BNT OPEN HOUSES PROGRAMME 2012 TOURS
Barbados National Trust Event
A garden party atmosphere prevails at these events, with fresh juices, homemade rum punch, and snacks served on the lawns. Books on Barbados and the Caribbean are available for purchase, and select artists and craftspeople have their goods on sale.
This is courtesy of the Barbados National Trust's Open House Programme, a winter tradition for over 30 years, and BNT's most important annual fund-raising event.
The Open House season begins on January 18th 2012, at - "St. Ann's Fort, Drill Hall & Cannon" The Garrison, St Michael.
Remember this programme raises funds to support heritage preservation efforts in Barbados.
Dates: January 18th - March 28th 2012 (EVERY WEDNESDAY)
Time: 2:30pm - 5:30pm
ADMISSION:
- Barbados National Trust members: BDS$20.00
- Non-Members: BDS $30.00 (Adults)
- BARP members: BDS $25.00
- Children: 5 - 12 years 1/2 Price / Under 5 years - FREE
This extends to members of reciprocating Trusts and Societies, including National Trusts of Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, and certain heritage societies of the USA and Canada.
Here's your chance to help preserve the Rich Heritage of Barbados
Barbados National Trust (BNT) Open Houses Calendar 2012
Tour Dates & Locations
About BNT Open House Speakers/Lively Lecturers
Dr Henry Fraser - is a past president of Barbados National Trust and the author of 'Historic Houses of Barbados' and 'Treasures of Barbados.'
Dr Karl Watson - BNT's current president and the editor of the journal of the Barbados Museum & Historical Society. He is also the author of the forthcoming book 'History of the Sephardic Jews of Barbados.'
Mr Peter Stephens serves as a VP of both the Barbados National Trust and the Barbados Garrison Historical Consortium.
NOTE: Lectures take place at 3:15pm
Special Open House ToursFor Tours with Lectures/Talks Click here...
For Special tours on days other than Wednesdays Click here...
Spend an afternoon enjoying these lovely
Homes and Gardens...
ST ANN'S FORT, DRILL HALL & CANNON, The Garrison, St Michael.
January 18th 2012
Along with historic Bridgetown, St. Ann's Garrison was recently awarded World Heritage status. Wonder why? Today's tour tells you, with expert live commentary during a drive around the area. Gain entry to the 1707 fort and hear what makes the cannon collection important and unique. Learn what purposes the Garrison buildings served, and the role this outpost played in securing the region for the British Empire. It's fascinating.
Directions
From Bridgetown, go south on Street to the Garrison and watch for our signs.
From the ABC Highway, go due south at the Garfield Sobers roundabout, come down Rendezvous Hill towards Worthing, and turn right at the bottom. About a mile later, look for the bright blue Hastings Police Station. Enter there for parking. You may also park along the Garrison. Do NOT try to park enter via the Defence Force gate.
ARAWIDI, Apes Hill, St James
January 25th 2012
Apes Hill Club has been developed as a prestigious lifestyle community in beautiful natural surroundings. Located within this beautiful development, Moonshine Ridge's stunning show home, 'Arawidi', takes Bajan architecture to a new level whilst offering spectacular views of the island's beauty and Caribbean sea. This spacious, luxury house is also of the highest specification. The drive alone is half the pleasure! Can't come today? A second visit is offered on February 29.
Directions
Heading north on Highway 2A, pass the big St. Thomas roundabout. Opposite the left turn to Westmoreland, turn right towards Water Hall and Apes Hill.
From the west coast, turn inland at Porters towards Royal Westmoreland. Go up to Highway 2A and go straight across it. Continue on to Apes Hill. Look for Open House signs.
THE SYNAGOGUE & NIDHE ISRAEL MUSEUM, Bridgetown, St Michael
January 29th 2012 (Sunday Special)
By 1654 Sephardic Jews in Barbados had consecrated Nidhe Israel, one of the two earliest temples in the western hemisphere. This architectural jewel shares a walled urban sanctuary with a stylish and engaging museum, an intriguing cemetery, and a spring-fed mikvah (ritual bath) whose recent discovery 12ft underground is of tremendous historical importance. The whole atmosphere is mystical.
Directions
Take High Street in Bridgetown, which runs beside Parliament, turn left on James Street and follow our signs. Parking is opposite the Central Police Station on James Street.
HOLDERS HOUSE, St. James
February 1st 2012
This was once the plantation house of the vast Black Rock Estate, Holders today is famous as the venue for the Holders Season, an elegant annual festival of music and theatre in the natural amphitheatre of its garden. The house itself is a historic, traditional plantation house. Beautifully furnished in a combination of antique and modern styles, it reflects the personality and flair of a creative and dynamic family.
Directions
From Highway 1, turn inland up Holders Hill and pass the entrance to the polo pitch on your left. Holders entrance is next on the left.
COLLETON HOUSE, St. Peter
February 8th 2012
So nice, we're doing it twice! (March 9th too) Established in the mid 17th century, Colleton is an exemplar of Barbados' rich and tangled history. Most recently it was the home of an extraordinary geologist whose art collection spans the diverse cultures he encountered. This is a rare opportunity to see it, and to reflect on the impact of two remarkable men who owned Colleton House. We thank Realtors for arranging this date.
