The Barbados National Trust's popular Open House Program provides you with information about the history, architecture and other features of the various Barbadian homes that are chosen.
You'll want to linger for the extras: rum punch or fresh fruit juice on the lawn; authentic homemade goodies to take home or eat right there; vibrant artists and craftspeople; and books on Barbados and the Caribbean.
The experience is completed by contact with friendly locals who share your interest, and by the enthusiasm of knowledgeable volunteers.
Open House Reveals Hidden Insights
You don't really know Barbados until you've sampled the Open House Program at least a few times. That's the opinion of the organizers at the Barbados National Trust.
The Confederation Riots started at one of the houses on this year's schedule. A working steam cane crusher is operating at another. A famous Italian count built another, in the area where the Barbados' tourist industry was born.
Recent years have seen an upsurge in local patronage, as Barbadians take the opportunity to visit private properties that they would not otherwise get the chance to enter. Some seek personal contact with the island's history, while others are in search of design and decorating ideas.
When: Every Wednesday, the Open House Program satisfies these wishes by providing entry into homes across the island, revealing a range of lifestyles, architecture and historical features.
For decades, Open House has been the Trust's most popular annual fundraising series, offering insight and entertainment for its patrons. Visitors to the island have been known to schedule their trips according to which houses will be opened.
Open House also gives winter residents a way to get involved in local life. Seeking to structure their time in a productive and pleasant way, these devoted visitors compose nearly half of the 40-strong volunteer corps at the weekly events.
This year's program mixes old and new, luxurious and modest dwellings.
The 2008 Open House season begins on January 16th with Sugarlands, a spacious, contemporary, family holiday home in Sandy Lane. The grounds showcase a range of tropical fruit trees and flowers.
A complete contrast is shown on the following Wednesday, when the manager's house at Andrews Sugar Factory will be opened.
Open House also has a garden party aspect as patrons socialize on the lawns and shop for books on Barbados and the Caribbean, selected arts and crafts, or homemade local refreshments, jellies, and baked goods.
The Trust uses the funds raised by Open House to support heritage preservation efforts.
The houses will be open from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
On each occasion, a different home is opened to the public. They range from 17th century mansions to contemporary villas, and dwellings in between. Each has something to reveal about the many realities of life in Barbados, an island that gets more fascinating the better you know it.
Admission for National Trust members is $10, $18 for non-members, and $15 for BARP members.
All funds raised go to support heritage preservation in Barbados. For further information, please phone the Barbados National Trust at (246) 426-2421.
The program runs until April 9th, 2008.
For further information, please phone the Barbados National Trust at (246) 426-2421.
The 2008 Barbados Open House schedule.
SUGARLANDS, Sandy Lane, St. James
January 16th, 2008
Our season begins with a house that is spacious, unpretentious and relaxed. A contemporary villa and cottage on an acre of grounds, Sugarlands was built as a holiday home to accommodate a family with several children. It's like a big, pink birthday cake, and just as cheerful inside. The grounds showcase a range of tropical fruit trees and flowers.
DIRECTIONS: From H'Way #1 turn inland on to Bennett's Road, Keep forward at cross road with the bullet. Bear left at fork in the road and drive up Cooper's Hill to T junction. Park as directed. From H'Way 2A turn on to Bennett's Road (big Sandy Lane sign). Continue down hill, turn right at Molyneux Rd and follow our signs.
ANDREW'S SUGAR FACTORY...MANAGER'S HOUSE, St. Joseph
January 23rd, 2008
Though much diminished, Barbados' sugar industry grinds on, and relics of the lifestyle still stand. Today we feature the oft-overlooked manager's house, inhabited by the manager of one of our two functioning factories, located across the road. The house structure shows traditional Barbadian architecture, the interior reflects a life of travel in other sugar-producing countries, and the garden produces food and flowers.
DIRECTIONS: Take H'Way #3 towards Bathsheba. On reaching Andrew's Sugar Factory, park as directed in factory yard and walk to house. Persons with disabilities may be set down at the house.
