STANFORD HOUSE, Polo Ridge, St. James
When the Hon. Janet Kidd sold part of Holders Plantation to the Barbados Polo Club in the mid '60s and developed the land around the playing field, she showed enormous foresight. A hidden pocket of pleasurable living grew here, and Stanford is part of its special atmosphere. This holiday home and garden have changed a bit since last opening, becoming more formal. Altman Real Estate kindly arranged our visit.

DIRECTIONS: From Highway 1 (the West Coast road) turn inland at the Esso station onto Holders Hill. After emerging from the cut rock section, look for our signs and take the left turn to Polo Ridge.

CARLTON HOUSE, St. James
Carlton is a work in progress - the transformation of a modest 1930s country home into an elegant gem. It is perhaps the sense of space around it that is most stunning. Unlike so many places in Barbados, you hardly see another house, only open acreage and broad vistas. We'll fill some of that space with antique cars and tractors, fascinating in their own right.

DIRECTIONS: Go north on Highway 2A, passing straight through the large roundabout at St. Thomas church. About 4 ½ km later, take the left turn toward Lower Carlton. Look for our sign on the right.

CHIMBORAZO, St. Joseph
Perched on the very knob of a hill and set in 4 acres of gardens and forest, this gracious 250 year old, coral-stone plantation house enjoys breezy seclusion and surprising vistas. It has been updated for comfort and decorated in multicultural style, yet retains its historic character. Shady galleries, sunny decks and immersion in nature add to its comfort and beauty. Before or after your visit, nearby Hunte's Gardens invites you to stop in, at reduced admission.

DIRECTIONS: From Highway 2A, turn at the Clyde Walcott roundabout towards Hothersal Turning and follow Highway3 as though going to Bathsheba. About half a mile after Andrews Factory, opposite Blackman's Plantation, turn left. Shortly after Hunte's Gardens, watch for parking, and catch a ride in our van. There is absolutely no parking at the house. Wear sensible shoes!

BELLEVUE, St. Michael
Never would you suspect that such a splendid property lies at the end of this road. The plantation dates from 1635, and commands a broad view down its manicured slope. Large, airy and graceful, the house has been restored and renovated in a way that enhances its special character. Mosaics, converted outbuildings, horses, and vast grounds complete the picture. Realtors, Ltd., handles this house, and kindly provided it today.

DIRECTIONS: Follow the ABC Highway and turn towards Bridgetown on to the Waterford Road at the Hothersal roundabout. Look for Waterford Plantation on your left, and for Open House parking signs. A shuttle will take you to the house. Your cooperation is appreciated.

POLLARD'S MILL, St. Philip
Pollards Mill combines the best of old and new. Built circa 1722, the spacious old stone property has had many lives: as a plantation, a hotel, and a fine restaurant. It was renovated in the 1970s by a renowned South African architect who exposed its hand-hewn coral-stone walls. The next owners made changes that imparted a Scandinavian ambience of light and space. Combined with features for Caribbean outdoor living, the effect is stunning - in a good way! The stables are now a guest cottage, the mill wall still stands, and the whole complex is surrounded by 2.5 acres of walled tropical gardens.

DIRECTIONS: Follow ABC Highway to the Emancipation Statue. Turn on to Highway 5 heading East to St Philip. At Six Cross roads roundabout take first left fork to St Philip's Parish Church. Turn right after the church and continue along this road. Follow Open House signs.

FISHERPOND PLANTATION HOUSE, St. Thomas
John Chandler's magic touch transformed this over-300-year-old mansion into the jewel it is today. Built of rubble stone in Caribbean Georgian style, it was later extended with an enclosed gallery. It is now beautifully filled with antiques, paintings and objets d'art. With a magnificent dining table that can seat 24, it is a splendid spot for planter's lunches and private parties, for which the Chandlers are renowned hosts. Luckily, you can book one.

DIRECTIONS: Fisherpond Plantation House is off Highway 3 in St. Thomas, shortly before you get to Andrews Sugar Factory in St. Joseph. Look for our signs.

