Barbados Activities - Plantation House Tours
Barbados has a rich history of great houses, plantations, pirate dens and the attractive chattel house of board and shingle, sometimes with ornate trim, which were the homes to the poor. The homes of the island are some of the world's best examples of a period of architecture, dating back to the sixteenth century. Rare possessions, mahogany furniture, ornaments, household artifacts, big wheeled buggies, art and sculpture decorate these homes in a unique setting of tropical color and building style. There are many heritage tours which provide a roster of visits of these unique settings.
Drax Hall in St. George, is the oldest surviving Jacobean mansion in the Western Hemisphere. Built in the 1650's, it stands as proud examples of the Jacobean tradition. Brothers William and James Drax built Drax Hall as one of the earliest and biggest sugar properties in Barbados. They were a wealthy and well connected family that had a special love for Barbados. There were others like them, for Barbados prospered with sugar and its plantation owners held considerable influence at home and abroad.
Bridgetown’s Jewish Synagogue, built in the 17th century (1654), was destroyed by hurricane in 1831, was rebuilt, fell into disrepair, and was sold in 1929. In 1983, it was bought back by the Jewish community and was restored to its present state with its beautiful Gothic arches, and is now a Barbados National Trust protected building and an active synagogue. About 300 Jewish people of Recife, Brazil, persecuted by the Dutch, settled in Barbados in the 1660's. Skilled in the sugar industry, they quickly introduced the crop and passed on their skills in cultivation and production to the Barbados land owners.
The Sunbury Plantation House is over 300 years old, steeped in history, featuring mahogany antiques, old prints and a unique collection of horse-drawn carriages. This is the only great house, with all rooms available for viewing. Sunbury is located in the tranquil St. Philip countryside approx. 10-15 minutes from Little Bay House. The Courtyard Restaurant and bar offer refreshments to visitors daily. Open 7 days a week 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (last tour at 4:30 p.m.)
Sunbury Plantation House
St.Philip
Tel: (246) 423-6270
Fax: (246) 423-5863
sunbury@caribsurf.com
Picture 1
Picture 2
Picture 3
