Sunbury Plantation House

Sunbury Plantation House

Discover Barbados’ Heritage At Sunbury Plantation House

If you’re a history nut, then you’ll find no better place than Barbados to take a step right back to times gone by.

The island is steeped in a rich history and even if you’re a local Bajan, you’re sure to find out some new and interesting facts about what makes this country the ‘gem of the Caribbean’.

A great introduction to learn about Barbados’ heritage is to visit one of the many old and historical plantation houses on the island like Sunbury Plantation House.

Nestled in the countryside of the parish of St. Philip (on the south east coast of Barbados), this 300 year old plantation house has a long history and gives you an insight into the slave and sugar trade, both of which are a large part of Barbadian heritage.

History Of The Great House

Sunbury Plantation House was built around 1660 by one of the first settlers on the island.

Originally known as Chapmans, then Brankers, the House was renamed as ‘Sunbury’ some time around 1767, when new owners named it after their family home in Kent, England.

Unfortunately, the House suffered a disastrous fire on July 24th 1995. Nevertheless, it has now been lovingly restored to its former glory.

Did you know? This historical site is the only plantation house with all of its rooms open to the public for viewing.

What Can I see At Sunbury Plantation House?

The great House has magnificent Victorian style rooms all of which showcase one of the country’s most superior collections of stunning Barbadian mahogany antiques, as well as clothing, china, glassware, silver and historical prints.

The cellars, originally used for storing root vegetables grown on the plantation itself, also now house the Caribbean’s finest and most unique collection of antique horse-drawn carriages.

In the beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens, there are more great examples of old agricultural carts and machinery used in Barbados during the last century to cultivate the land. One of the best ways to fully understand Barbados’ history is to take a guided tour of the House. With well-trained and very knowledgeable guides to show you around the House, you’ll get to see what daily life was like in Barbados in the 18th and 19th centuries, during the days of the wealthy sugar plantations on the island.

Sunbury Plantation House is a wonderful example of a Barbadian sugar estate great house and by just visiting the House and grounds you’ll see that you get a full picture of plantation life in times gone by.

There’s also a gift and souvenir shop, beautiful and serene gardens to enjoy, and a Courtyard Restaurant and Bar for refreshments. You’ll also get the wonderful opportunity to enjoy either a delicious Bajan buffet lunch or an English afternoon tea, should the mood take you.

The tropical gardens and woodlands are also popular as a wedding venue or a private function location for all kinds of celebrations. There’s even an onsite wedding coordinator and event planner to use at your discretion.

Want to host your next function at Sunbury Plantation House? For function rates, check out www.barbadosgreathouse.com/functions.cfm.

What Else Do I Need To Know About Sunbury?

Sunbury Plantation House is open daily from 10am until 5pm (note the last tour is at 4.30pm).

For any additional information, please visit www.barbadosgreathouse.com, email [email protected], or phone (246) 423-6270.

Author: Brett Callaghan