Curacao country houses

October 19, 2022

Curacao country houses

The history of Curacao country houses

Curaçao has a rich history of mansions and other large country houses dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. These country houses were built by wealthy merchants and plantation owners, who took advantage of the very good economic conditions on the island to accumulate wealth and power. In the history of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, this was also considered the Golden Age. The mansions were often built in the colonial style and were beautifully decorated with artwork, antiques and other luxury items.

The country houses played an important role in Curaçao’s history. This is because they often had a function as centers of politics, economy and culture on the island. Many of these country houses can still be visited today and offer a great glimpse into Curaçao’s rich history.

How many country houses are there on Curaçao?

Partly due to the Dutch influences, a lot of country houses have been built on Curaçao. These landhouses are often located at former plantations and some landhouses are now also seen as cultural heritage. The number of country houses used to be around 160, spread all over the island. Unfortunately, many of these hundred or so mansions have been lost. Currently, about 60 of these remain intact. Of those 60 mansions, some have been given a contemporary function. For example, many mansions have been given service as museums. One of these is country house Knip.

One of the island’s most important mansions from which the Tula museum has emerged. This museum is named after Tula, the instigator of the great slave revolt. This famous slave revolt began in 1795 and made a great impact on the history of Curaçao’s plantations. Of the 60 intact mansions, the Ascencion mansion is considered the most beautiful mansion.

Most famous Curacao country houses

Among the many country houses on Curaçao there are also some very special among them, these Curaçao country houses are just a bit more special than most country houses on the island. We have made a total overview and would like to tell you more about these famous country houses.

Landhouse Ascencion

Landhuis Ascension is a historic country house on Curaçao that dates back to the 17th century, which makes it the oldest country house on the island. Located in the city of Otrobanda, the landhouse is one of the oldest and most impressive landhouses on the island.

Today, Landhuis Ascension is a museum and an important tourist attraction on Curaçao. The museum offers tours and exhibitions that showcase the rich history of the landhouse and the culture of Curaçao. Visitors can tour the country house and see its beautiful rooms decorated with antique furniture and artwork.

Landhouse Chobolobo

Landhouse Chobolobo is a large country house finished in a bright yellow color. Partly because of this color, the mansion is easy to recognize. In the last century, the mansion was bought to produce liquor. To this day, the world-famous drink called Blue Curaçao is produced from this mansion. There are guided tours available in the manor house, so should you be near this manor house sometime it is definitely worth taking a look.

Landhouse Brievengat

Landhuis Brievengat is the largest country house in Curaçao. It comes from the 18th century and is located in the town of Brievengat. Landhuis Brievengat used to stand on a plantation with as much as 500 acres of land. On this land mainly Aloe Vera was grown. This plantation was destroyed by a hurricane in 1877 and was not used after that. At first the owner wanted to demolish the house, but eventually it went to the island’s heritage foundation. This foundation was able to successfully restore the building which has ensured that this beautiful country house can be seen by many tourists. Landhuis Brievengat is also a popular venue for events and weddings because of its beautiful surroundings and historic colonial architecture.

Landhuis Dokterstuin

Landhuis Dokterstuin is a historic plantation house and gardens on the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao. In the 19th century it was decided to turn the landhouse into a home for doctors. Then, in 1996, the mansion was completely restored. Currently, the mansion functions as a very popular catering establishment. The restaurant Komedor Krioyo is located in the garden of the manor, the restaurant serves delicious local dishes and is definitely worth eating there once!

Landhuis Bloemhof

Landhuis Bloemhof is a Curaçao landhouse located on one of the smaller plantations of the island. Currently the country house is used as a meeting place for various art lovers. Very often various art exhibitions, lectures and workshops are held there. The house is rich in various pieces of antique furniture, these beautiful items make the Landhuis Bloemhof a must-see when you are on the island.