Wallblake House: A Glimpse into Anguilla's Colonial Past

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Step back in time at Wallblake House, Anguilla's oldest plantation home, and immerse yourself in the island's rich colonial history and cultural heritage.

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Wallblake House

Wallblake House, constructed in 1787 by a sugar planter, stands as the oldest structure on Anguilla. Gutted by the French in the late 1790s but rebuilt by the British, it showcases a restored plantation home, offering insights into Anguilla's colonial heritage with its kitchen complex, stables, and slave quarters still intact.

A brief summary to Wallblake House

6W5W+Q4C Wallblake House, The Valley, 2640, AI

Local tips

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
Explore the surrounding gardens for a peaceful and scenic experience.
Check local listings for any special events or guided tours that may be scheduled during your visit.

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Getting There

Walking

Wallblake House is located in The Valley, Anguilla's capital. From the Anguilla National Trust, head northwest along the main road. The house is a short 5-minute walk, and the turn-off for Wallblake House will be on the left. Follow the path to the house. There are no entrance fees, but donations are encouraged.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Anguilla, including at the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport and the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal. Inform the taxi driver that you wish to go to Wallblake House in The Valley. Taxi fares are fixed based on zones. From the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal to The Valley, the fare is approximately $18 for two people with two pieces of luggage. Additional charges may include $5 for each extra passenger, $1 for each additional piece of baggage, and $4 for trips after 6 pm. From the airport to The Valley, a typical fare is approximately $26 for two people.

Discover more about Wallblake House

Wallblake House, nestled in The Valley, Anguilla, offers a captivating journey into the island's past. Built in 1787 by Will Blake, a sugar planter, it is considered the oldest structure on the island. The name 'Wallblake' is believed to be a variation of William or Valentine Blake.The house witnessed the French invasion in 1796, during which a local Anguillian sought refuge in its cellar but was caught and executed. The French then gutted the property, but it was later rebuilt by the British. The house has been fully restored, including its kitchen complex, stables, and slave quarters. The property was owned by the Rey family until 1950s. In 1959, Mary Ray Lake donated the house to the Catholic Church, which owns it to this day.The house features a stone foundation, a Guyanese hardwood roof, and wooden upper sections. The original structure used dressed stones, likely from East End or Scrub Island, with lime mortar made from burnt coral and shells. The house is now a museum with artifacts reflecting traditional Anguillian furniture, lifestyles, and customs.Today, Wallblake House stands as a symbol of Anguilla's history and is a key part of the Anguilla Heritage Trail.