30 Jan 2012Blog

The Barbados National Trust Open House Programme

by Monique

Every Wednesday from January through to April, The Barbados National Trust Open House Programme will hold an open house event at around 13 different private homes in Barbados. These open house events allow visitors and locals the chance to view and learn more about the architecture, history, culture and lifestyles of a number of private homes from a plantation house to a luxury West coast villa.

What to expect…

Each open house is complemented by a garden party atmosphere with fresh juices, homemade rum punch, and snacks served on the lawns. In addition, books on Barbados and the Caribbean are available for purchase, select artists and craftspeople have their goods on sale, and there is also wine tasting and the sale of tropical plants.

How much does it cost?

For Barbados National Trust members — $20 BBD
For Non-Members — $30 BBD (Adults)
For BARP members — $25 BBD
For children from 5 to 12 years are half price (Children under 5 years are 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.

What are the admission fees used for?

The open house programme raises funds to support heritage preservation efforts.

Here’s February 2012’s Open House schedule…

DATE: 1st February, 2012

VENUE: Holders House, St. James

Once the plantation house of the vast Black Rock Estate, now, Holders is famous for the Holders Season which is an elegant annual festival of music and theatre in the natural amphitheatre of its garden.

Holders House is a historic, traditional plantation house that is beautifully furnished in a combination of antique and modern styles, which reflects the personality and flair of a creative and dynamic family.

DATE: 8th February, 2012 (and 9th March, 2012)

VENUE: Colleton House, St. Peter

Colleton House was established in the mid 17th century and is an exempla 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. *Venue organised by Realtors.

DATE: 15th February, 2012

VENUE: Manager’s House, Jordan’s Plantation, St. George

Jordan’s Manager’s House was probably built as the plantation’s sugar curing house in the 17th century, however now it is 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.

DATE: 22nd February, 2012

VENUE: Pandanus, St. James

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. *Venue organised by Realtors.

DATE: 29th February, 2012

VENUE: Arawidi, Apes Hill, St. James

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!

For more information on directions to each of these open house events, please click here…