historic treasures
By the late seventeenth century, Barbados was acclaimed as the “richest spote of ground in the worlde.” The direct result of that fiscal wealth is a treasure of architectural wealth. Many of the splendid buildings have survived and today they represent a very important aspect of the history and heritage of this small nation.
St. Nicholas Abbey is a unique and extraordinary relic – a magnificent historic house, sugar mill wall, sugar boiling house and ancient outbuildings, and wonderful woodlands of silk cotton, sandbox, the tallest cabbage palms in the island, and of course, the romantic mahogany avenue of Cherry Tree Hill. It is truly a treasure of the Caribbean. A tour of the house and the rum making and bottling facilities with a light lunch and a little shopping is always an absolute treat. See overleaf. Set in the heart of the St. Philip countryside, and built over 300 years ago, Sunbury is a superb example of a Barbadian sugar estate great house. Filled with beautiful antiques, every room is open to the public from the cellars to the bedrooms. Throughout the extensively landscaped grounds can be found fine authentic examples of old carts, machinery and mule and oxen drawn equipment once used on the plantation. According to the time of day you visit you may wish to enjoy lunch, afternoon tea or a refreshing drink in the garden setting of the Courtyard Restaurant and Bar. Tyrol Cot House and Heritage Village was the home of Sir Grantley Adams, the first premier of Barbados and the only Prime Minister of the Federation of the West Indies. The home is also the birthplace of his son, Tom, the second Prime Minister of Barbados. A Heritage Village located here includes a slave hut, several chattel houses and a rum shop. It is located close to the Barbados National Stadium. Open Mon. to Fri. 8am to 4pm. Ent. fees: Adults Bds$16/Children Bds$10. Tel: (246) 424-2074. George Washington House is the only house outside the USA where Washington ever resided. The handsome Georgian-style house has been restored and furnished as a typical, but not luxurious, plantation residence of the mid-18th century. A Museum has been installed on the upper floor and focuses on the story of the rich, cultural heritage of the island in the 17th and 18th centuries, a time when Bridgetown was one of the three biggest cities along with Boston and London.
The Ins & Outs of Barbados
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