Directions
Choose your favourite route to Speightstown and then go north along the coast on Highway lB. After Six Mens village, the road swings uphill and to the right. Stay on it and look for parking signs. We'll bus you in from there. There is very limited parking at the house.
Manager's House JORDAN'S PLANTATION, St. George
February 15th 2012
Sometimes obscurity produces wonderful surprises. This is the case at Jordan's Manager's House. Probably built as the plantation's sugar curing house in the 17th century, it is now a roomy, unusual, and welcoming home furnished with antiques, wonderful clocks, and a sense of humour. The grounds contain magnificent trees, a kitchen garden, and structures from a bygone era.
Directions
From the ABC Highway, turn East at the Norman Niles roundabout onto Highway 4. At the tiny roundabout, keep left and pass the St. George Secondary School. At the T junction, go right on Highway 4B, and start looking on the left for the turnoff to Jordans soon afterwards.
PANDANUS, St. James
February 22nd 2012
Is it the landscaping or its position on the lip of a verdant chasm that gives this 21st century "Caribbean colonial" such a dramatic setting? Inside, all is comfort, tranquillity and taste, with generous proportions and design details to savour. It's the holiday home of Lord David Evans, whom we thank along with Realtors for opening.
Directions
Going north on Highway 2A, take the first left turn after Bakers Woods (towards Mullins) From Highway 1B (the west coast road), turn inland at Mullins and go uphill into cane fields. In both cases, watch for Open House signs saying where to turn off that road.
ARAWIDI, Apes Hill, St. James
February 29th 2012
Apes Hill Club has been developed as a prestigious lifestyle community in beautiful natural surroundings. Located within this beautiful development, Moonshine Ridge's stunning show home, 'Arawidi', takes Bajan architecture to a new level whilst offering spectacular views of the island's beauty and Caribbean sea. This spacious, luxury house is also of the highest specification. The drive alone is half the pleasure! Can't come today? A second visit is offered on February 29.
Directions
Heading north on Highway 2A, pass the big St. Thomas roundabout. Opposite the left turn to Westmoreland, turn right towards Water Hall and Apes Hill.
From the west coast, turn inland at Porters towards Royal Westmoreland. Go up to Highway 2A and go straight across it. Continue on to Apes Hill. Look for Open House signs.
COLLETON HOUSE, St Peter
March 7th 2012
So nice, we're doing it twice! Established in the mid 17th century, Colleton is an exemplar of Barbados' rich and tangled history. Most recently it was the home of an extraordinary geologist whose art collection spans the diverse cultures he encountered. This is a rare opportunity to see it, and to reflect on the impact of two remarkable men who owned Colleton House. We thank Realtors for arranging this date.
Directions
Choose your favourite route to Speightstown and then go north along the coast on Highway 1B. After Six Mens village, the road swings uphill and to the right. Stay on it and look for parking signs. We'll bus you in from there. There is very limited parking at the house.
BEAUCHAMP HALL, St. John
March 14th 2012
This is the second opening for Beauchamp Hall. It was first opened in 2003. Built in the 1980's in an uninspired plantation style, the new owners, the Kaufmanns' renovated and re-designed the house first in the 1990's and again later to accommodate a more modern and social lifestyle. More bathrooms were added, outdoor living spaces created to include a pool, and the whole is complimented by dramatic landscaping. Beauchamp Hall is now fully re-designed into a very comfortable living space.
There is an album of captivated photographs documenting the transformation. Come, experience the astonishing views and be revitalized by the garden, the breeze and the ambience!
Directions
Beauchamp House is located at Moncrieffe, St John near the St. Philip border.
From the Norman Niles roundabout on Highway 2A, go towards Haggatt Hall. Go straight for 4.8 km, then take the right fork onto highway 4B. You'll veer left passing Brighton Plantation on your right. Continue through Melverton and subsequent canefields passing Halton and at the junction fork left continue on, passing St. Philip's church on your right. After driving about 1.5 km take the left up the hill pass District C police station. Look for Open House signs.
TO BE ANNOUNCED
March 21st 2012
(To be announced...)
Directions
(Coming soon...)
GEORGE WASHINGTON HOUSE & TOUR OF MILITARY CEMETERY, St. Michael
March 28th 2012
George Washington never went abroad, except to Barbados in 1751. It was a turning point for him, and in this beautifully restored house where he stayed, you learn how. Its upstairs museum uses artifacts and interactive displays to showcase 18th and 19th century Barbados, and gives eloquent witness to the experience of slavery. A short distance away is the Military Cemetery, a place of haunting beauty that few people ever see.
Directions
Located at the Garrison off Highway 7. On leaving Bridgetown, drive south along Bay Street and tum inlan opposite the Barbados Light & Power Ltd. You may also turn in opposite the Drill Hall. Look for our Open House signs.
Don't Miss the 2012 BNT Open House Programme
See our Special Events page for other Barbados National Trust Events.
For more information contact:
Barbados National Trust
Wildey House,
Wildey,
St Michael
Barbados, West Indies
Tel: (246) 426-2421 or 436 9033
Fax: (246) 429-9055
E-mail: natrust@sunbeach.net
Website: www.thebarbadosnationaltrust.com