THE BARBADOS NATIONAL TRUST OPEN HOUSE PROGRAMME

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.

The Open House programme raises funds to support heritage preservation efforts.

ADMISSION:

• Barbados National Trust members:$10.00
• Non-Members: $18.00
• BARP members: $15.00

OPEN HOUSE TOUR DATES & LOCATIONS

SPINNAKER RUN, Sandy Lane, St. James
January 17

Conspicuous consumption was unheard of in the early days of Sandy Lane. Tastemakers of the 1950s and '60s focussed on grace, comfort, and harmony with nature. That, plus a decades-long collection of Barbadian art is what you'll be immersed in today. Stroll the mahogany-shaded grounds. Enjoy the entertainment. We thank Newhaven Ltd. for providing this house.

Directions:

From Highway 2A: Turn onto Bennetts Road, leading into Sandy Lane estates. Pass the right turn to Molyneux Road. The long driveway on the right flanked with low, pink oleanders is Spinnaker Run's. From Highway 1: Going North, take the first right after passing Sandy Lane Hotel. Go straight up, and watch for our signs.

CLIFF PLANTATION, St. John
January 24

Set in fertile farmland, the old Cliff Plantation house shows that sugar was not all sweetness, but struggles too. Now inhabited by the Bournes and their young children, Cliff has the flavour of real country life. Transportation is our theme - horses, rallying, and your scenic drive. Vintage cars will be displayed.

Directions:
From Highway 2A: Turn at the Norman Niles roundabout onto Highway 4. Stay on it passing Bulkeley factory, through Ellerton, and past Drax Hall until reaching a triangular fork in the road. Take the right fork, pass Woodland and Kendall plantations. Take the next right turn at the signpost for Massiah Street and follow our signs.

FRIZER'S, St. Joseph
January 31

Nestled in a hidden, unspoiled valley Frizer's has a legendary quality. Dr. and Mrs. Tom Loftfield began rescuing this property from decay in 2000. Frizer's is an emerging as historical property of unique character, thanks to their artistry. It is rustic with areas of elegance, the interior blends Barbadian and American antiques with marvels from Thailand. Wear sturdy shoes to explore the grounds.

Directions:
Take Highway 3 towards Bathsheba, curving to the right through the painted rocks. Take the first major left through Coffee Gully (opposite Blackman's Plantation, before reaching Grantley Adams School) Keep on that road, passing Hunte's Gardens and through Chimborazo. At the wonky, hillside junction, turn right, down the hill. Less than a half mile later, take the small road on your right and descend with care. It is essential that you cooperate with our traffic managers.

LASCELLES HOUSE, Holetown, St. James
February 7

Originally part of the Lascelles Plantation, this historic house dates back to at least 1789 when Lord Lascelles, the great grandfather of Queen Victoria, lived here. The house is now owned by an English couple, Robert and Angela Griffiths. It is gracefully furnished with antiques and a wonderful collection of paintings and sculptures, as well as prints depicting naval history. Surrounded by nearly 3 acres of gardens, the total effect is spectacular.

Directions:
From Holetown, turn inland at St. James Methodist Church. The house is about 1/5 mile up this road in Lascelles Cul de Sac. Park in the marked field and walk up. Frail visitors may be dropped off at the house. .

JAMOON, Sandy Lane, St. James
February 14

This newly-built villa is deceptive, giving the first impression of a modest cottage. In fact, there are 7 bedrooms and soaring social spaces. The lady of the house is an Italian interior decorator, whose harmonious combination of classical and modern pieces works beautifully. The jamoon tree produces a delicious, mulberry-like fruit which makes a surprisingly good wine. Sample some today, and entertainment too. Thanks to Realtors, Ltd. for this house.

Directions:
From Highway 1 on the West Coast, turn inland on Bennetts Road, between Sunset Crest and Sandy Lane. At the "bullet" in the road, turn left on Salter's Road and look for our parking area.

MORECAMBE HOUSE
February 21

Perhaps the most unusual of our venues, this historic building has changed its function many times, from plantation house to hostel to Charlie's Bar. After major renovations, Morecambe house has now re-emerged as the home of 2 beautifully designed restaurants. Both are filled with exotic art and artefacts from India and Thailand. Today you'll have the chance to admire them at leisure, and the garden too.

