In 1958, it was purchased by the Honourable Colin Tennant. Princess Margaret accepted Colin Tenant's 10-acre plot of Mustique land as a wedding present in 1960. In 1968, a change of policy opened Mustique to outsiders who were willing to preserve the Island's original character. An economic development agreement was entered into between the government of St.Vincent and The Mustique Company. In 1969, the airport was opened, the first new villas were built, and the Cotton House opened as an inn.
The first villas and the Cotton House were designed by the British theatrical designer, Oliver Messel with other improvements soon following. Since 1968, more than $100 million has been invested in Mustique.
In spite of all the development, Mustique has retained its privacy and tranquillity. Protecting the environment and the peaceful way of life is of paramount importance to all who live and vacation here. It is one of the cleanest and most secure places in the world.