Chukkas House at Lion Castle Polo Estate, St.Thomas
January 30th, 2008
At an elevation of 1000 feet, the windswept estate is stunningly landscaped and commands a spectacular view to the South coast of the island.
Chukkas was designed by Architects Morrison Associates to convey privacy and openness, luxury and comfort. With its fretwork trim, soaring great room, and top-quality finishes, it is a delight for the eyes.
DIRECTIONS: Take Highway 2A to the Lawrence Johnson roundabout and turn inland, opposite the St. Thomas church. The road will soon fork; take the right one. Less than a mile later, at the 4-way junction, go straight across and up the hill. At the next junction, turn left. The turn to Lion Castle is about a half-mile ahead on the right. Open House signs will be posted.
ST. NICHOLAS ABBEY, St. Peter
February 6th, 2008
Built in the mid-17th century and set in about 200 acres of cane, this is not a religious abbey but one of only 3 surviving Jacobean-style houses in the Western Hemisphere. This treasure has been bought by architect Larry Warren, who has lovingly restored the house, outbuildings andits steam-driven sugar factory, where he bottles rum and other sugar cane products.
With its antique furnishings, paintings, china, little museum, and a rare, 1930's documentary film on view, you'll be immersed in plantation life. You can also explore the gully and relax in the shaded restaurant.
NOTE: Special reduced admission fee to the property is $20 for Trust members, and $28 for non-members. This includes admission to the working factory and a bottle of cane juice fresh from the crusher. Opening hours 10 to 3:30, and worth every minute.
DIRECTIONS: Drive way up North on H'Way 2A, veering to the right at Mile and a Quarter and up past All Saints Church. At the "T" junction with the Charles Duncan O'Neal H'Way, turn right and continue on, following Open House Signs.
BUTTSBURY COURT, St. James
February 13th, 2008
Barbados' new polo estates took their cue from this area at Holders, where comfortable properties have ringed the field for decades. Stylish but relaxed, Buttsbury Court makes the most of its limited acreage, and contains pleasant design surprises. Inside, antiques are interspersed with classic contemporary pieces. Our thanks to Realtors, Ltd., for arranging this visit.
DIRECTIONS: From H'Way #1 turn up hill opposite Daphne's Restaurant. Turn left at Polo Ridge,and left again. This house is on the right, at the end of the road after the Polo club house.
BELLEVUE, St Michael
February 20th, 2008
Never would you suspect that such a splendid property lies at the end of this road. The plantation dates from 1635, and commands a broad view down its manicured slope. Large, airy and graceful, the house has recently been restored and renovated in a way that enhances its special character. Mosaics, converted outbuildings, horses, and vast grounds complete the picture. Realtors, Ltd., handles this house, and kindly provided it today.
DIRECTIONS: Follow the ABC H'Way and turn towards Bridgetown on to the Waterford Road at the Hothersal roundabout. Pass Waterford Plantation on your left, and it is the next left turn. Follow Open House signs to end road.
BYDE MILL, St George
February 27th, 2008
Byde Mill dates from just after the Great Hurricane of 1831. It is associated with one of the most interesting and brilliant figures in Barbadian history, the Hon. Joshua Steele, whose contributions are described in the Open House guide to the house. For years, this charming old property was a perennial favourite on the Open House calendar, and then it was sold. The new owners have made changes that we are all eager to see.
DIRECTIONS: From Norman Niles roundabout on the ABC H'Way go East to the next roundabout. Keep forward, pass old sugar factory, pass a strange "cross" road and turn right on to H'Way 4B . Look for Open House sign. Pass Brighton market location on your right, and continue along this road. Byde Mill is on your left after Rolling Hills. Please park as directed, but those with a disability may be set down at the house.
WINDWARD, Sandy Lane, St. James
March 5th, 2008
Windward was the retreat of the late Count Johnny Lurani, one of the legendary racing drivers of the famous Mille Miglia. The house was originally designed by Happy Ward and has since been renovated and extended. Since our last visit, the entrance has changed too. This breezy and relaxing home combines openness and intimacy with uncluttered elegance. It is situated in beautifully landscaped gardens on a ridge in the Sandy Lane Golf Course, and is managed by Realtors, Ltd., who kindly put it on this year's schedule.
