Clifton Hall Great House

A Legacy Rooted in Barbados’ Past

Clifton Hall Great House dates back to the 17th century, with records tracing to a 1656 mortgage held by Ferdinand Paleologus — a descendant of Constantine XI, the last Byzantine emperor. Ferdinand settled in Barbados and became a respected figure in the parish of St. John before his death in 1678. He was laid to rest at St. John’s Parish Church.

Over the centuries the estate passed through several prominent families and grew into a substantial sugar plantation. Like many Barbadian estates of its time, Clifton Hall was worked by enslaved Africans during the island’s colonial period.

Restoration and Renewal

By the late 20th century, the great house had fallen into disrepair before being purchased in 1979 by Barbadian statesman and former Minister of Tourism, Peter Morgan. Though the house retained its architectural grandeur, it required significant restoration.

A major revival began in 2009 when Massimo and Karen Franchi undertook an extensive three-year renovation. Structural elements were repaired, interiors restored, and the gardens reclaimed, returning the estate to its former elegance while introducing modern comforts.

A New Chapter

Today, Clifton Hall Great House continues its legacy under the stewardship of Rob and Mary Cottrell, who acquired the estate in 2024. Their vision is to preserve the historic character of the great house while opening it as a cultural and social space where visitors can experience its architecture, gardens, and history.