity. Albany attracts buyers wanting modern architecture and mega-yacht infrastructure. Old Fort Bay appeals to those seeking historic charm with a more relaxed club. Ocean Club offers the Four Seasons service brand. Glenn shows properties across all communities so you can compare directly.

How to Buy at Lyford Cay

1. Confidential briefing. Glenn shares current and off-market inventory, recent sales data, and price trends by property type. Lyford Cay transactions often happen discreetly.

2. Club conversation. Glenn advises on the membership process, what to expect, and how club navigation runs alongside the property search. This is the most important step unique to Lyford Cay.

3. Private tours. All visits must be pre-arranged through a licensed agent with security clearance. Glenn coordinates private previews of 3-5 shortlisted properties.

4. Comp-driven offer. Glenn pulls comparable sales, days on market, and seller dynamics. In a community of 300+ homes with constrained supply, informed offers are essential.

5. Due diligence & close. Attorney coordination, title, survey, insurance, club membership processing, and — if applicable — EPR filing. Typical timeline: 60-90 days cash, 90-120+ financed.

Talk to Glenn About Lyford Cay

BREA Licensed #1247 | Bahamas MLS Member | Residency Consultant | 24+ Years

Glenn Ferguson has guided international buyers into Lyford Cay for years. He provides discreet access to both listed and off-market inventory, comp-driven pricing strategy, club membership guidance, and full residency coordination.

Full-service from search to closing. Property identification, negotiation, attorney coordination, club navigation, EPR filing, and lifestyle setup. Seller pays commission — $0 cost to buyers.

View Glenn's full profile and credentials

Lyford Cay FAQ

Sources: Lyford Cay Club (lyfordcay.com), Wikipedia, BREA MLS, Maxim Magazine, Bahamas Marinas, Sailing Click. Pricing and availability subject to change. Last updated February 23, 2026.