Directions:
Located at Worthing on highway 7, the house can be found on the compound to the rear of Cave Shepherd. At the traffic light, turn left or right as the case may be, and follow open house signs.

ILARO COURT, St. Michael
February 28

We send many thanks to our Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Owen Arthur and Mrs. Arthur, for opening their official residence today. Ilaro Court was designed and built 81 years ago by Lady Gilbert Carter, an accomplished American artist whose husband was Governor of Barbados from 1904 to 1911. This gracious mansion successfully combines Edwardian, Italian, and Caribbean features into a distinctive and individualistic whole. It boasts the first swimming pool in Barbados and a large, park-like garden with gazebo, fishpond and orchid house.

Directions:
From Highway 2A, turn towards Bridgetown at the Emancipation Statue roundabout. At Sherbourne Conference Centre, watch for Open House parking signs.

ST. NICHOLAS ABBEY, St. Peter
March 7

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 and from whom we expect a superb restoration of its factory, where he plans to bottle rum and other sugar cane products. With its antique furnishings, paintings, china, and a rare, 1930s documentary film on view, you'll be immersed in plantation life. NOTE: Special reduced admission fee to the property is $20; opening hours 10 to 3:30.

Directions:
After passing Port St. Charles on Highway 1, turn right, uphill. Go straight through the crossroads at Mile and a Quarter (passing the gas station,) go up hill, pass All Saints Church, and turn right at the T junction onto the highway. From Highway 2A, head north to Mile and a Quarter. Turn right, pass All Saints Church, and go right again at the highway. Then look for signs.

CASA DE PABLO, St. James
March 14

This stunning, multi-level villa is so outstanding that its guests have included Ronald Reagan. Again, Italy is the inspiration, and its style shows throughout. Open space is key, with spectacular views that begin at the entrance. The garden alone could occupy your afternoon. Realtors, Ltd., provided this house.

Directions:
Turn inland opposite the entrance to Sandy Lane Hotel, through the roundabout and uphill. Take the first right and look for our parking signs.

WESTMOUNT, Mt. Standfast, St. James
March 21

This compound is bordered by the Royal Westmoreland and Sugar Hill properties. We thank Roger Manning for opening his private estate of 3 houses where 4 generations of his family live. His house, full of art and clocks, will open. On the gorgeous, wooded grounds we'll have a fair.

Directions:
From Highway 1, turn at the Royal Westmoreland sign opposite Colony Club. Go straight up to Mt. Standfast. From Highway 2A, turn off at the Royal Westmoreland sign. Continue past the entrance to Sugar Hill and look for our sign on the left.

LAS PALMAS, Rockley, Christ Church
March 28

Las Palmas, the official residence of the Brazilian Ambassador, is opened today through the kind permission of Sr. Orlando Galveas Oliveira. Designed by Dudley Phelps in Tuscan style with Caribbean elements, Las Palmas was completed in 1935 and enlarged in the '80s. It is now a splendid and spacious setting for diplomatic life, with numerous social areas, a minstrels' gallery above the salon, and three kitchens! Although only one of the 7 bedrooms will be on show, there is still plenty to see and appreciate. The highlight is Sr. Galveas' stunning collection of modern Brazilian paintings and other objets d'art.

Directions:
Las Palmas is in Rockley. From Rendezvous Road, turn onto Golf Club Road. After about ¾ mile, look for the Chinese Embassy sign on the left. Turn into the gap virtually opposite.

PAVILION COURT, Hastings, Christ Church
April 4

Built between 1803 and 1806 and extended by 1816, this complex of buildings served the British military hospital of St. Ann's Garrison. In 1928 the property was sold and most buildings divided into spacious apartments. It remains so today, with a few businesses, and lots of artists in residence. Interesting apartments will be open, and so will the Mallalieu Motor Collection, whose antique beauties have a history of their own.

Directions:
Pavilion Court is located on Hastings Main Road, but don't attempt to drive into the property. Instead, park at the Garrison near the clock tower and take the shuttle.