- Address: Gan Hill, Barbados
- Date of construction: 1913
- Architect: Rene Murralet
If you have long been drawn to make an excursion into the past of such an exotic country as Barbados , the plantation of Francia - one of the island's most original sights - is waiting for you. It is located south of the town of Gun Hill in the valley of St. George and includes a majestic manor, fanned by the spirit of the olden times, and the adjacent plantations.
Historical reference
Ancient mansion is one of the last buildings on the island, erected in the late XIX - early XX century. At this time the plantations were almost abandoned. The very same fields began to be processed in the XVII-XIX centuries with the help of the African slaves brought here. The first owner of the estate was a Frenchman who married a resident of Barbados. Therefore, the plantation was named after his homeland.
Treasures of France
In the building itself you will find the most interesting collection of ancient maps of the Caribbean and Barbados proper. Many are dated to the 16th century - the period when Columbus first discovered the island. Also here are stored family silver, cutlery and utensils of the XIX century. In the interior there are elements of decor from the local coral stone. The panels with which the walls are covered from the inside are made of Brazilian wood, and the windows are made in the architectural style of Demerara. The red roof gives the building a special "zest" and is visible from afar, so you definitely will not pass by the manor. Get here best by car from the Gun Hill.
The manor is built in a Moorish style, reminiscent of medieval Spain. This is indicated by numerous arches, ivy, curling along the walls, and openwork metal grilles on balconies. Be sure to stroll along the adjacent vast garden: it is famous for its terraces, the rest of which will seem like a real sinecure after a trip through the heat. In general, the estate itself looks very cozy. For lawns and fruit trees are constantly cared for, and in a small pond, water lilies are enchanted with their beauty. Here you will find a real exuberance of exotic flora: tropical apple trees, hibiscus, bougainvillea, frangipani and other unusual plants.
On the plantation itself, mainly sugar cane is grown - genuine gold of Barbados , since it is its exports that are the most important branch of the local economy. From the estate a superb view of the endless fields, planted with this crop, slightly reminiscent of corn, opens. However, now sites for sweet potatoes and yams are allocated.
How to get there?
It is very easy to get to the plantation from the famous Gun Hill fire tower. Rent a car and drive around Fusilier Road. After passing the tower, after 5 minutes turn right and in a quarter of an hour again turn right to the cottage Thorps and the church of Nazarene. From them to the manor of Francia 850 m: on foot you will get there in 10 minutes, and the car will stop at the gate of the estate in a minute.
Unfortunately, the plantation of Francia is now closed to tourists. Nowadays the building houses the prestigious Providence elementary school.
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