THE BARBADOS NATIONAL TRUST OPEN HOUSE PROGRAMME 2010

The season begins on January 13th 2010, in a Stanford House, Polo Ridge.

This is the Barbados National Trust's most important annual fund-raising event.

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

Dates: January 14th - April 8th 2009
Time: 2:30pm - 5:30pm

EVERY WEDNESDAY

ADMISSION:

• Barbados National Trust members: BDS$10.00
• Non-Members: BDS $20.00 - Adults
• BARP members: BDS $15.00
• 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.

It's Your Chance to Help Preserve the Rich Heritage of Barbados

  
Barbados National Trust (BNT) Open Houses Calendar 2010
Tour Dates & Locations 

STANFORD HOUSE, Polo Ridge, St. James
January 13TH 2010

When the Hon. Janet Kidd sold part of Holders Plantation to the Barbados Polo Club in the mid ‘60s and developed the land around the playing field, she showed enormous foresight.  A hidden pocket of pleasurable living grew here, and Stanford is part of its special atmosphere. This holiday home and garden have changed a bit since last opening, becoming more formal. Altman Real Estate kindly arranged our visit.

Directions
From Highway 1 (the West Coast road) turn inland at the Esso station onto Holders Hill. - After emerging from the cut rock section, look for our signs and take the left turn to Polo Ridge. 

CARLTON HOUSE, St. James
January 20th 2010

Carlton is a work in progress – the transformation of a modest 1930s country home into an elegant gem. It is perhaps the sense of space around it that is most stunning. Unlike so many places in Barbados, you hardly see another house, only open acreage and broad vistas. We’ll fill some of that space with antique cars and tractors, fascinating in their own right. 

Directions
Go north on Highway 2A, passing straight through the large roundabout at St. Thomas church. - About 4 ½ km later, take the left turn toward Lower Carlton. Look for our sign on the right.

CHIMBORAZO, St. Joseph
January 27th 2010

Perched on the very knob of a hill and set in 4 acres of gardens and forest, this gracious 250 year old, coral-stone plantation house enjoys breezy seclusion and surprising vistas. It has been updated for comfort and decorated in multicultural style, yet retains its historic character. Shady galleries, sunny decks and immersion in nature add to its comfort and beauty. Before or after your visit, nearby Hunte’s Gardens invites you to stop in, at reduced admission.

Directions
From Highway 2A, turn at the Clyde Walcott roundabout towards Hothersal Turning - and follow Highway3 as though going to Bathsheba. - About half a mile after Andrews Factory, opposite Blackman’s Plantation, turn left. - Shortly after Hunte’s Gardens, watch for parking, and catch a ride in our van. There is absolutely no parking at the house. Wear sensible shoes!

BELLEVUE, St. Michael
February 3rd 2010

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 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 Highway and turn towards Bridgetown on to the Waterford Road at the Hothersal roundabout. Look for Waterford Plantation on your left, and for Open House parking signs. A shuttle will take you to the house. Your cooperation is appreciated.

POLLARD’S MILL, St. Philip
February 10th 2010

Pollards Mill combines the best of old and new. Built circa 1722, the spacious old stone property has had many lives: as a plantation, a hotel, and a fine restaurant. It was renovated in the 1970s by a renowned South African architect who exposed its hand-hewn coral-stone walls. The next owners made changes that imparted a Scandinavian ambience of light and space. Combined with features for Caribbean outdoor living, the effect is stunning—in a good way! The stables are now a guest cottage, the mill wall still stands, and the whole complex is surrounded by 2.5 acres of walled tropical gardens.

Directions
Follow ABC Highway to the Emancipation Statue. Turn on to Highway 5 heading East to St Philip. At Six Cross roads roundabout take first left fork to St Philip’s Parish Church. Turn right after the church and continue along this road. Follow Open House signs.

FISHERPOND PLANTATION HOUSE, St. Thomas
February 17th 2010

John Chandler’s magic touch transformed this over-300-year-old mansion into the jewel it is today. Built of rubble stone in Caribbean Georgian style, it was later extended with an enclosed gallery. It is now beautifully filled with antiques, paintings and objects d’art. With a magnificent dining table that can seat 24, it is a splendid spot for planter’s lunches and private parties, for which the Chandlers are renowned hosts. Luckily, you can book one.

