Country houses Curacao

Curacao has a lot of country houses, these used to belong to the plantations. Some country houses still have a function in the form of a restaurant, office or museum, but a large number have also disappeared.

History

Country houses, also called plantation houses, were built in the 18th and 19th centuries. Owners built the mansions in such a way that they had a view of their plantation. Slave houses and storage areas were built around the plantation. Each plantation had a different function. Where only a few grew fruit and vegetables, others were engaged in the production of sugar cane, for example. However, salt production turned out to be the most profitable activity. Agriculture turned out not to be a great success on Curacao and with the arrival of the Shell refinery people left the plantation houses to work in the industry. Below we have selected a number of beautiful country houses for you which are definitely worth a visit.

Country house Chobolobo

Besides the fact that country house Chobolobo has a beautiful architecture, country house Chobolobo has also been a distillery since 1946, which produces the famous Blue Curaçao. During a tour of the distillery you will get a good impression of both the interior and the exterior of the mansion. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. View here the tours Chobolobo offers.

Country house Dokterstuin

This country house, restored in 1996, is located almost opposite Landhuis Ascension on the road to Westpunt. Plantation Dokterstuin was already in use in the 17th century. The mansion probably dates from the 18th century. In the second half of the 19th century it was owned by the government, which leased small parts of the land to former slaves. In this way the government hoped to stimulate agriculture. Now there is a creole restaurant called: Komedor Krioyo. The opening hours Restaurant Komedor Krioyo are open from Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Country house Brakkeput Mei-Mei

Originally there was one plantation, called Brakkeput. The name comes from the well with brackish water that was located on the plantation. Mei Mei  means ‘middle’. There is now a restaurant on the front terrace of the mansion. In addition to an a la carte menu, there are also theme nights such as the salsa night on Monday, and lobster night every Thursday. In the backyard there is a nice playground and mini mini golf course. The restaurant is open daily from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The playground and the mini mini golf course are open from Wednesday to Sunday from 16:00 to 22:00.

Country house Ascencion

Country house Ascencion is located in the west of Curacao. This country house has been beautifully restored and furnished with the original furniture. Every first Sunday of the month from 10:00-14:00 there is an Open House at  Ascencion. At 10:00 am an ecumenical church service will start in the chapel, led by the pastor or chaplain of Marine base Parera. At 11:00 a tour of the mansion starts with a guide. There is a lively market where local artists and hobbyists display and sell their own artwork and souvenirs. You can also enjoy a live performance by a local music band while enjoying a tasty snack and a cool drink. On Thursdays, the country house is also open from 9:00 am and you can participate in a guided tour.

Country house Jan Jok

One of the oldest country houses in Curaçao is Jan Kok. This mansion was built in 1840 to replace the one built in the early 18th century. The central part has a gable roof and there are several adjacent buildings. The old slave clock still hangs on the southern terrace. This mansion is named after the 18th-century slave master Jan Kok, who was known for his cruelty. Many people still believe that his evil spirit visits the house. From the terrace you can look out over the salt pans of St. Marie Bay, where today’s flamingo colonies color the landscape. The well-known local artist, Nena Sanchez, her gallery is located in the country house Jan Kok. Here you can view her colorful works of art or purchase a work of art. The opening hours are from Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.