DIRECTIONS: From H'Way #1 turn inland on to Bennett's Road. Pass the crossroad with the bullet, and bear left up Cooper's Hill. The house is on your right on the curve at top of hill. Please park as directed. From H'Way 2A turn on to Bennett's Road (big Sandy Lane sign) and drive down hill. Turn right on to Molyneux Road, then left, and follow Open House signs.
TAITTS PLANTATION, St James
March 12th, 2008
Located just 5 minutes from the West Coast on over 10 acres of grounds, Taitts Plantation is a country retreat that takes you back in time. It has been lovingly and tastefully restored, but its crisp white walls, gleaming hardwood floors and high ceilings frame an interior whose rustic charm has been retained. Distressed antiques, whimsical touches and simple tranquility combine to give it a whiff of magic.
DIRECTIONS: From the Lawrence Johnson roundabout at St Thomas' Parish Church, head North along H'Way 2a, pass the Westmoreland/Apes Hill crossroad, and turn right at the Turtleback Ridge sign. Continue up hill until you come to open fields. Keep forward; Taitts Pltn is on your right.
PAYNES BAY HOUSE, Sandy Lane, St. James
March 19th, 2008
With its soaring foyer and curving staircase, its 5 bedrooms and numerous balconies, Paynes Bay House is big on architectural drama. Inside, its stylish décor revolves around natural hues and materials, with areas of colour and contrast. This modern villa sits in 2 acres of tropical gardens that are lovely to explore. Our thanks to Realtors, Ltd., for providing this house.
DIRECTIONS: Turn off of H'Way #1 on to South Road. It is the first house on the right, but you will be directed to parking. People with disabilities may be set down at the house.
BEN MAR HOUSE, St Michael
March 26th, 2008
Ben Mar, the official residence of the British High Commissioner, is opened today through the kind permission of His Excellency Duncan Taylor and his wife, Bebe. Like many of its fellow properties in the elegant Pine Hill suburb, Ben Mar was built in the mid 1920's with many classic Barbadian features. With its large social areas both indoors and out, this grand house is perfect for diplomatic entertaining. The lovely 3-acre garden will invite you to wander and relax.
DIRECTIONS: From the Emancipation Statue roundabout on the ABC H'Way, head towards Bridgetown. At the second set of stop lights, swing left and keep left .Go up hill, pass Government House, and bear right almost immediately. It's the first house on the left, but please note that parking is a little farther up on your left, at St Winifred's School, from 2.00 to 6.00pm. Please park as directed. Those with disabilities may be set down at the house.
KINCH'S HOUSE at Yorkshire, Christ Church
April 2nd, 2008
Today is the "reality show" segment of Open House, wherein a young Barbadian couple with two small children and a few horses invite you to come on over. Their newly-built house is set in 2 acres of grounds adjoined by 20 acres of paddock, with a lovely view of the fertile St George valley.
DIRECTIONS: Follow the ABC H'Way to the Emancipation Statue. Head East along H'Way #5. At the second crossroad (sign posted St Patricks via Yorkshire and Lower Greys ) turn right, then take the first left after passing a small development on your left. Continue along this road until you see Open House signs on your right. Enter the development and keep on the road until you join a concrete road. Follow this to your right and it is the last house on your right.
GOLDEN EYE, St James
April 9th, 2008
This luxurious two-storey, 4-bedroom villa is built in plantation style, but with a dramatic, open plan ground floor. The central atrium's French doors open onto a panoramic view of the sea. Four-poster beds and a majestic mahogany dining table are among the furnishings. Terraces invite you to relax with an Open House rum punch. Terra Caribbean kindly provided this house.
DIRECTIONS: From H'Way #1 turn inland at the Royal Westmoreland sign opposite Colony Club. Drive uphill, pass the entrance to Westmoreland and immediately after turn left into the Callijaunda Development. Park as directed and the house is straight ahead.
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