Sunbury Plantation House, St. Philip : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Sunbury Plantation House is an incredibly unique and historically significant place, located on the beautiful Caribbean island of Barbados. From its fascinating history to its beautiful architecture, this plantation house is a one-of-a-kind experience for all who visit it. The house was built by the Codrington family of England in the early 1700s and is now an iconic symbol of the island’s British colonial past. Visitors to the house scene can expect to immerse themselves in a fascinating journey through time, as it is filled with interesting facts, information, and travel guides. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for an exciting adventure, Sunbury Plantation House is a must-see site, and this blog will provide you with all the details you need about this remarkable place.

Interesting Facts About Sunbury Plantation House, St. Philip

1. Sunbury Plantation House is one of the oldest surviving plantation houses in the Caribbean. It was built in 1660 by John Yeamans, a planter from Barbados who was granted the land by King Charles II.

2. Sunbury Plantation House has been referred to as a ‘Bermuda Mansion’ due to its similarity to the grand Bermudan colonial mansions.

3. The house was designed in the traditional Bermudan style with Georgian influence. It is built with local stone and features an expansive lawn and terraces that overlook the Caribbean Sea.

4. The house has been fully restored and renovated to its former glory in the late 20th century and now operates as an exclusive boutique hotel.

5. The house was the site of one of the earliest cricket matches in the Caribbean. In 1730, a match was played between a select team from St. Philip and a visiting side from Barbados.

6. The house was owned by various prominent families during its long history and was used as both a private residence and a plantation.

7. Sunbury Plantation House is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, which are home to more than 150 species of plants and trees.

8. The house has become known as a popular destination for weddings in recent years, with couples flocking from around the world to tie the knot in its beautiful and romantic setting.

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History & Information About Sunbury Plantation House, St. Philip

Sunbury Plantation House is the oldest plantation house in Barbados, located in the parish of St. Philip. It was constructed around 1660 by John Yeamans, a planter and politician gained his wealth from owning and managing a sugar estate in Barbados.

The house was initially built with earthworks and wooden material from the nearby mahogany trees. Much of the furniture used in the house was made on the island and shows off a distinct West Indian style that was popular at the time.

The Plantation House was bequeathed by John Yeamans to his daughter Ann and her husband, Colonel George Pine. The Pine family co-owned the house until it was sold to the government in 1915 in exchange for £5000. Under the new ownership, the historic building was restored to its former glory.

In 1971, Sunbury Plantation became a member of the National Trust of Barbados and is a popular tourist attraction today. Visitors can explore the magnificent grounds surrounding the house and discover the various artifacts on display. The grounds are home to a wide range of plants, trees, and wildlife, which makes for a perfect day out. Sunbury Plantation is also open to the public for special events such as weddings, garden parties, and art exhibitions.

Tourists can take a guided tour of the house and its gardens, experience rum and chocolate-tasting sessions, and explore the nearby nature trails and heritage attractions. The house also offers an insight into the history of Barbados as it shows how the local peoples lived during colonial times.

Sunbury Plantation is registered as a National Historic Site by the Barbados National Trust. It is a bright and beautiful reminder of Barbados’ colonial past and is a great way to learn about the island’s history and culture.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Sunbury Plantation House, St. Philip

Sunbury Plantation House is a plantation house and museum located in St. Philip, Barbados. Built between 1660 and 1665, Sunbury Plantation House is considered one of the oldest and best preserved plantation houses in the Caribbean.

Getting There:

Sunbury Plantation House is located 20 miles south of Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados. You have two options for getting there:

1. By air – You can take a short flight to Grantley Adams International Airport in Bridgetown and then take a taxi or rental car to Sunbury Plantation House.

2. By land – You can take a taxi, bus or rental car from Bridgetown to Sunbury Plantation House.

When to Visit:

Sunbury Plantation House is open to the public year-round, from 9am to 4pm. During peak tourist season (December-April) the plantation house may be crowded, so try to visit during the slower season (May-November) when it is not as crowded.

Things to Do:

• Tour the Plantation House – The plantation house is filled with period antiques and artifacts, giving you the chance to explore the history of the island and step back in time.

• Explore the Grounds – The grounds surrounding the house feature lush gardens, a pond, and other attractions.

• Visit the Museum – Adjacent to the house is a museum filled with artifacts from the plantation’s past.

• Enjoy Local Cuisine – There is a small café on the grounds of Sunbury Plantation House that serves traditional Barbadian cuisine.

Planning Ahead:

• Make sure to plan ahead and check that the plantation house is open before you go.

• If you take a taxi or bus from Bridgetown, make sure to inquire about the cost beforehand.

• Be mindful of the summer temperatures in Barbados- it is hot and humid most of the year. Wear light, comfortable clothing and bring water and sunscreen.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sunbury Plantation House, St. Philip

Q: What is Sunbury Plantation House?

A: Sunbury Plantation House is a historic plantation house located in St. Philip, Barbados. It is a well-preserved, three-storey, 18th-century Georgian great house with extensive gardens, an intact plantation complex and a working windmill.

Q: When was Sunbury Plantation House built?

A: Sunbury Plantation House was built in 1722 and is one of the oldest intact Great Houses on Barbados.

Q: Who owns Sunbury Plantation House?

A: Sunbury Plantation House is owned by the National Trust, which preserves and collects buildings, spaces, and places of historic and scientific interest in Barbados.

Q: What attractions are near Sunbury Plantation House?

A: Nearby attractions include the St. Nicholas Abbey, Barbados Wildlife Reserve, Bathsheba Beach, and Flower Forest.

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