ST. ANN'S FORT and DRILL HALL
This is a rare opportunity to visit two of the Garrison's historic military buildings - Drill Hall and St. Ann's Fort - occupied by the Barbados Defense Force. Built in 1702 during the reign of Queen Anne, the fort's picturesque upper keep invites strolling. The naval magazine beneath displays the finest known collection of seventeenth century English iron cannon. In the Drill Hall, built onto the fort's moat that was never flooded, enjoy the West India Regiment memorabilia, and view the remarkable Garrison area.

DIRECTIONS: On Bay Street near Hastings, find the Garrison. Park at the Main Guard (clocktower) building, and walk across the road to the fort and Drill Hall.

HERON BAY, St. James
Heron Bay, a magnificent coral stone house sitting on the beachfront, has hosted many famous guests, including former US President Bill Clinton, former British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, and several movie stars. The house was built in 1947 by the late Ronald Tree, a member of the Winston Churchill British Cabinet. The house is set on 20 acres of manicured gardens, including a small lake.

Note: The interior of Heron Bay will NOT be on view. Food, drinks and craft will be available at Queen's Fort. No food, drink or photos allowed at Heron Bay.

Parking will be at Queen's Fort and the entrance to Heron Bay will be from Queen's Fort. There will be no parking or entry via Colony Club entrance.

BUTTALS MANAGER'S HOUSE, St. George
In plantation hierarchy, the manager's house was a notch below the great house. This one was likely renovated in the mid 20th century, and joined to the overseer's quarters. Its plain, almost gruff exterior belies the charm you'll find inside, where discoveries lurk around corners and stairways, and family life unfolds in harmony on a working plantation.

There will be an afternoon talk at 3:15 on plantation life by Dr.Henry Fraser.

DIRECTIONS: At the Norman Niles roundabout on Highway 2A, turn east onto Highway 4 and continue past Bulkeley Factory. Just past the crooked crossroads, take the right fork through cut rocks as though going to Brighton. Buttals is close ahead on the left.

BUTTSBURY, St. James
It has been years since we've had the pleasure of opening Buttsbury, which was always a favourite venue by virtue of its elegance and Mediterranean-influenced charm. A delightful villa set around a pool courtyard, Buttsbury sits in a beautiful position overlooking the Caribbean Sea to the west and the polo field to the east. Breezy and spacious, the rooms open onto delightfully landscaped gardens. Buttsbury was designed in the 1980s by Ian Morrison. Thanks to Realtors, Ltd., for providing this house.

DIRECTIONS: From Highway 1, turn up Holder's Hill, opposite Daphne's. Turn left at Polo Ridge (this is shortly before you reach the turn to Holder's House) and then left again. The house is at the end of the road.

TYROL COT, St. Michael
Where else can you get such a combination of Barbados experiences? Tyrol Cot was home to national hero Sir Grantley Adams, first Premier of Barbados and the only Prime Minister of the short-lived Federation of the West Indies. It is also the birthplace of his son, J.M.G. "Tom", also a Prime Minister of Barbados. The architecturally unique mansion is filled with family antiques and memorabilia. Shaded by old trees, the grounds contain a chattel house village where artists and craftsmen produce their work. A working rum shop, poignant slave hut, and a blacksmith shop complete the picture.

DIRECTIONS: From the Everton Weekes (Jackson) roundabout on Highway 2A, turn west toward Bridgetown. Pass Price Smart, and Tyrol Cot is about a mile down the hill. From the Bridgetown area, get on the bypass road, turn east (out of town) at Eagle Hall, and stay on that road for about 2 miles.

CHUKKAS, St. Thomas
Lion Castle Polo Estate is the setting for this luxurious villa. At an elevation of 1000 feet, the windswept brow is stunningly landscaped and commands a spectacular view to the South coast of the island. Chukkas was designed by architects Morrison Associates to convey privacy and openness, luxury and comfort. With its fretwork trim, soaring great room, and top-quality finishes, it is a delight for the eyes.

DIRECTIONS: Take Highway 2A to the Lawrence Johnson roundabout (the huge one) and turn inland, opposite the St. Thomas church. The road will soon fork; head right. Less than a mile later, at the 4-way junction, go straight across and up the hill. At the next junction, turn left. The turn to Lion Castle is about a half-mile ahead on the right. Open House signs will be posted.