A MANSION IN RUINS, tucked away in a forest of mahogany trees, high up on a hill overlooking the rugged Atlantic coast, Farley Hill is an idea spot to have a picnic, escape into nature, hide in the shade of a comforting tree and to simply stare out to sea.
Building of Farley Hill house began in 1818, with additional rooms being added over the next 50 years. It eventually grew to be regarded as the most impressive mansion in Barbados.
In the mid-nineteenth century the property was owned by Sir Graham Briggs, a wealthy British planter and legislator. Briggs improved not only the house, but also the gardens, importing many new plants and trees into the island.
In 1965, the house was used in the film Island in the Sun but was subsequently destroyed by fire. Farley Hill was officially opened as a national park by HM Queen Elizabeth II in 1966.
Several times a year Farley Hill is transformed into a stage for musical and theatrical events. Events such as Gospel Fest, Soca on the Hill and Reggae on the Hill are held and the magnificent ruins of Farley Hill House become the backdrop for the event’s stage.
Source: Barbados.org
