St Nicholas Abbey, Steam Railway and Distillery
Jacobean Plantation House, Steam Railway and Rum Distillery, Barbados
THE JACOBEAN GREAT HOUSE
The Jacobean Great House is the centrepiece of St Nicholas Abbey, with interiors spanning over 350 years of history. Visitors explore the ground floor — the drawing room, study, hallway, and dining room — taking in the Chippendale staircase, antique furnishings, and collections of English and Barbadian craftsmanship. The Remembrance Room and a 1930s home movie depicting life on the plantation are also included.
DRAWING ROOM
Sir John Gay Alleyne added the Georgian-style triple arcaded portico and sash windows in 1746. Cedar panelling, installed in 1898, and a mahogany door from 1910 reflect the plantation's forestry heritage.
The room contains 1800s antiques including Wedgwood tea sets and a Sailor's Valentine collection: intricately crafted shell mosaics once made in Bridgetown as keepsakes for loved ones after long sea voyages.
STUDY
The study features the Burlington Gentleman's Chair (1935) alongside a mahogany Judge's Chair bearing the Coat of Arms of William IV. Cabinets display Minton china (c.1850) and 19th-century gold-leaf glassware, presented as gifts from prominent figures of the era.
HALLWAY
The Chippendale staircase, with differing patterns on each flight, has been in place since 1746. A 1759 grandfather clock and the 1825 Barrallier Map of Barbados, the first document to name the estate "St Nicholas Abbey," are displayed along the hallway. Indoor plumbing was added in the 1930s, with a full bath visible from the stairwell landing.
DINING ROOM
The English Sheraton sideboard (c.1780) and locally made Mahogany dining table (c.1850) are complemented by a collection of Coalport China, including a hand-painted Amari pattern influenced by Japanese silk.
UPPER FLOORS
The second and third floors include seven bedrooms, two with cornerstone fireplaces, visible from outside. These floors are not open to visitors.
TERRACE CAFÉ
The Terrace Café sits adjacent to the Great House, overlooking the plantation gullies. It serves light refreshments, homemade rum punch, coffee, and soft drinks. During Great House tours, the terrace is reserved for visitors.