Directions
Fisherpond Plantation House is off Highway 3 in St. Thomas, shortly before you get to Andrews Sugar Factory in St. Joseph. Look for our signs.

ST. ANN’S FORT and DRILL HALL, St Michael
February 24th 2010

This is a rare opportunity to visit two of the Garrison’s historic military buildings—Drill Hall and St. Ann’s Fort—occupied by the Barbados Defense Force. Built in 1702 during the reign of Queen Anne, the fort’s picturesque upper keep invites strolling. The naval magazine beneath displays the finest known collection of seventeenth century English iron cannon. In the Drill Hall, built onto the fort’s moat that was never flooded, enjoy the West India Regiment memorabilia, and view the remarkable Garrison area.

Directions
On Bay Street near Hastings, find the Garrison. Park at the Main Guard (clocktower) building, and walk across the road to the fort and Drill Hall.

MALVERN GREAT HOUSE, St. John
March 3rd 2010

Almost Gothic in its faded grandeur, this historic 1656 property positively exudes mystery. It is remarkable for a curved Palladian double staircase approaching a two-storey Georgian entrance hall, for an octagonal tower, and more. Its derelict Regency stables, carriage house and sugar boiling house add to the atmosphere. It’s visible and intriguing from the road, but opportunities to enter do not come easily, so don’t miss it!

Directions
From Highway 2A turn East onto Highway 4 at the Norman Niles roundabout, then left at the turning to Salters. Continue up past Gun Hill and Orchid World. At Four Cross Roads, turn left. At the T junction, jog left, and then turn right towards Venture. Watch for Open House signs.

BUTTALS MANAGER’S HOUSE, St. George
March 10th 2010

In plantation hierarchy, the manager’s house was a notch below the great house. This one was likely renovated in the mid 20th century, and joined to the overseer’s quarters. Its plain, almost gruff exterior belies the charm you’ll find inside, where discoveries lurk around corners and stairways, and family life unfolds in harmony on a working plantation.

Directions
At the Norman Niles roundabout on Highway 2A, turn east onto Highway 4 and continue past Bulkley Factory. Just past the crooked crossroads, take the right fork through cut rocks as though going to Brighton. Buttals is close ahead on the left.

BUTTSBURY, St. James
March 17th 2010

It has been years since we’ve had the pleasure of opening Buttsbury, which was always a favourite venue by virtue of its elegance and Mediterranean-influenced charm. A delightful villa set around a pool courtyard, Buttsbury sits in a beautiful position overlooking the Caribbean Sea to the west and the polo field to the east. Breezy and spacious, the rooms open onto delightfully landscaped gardens. Buttsbury was designed in the 1980s by Ian Morrison. Thanks to Realtors, Ltd., for providing this house.

Directions
From Highway 1, turn up Holder’s Hill, opposite Daphne’s. - Turn left at Polo Ridge (this is shortly before you reach the turn to Holder’s House) and then left again. The house is at the end of the road.

TYROL COT, St. Michael        
March 24th 2010

Where else can you get such a combination of Barbados experiences? Tyrol Cot was home to national hero Sir Grantley Adams, first Premier of Barbados and the only Prime Minister of the short-lived Federation of the West Indies. It is also the birthplace of his son, J.M.G. “Tom,” also a Prime Minister of Barbados.  The architecturally unique mansion is filled with family antiques and memorabilia. Shaded by old trees, the grounds contain a chattel house village where artists and craftsmen produce their work. A working rum shop, poignant slave hut, and a blacksmith shop complete the picture.

Directions
From the Everton Weekes (Jackson) roundabout on Highway 2A, - turn west toward Bridgetown. - Pass Price Smart, and Tyrol Cot is about a mile down the hill. - From the Bridgetown area, get on the bypass road, - turn east (out of town) at Eagle Hall, and stay on that road for about 2 miles.

CHUKKAS, St. Thomas
March 31st 2010

Lion Castle Polo Estate is the setting for this luxurious villa. At an elevation of 1000 feet, the windswept brow 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 (the huge one) and turn inland, opposite the St. Thomas church. - The road will soon fork; head right. 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.

Don’t Miss the 2010 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
Fax: (246) 429-9055
E-mail: natrust@sunbeach.net
Website: www.barbadosnationaltrust.com 

See our Special Events page for other Barbados National Trust Programmes.