Built by Colonel Benjamin Berringer, St Nicholas Abbey is one of the island's oldest surviving plantations with its original boundaries still in tack, the plantation encompasses over 400 acres of rolling sugar cane fields, tropical gullies, mahogany forests and formal gardens. Set amongst towering cabbage palms is the plantation's great house, featuring elegant curvilinear gables and ornamental detail, including four cornerstone chimneys and fireplaces in two of the upstairs bedrooms. Unusual elements for a Caribbean home, they were faithfully added in keeping with plans, thought to have been brought from England, where the Dutch-influenced architectural style was popular at the time. This attention to detail has made St Nicholas Abbey a rare and stunning example of the 17th Century style.

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The Georgian-style triple arcaded portico entrance was added in  1746 and protects the solid mahogany door and the ground floor Drawing Room with it's cedar paneling which was felled from on the property. Many of the antiques date to the early 1800's including the Sailor's Valentine collection, popular souvenirs from the region.

In the Dining Room the English Sheraton sideboard c. 1780 is one of the few pieces dating back to the original owners; the dining table and chairs are Barbadian Mahogany c. 1850 and the dining set of English Coalport china, hand-painted with an Amari pattern from Japanese silk c. 1810.

The Study features a 1936 Gentleman's Chair with adjustable tables, book holder and reading lamp along with adjustable back and footrests. Also on display are family portraits of the owners between 1818 - 2006; Minton china c. 1850 and 19th century glassware.

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There is an engaging home movie filmed by Charles Cave during a visit to the family estate in Barbados c. 1935 which provides a fascinating glimpse of island life during that period and can be viewed in the property's chapel.

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Visitors may also explore the boiling house and rum distillery where St. Nicholas Abbey Rum is produced, and the surrounding gardens, orchards, gullies and the adjacent Cherry Tree Hill. Be sure to stop by The Terrace Café which serves lunch, tea and other light refreshments during opening hours.

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A minimum of 1 hour is recommened for your visit, ideally guests will spend approximately 30 minutes in the great house and approximately 1-2 hours touring the grounds and gardens, Cherry Tree Hill, rum distillery, home movie and museum. We recommend starting your tour no later than 3pm.