Great Houses of Barbados

In this series of articles we cover the Great Houses of Barbados, highlighting the elegance, luxury and history of the plantation houses which formed the center for the growth of Barbados as we know it today.

History of the Great Houses

This article is not about a single Great House, rather it discusses the role they have played collectively in the formation of Barbados, the history, style and importance to all aspects of modern day Bajan society. Other articles in this series will cover individual properties, though with there having been many hundreds of "Plantations" on the island, only a few of which retain a "Great House", this series will only cover the most prominent and visitor friendly properties which remain.

The history of Barbados is tightly linked with European colonization. In the early 17^th century, the British claimed the island and began to develop it as a commercial trading post. Typical of those times, this involved the importation of captured people from Africa, with this, the islands population began to form. The land was broken out in to plantations by wealthy colonists, and developed to grow sugar-cane, along with the establishment of grand living quarters for the owners. Homes which reflected colonial architecture adapted for tropical conditions. Many of these houses were built on hill tops to capture trade-wind breezes ensuring ample ventilation, while also making statements about the owners wealth by making the structures obvious to all who can see them. These buildings and the land around them were all built and run through the exploitation, and often brutal treatment of the enslaved people held here by those land-owners.

The houses often included expansive wrap-around verandas creating extra living space shaded from the intense Caribbean sun while open and very well ventilated. Elegance was added through the use of decorated columns, all features embellished to make statements to visitors and business associates alike about the wealth and importance of the owners. Large windows flanked by decorative and functional shutters improved interior airflow as well as keeping prying eyes at bay, and allowing the house to be protected against the strong Caribbean storms. High ceilings, encourage warm air circulation away from the people inside while spacious common areas helped to keep the entire home cool funneling breezes around the building.

At peak development in the 17^th to 18^th centuries Barbados became one of the wealthiest colonies in the British Empire due to the immense production of sugar-cane. The properties owned by those controlling the crops grew and adapted to further express the wealth importance and grandeur of their owners.

To rival the finest homes in England, these houses were filled with fine examples of furnishing, often made from the locally abundant mahogany from the abundant forests. Dinner-ware imported from Europe and Asia and every accouterments thinkable was brought in or created to enhance the impressive feeling of these properties. These were, by design, impressive places, to leave visitors with a sense of awe and desire.

These early settlers revealed their ingenuity, entrepreneurship, and flexibility as they formed one of the preeminent sugar-cane growing countries, established trade, and developed new and innovative techniques for mass production of the sugar. Despite the perceptible good which came from this development, nothing can diminish the harm it caused with its participation in, and dependence upon, the slavery. The same individuals who created such wealth for the island, showed such heartlessness in exploiting human labor for their own financial and social gain.

Stark comparisons between the elegance of the owners accommodation in the Great House and the hovel like conditions for the slaves is one such a stark example for how humans can mistreat each-other when there is no respect. Every refinement of "modern society" was propped up and maintained by the suffering and degradation imposed on those captured and enslaved.

Although the British stopped their participation in the slave trade in the early 1800s, the abolition of slavery across the commonwealth, including Barbados, was not enacted until the mid 1830s. With this came the the emancipation of the slaves, finally. With there being approximately 4 people of African decent for every European settler, the modern makeup of Barbados' population was formed.

Sugar declined in trade popularity during the 19^th century, and with this many of the plantations closed, and their Great Houses were abandoned and fell in to ruin. The lands were subdivided and sold for residential and commercial programs, and some split off to form small farms. From this the concentration of power to a few wealthy land-owners was broken and the Plantation era came to a close.

In a complete transformation of fortunes, many of the Great Houses which survive today are now owned by decedents of the slaves who worked them in their early days.

The Great Houses Today

Several of the original Great Houses still exist today, some are open to the public as historical sites. Others houses play different roles as hotels and resorts, event locations for all manner of private events including Weddings, and corporate functions. There are also some which remain completely private and not open to the public at all.

Whichever role the modern Great House fills, they all form part of the preservation of the history of Barbados. Preserving the architecture, landscape, and a way to learn and reflect upon the good and the extreme bad which has gone before.

It comes to all who visit these places, to take the time to reflect on themselves, and to understand how insular and superior thinking can lead to horrific dehumanizing treatment of others, to learn to respect all.

Prime Examples of Surviving Great Houses

Open to Public

St. Nicholas Abbey

A rare Jacobean mansion one of only a few in the Western Hemisphere.

St. Nicholas Abbey is known for its preserved manor house, steam mill, steam railway and rum distillery.

With over 350 years of history at St. Nicholas Abbey, a perfectly preserved Jacobean-style plantation great house, retaining the remarkable craftsmanship and capturing the ambiance from the society of the plantation days.

Byde Mill

This is a stunning historic plantation great house and Mill set in beautiful grounds to capture the heritage of the site.

With an on-site restaurant serving traditional island fare from a mouthwatering buffet

Also, as Spa in which you can pamper yourself during your visit.

Visit

Clifton Hall

Step in to a world of timeless elegance, where history and luxury intertwine, this grand estate with its exquisite craftsmanship and rich heritage, offers a setting of unparalleled sophistication, inviting you to experience its beauty in every detail. Embark on an immersive journey through history, where every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered.

Discover history, savor fine rum, host elegant gatherings, and explore the estate with our curated tours and events.

From guided tours to private events, experience the estate's legacy up close, surrounded by its magnificent beauty and grandeur of this remarkable Great House

Visit

Sunbury Plantation

A time capsule of colonial life with intact with original contents is a unique aspect of Sunbury Plantation. Walk through time, three hundred years ago as you explore the expansive rooms of this Great House. Get an unparalleled glimpse into plantation life through its impressive collection of mahogany antiques, historical prints, and unique horse-drawn carriages.

George Washington House

Where the future US President stayed in 1751, a significant historical landmark. 

Hotels and resorts

Colleton

With foundations laid in 1652, today the Colleton Estate features a grand, two-story, five-bedroom, plantation-style home and swimming pool.

In addition to the Great House, Colleton Estate includes a two-bedroom guest cottage two one bedroom apartments, and the historic coach house, presently being used as a private museum.

The house stands on seven acres of gardens and mahogany forest and is approached by a long driveway of shady trees providing complete privacy to the accommodation provided.

The property was opened to the public as a historic guest house in late 2017. Significant upgrades to the property over recent years, enable the comfort and luxury expected in modern life, while maintaining all of the key historical features that guests expects.

Visit

Sweetfield Manor

Experience the elegance of a traditional Barbados plantation house when you stay at the stately Sweetfield Manor, a country manor turned boutique B&B.