Sam Lord’s Castle (St. Philip Parish) — Sam Lord’s Castle was a beautiful Georgian mansion built in 1820 by the notorious buccaneer Samuel Hall Lord, known as ‘Sam Lord’. Legend has it that Sam Lord acquired his wealth by plundering ships, which he lured onto the reefs off the coast, by hanging lanterns in the […]
National Armory and St. Ann’s Fort (access via Barbados Defense Force HQ, Bridgetown, St. Michael Parish) – this is now home to the world’s finest collection of 17th century English cannons (such as the Commonwealth Cannon of 1652 — one of only two known to still exist). An area worthy of being a movie set, […]
Lancaster Great House (Lancaster, St. James Parish) — this art & cultural center is surrounded by lush gardens — where the aesthetic impulses of man and nature meet. Here, the first floor of a beautifully restored Georgian-Regency plantation house serves as an elegant gallery for some of Barbados’ most interesting art exhibits. Workshops and an […]
Ilaro Court (2 Mile Hill, Bridgetown, St. Michael Parish) – this is the official residence of the Prime Minister of Barbados. This coral limestone-built residence, like many other refurbished plantation style homes, boasts a wealth of antiques and records alike. The unusual name “Ilaro” came from the name of the town in Nigeria where a […]
Grenade Hall Forest and Signal Station (Farley Hill, St. Peter Parish) — Both history and nature lovers will appreciate a visit to Grenade Hall, an attraction which combines a restored historic signal station and a natural forest. In fact it’s really a three-in-one attraction since one entry fee gains admission to both Grenade Hall and […]
George Washington House (The Garrison Savannah, Bridgetown, St. Michael) – the man who became America’s first president, George Washington, spent two months here as a young man in 1751. While there, he caught smallpox and was cured by local doctors’ innovative treatment. His resulting immunity enabled him to continue leading his revolution when others were […]
Garrison Drill Hall (Bridgetown, St. Michael Parish) — Built in 1790, the building was originally used as soldiers’ barracks. In 1822 it was remodeled for use as an Armory and, in 1881, it became the headquarters for the Garrison. It was purchased by the government in 1905 and used as gymnasium and frill hall for […]
Fustic House (St. Lucy Parish) — this is an 11-acre estate that dates back to 1740. Set on a coral ridge overlooking the Caribbean Sea and west coast, the property was re-designed in the late 1970’s by Oliver Messel to create a series of indoor and outdoor living areas that flow seamlessly together. It’s now […]
Fisherpond Great House (Parris Hill, St. John Parish) – located in St. Thomas parish (in the island’s countryside), this is another historic structure (350 years old) which was restored and refurnished with antiques. Surrounded by stunning gardens and furnished in masterfully chosen antiques, this well-loved old plantation house is the epitome of old world charm. […]
Drax Hall (St. George Parish) – located deep in the interior of Barbados, this historic mansion was believed to have been built by William & James Drax in the 1650s. Nowadays, along with Nicholas Abbey in St. Peter Parish, are among the remaining Jacobean mansions found in the entire Western Hemisphere. However, Drax Hall is […]