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Tyrol Cot Heritage Village: A Glimpse into Barbadian History

Step back in time at Tyrol Cot Heritage Village, exploring Barbadian history, architecture, and culture in a meticulously preserved setting.

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Tyrol Cot Heritage Village, located in Bridgetown, Barbados, is a meticulously preserved historic site. Once the home of Sir Grantley Adams, the first Premier of Barbados, the village offers a unique glimpse into the island's rich cultural heritage with its restored house, chattel house village, and lush gardens.

A brief summary to Tyrol Cot Heritage Village

Local tips

  • Visit during the weekdays to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more personal experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking through gardens and historical structures.
  • Don't miss the guided tours for a deeper understanding of the history and culture.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Bridgetown, several buses travel near Tyrol Cot Heritage Village. Look for buses heading towards St. Michael; routes 2, 23, 4A, 57, and 6 all stop nearby. The bus fare is approximately BBD 3.50 per person. Ask the driver to let you off at the 'White Hall (St Michael)' stop, which is approximately a 5-minute walk from the village.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Bridgetown. A taxi ride to Tyrol Cot Heritage Village will cost approximately BBD 20-30, depending on your starting point and traffic conditions. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

  • Driving

    If driving from Bridgetown, head north on Highway 1. Turn left onto Codrington Hill. Tyrol Cot Heritage Village will be on your right. Limited parking is available on-site and is free.

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Discover more about Tyrol Cot Heritage Village

Tyrol Cot Heritage Village, nestled in the parish of St. Michael, is more than just a museum; it's a vibrant tableau of Barbadian history and culture. This captivating site, once the home of Sir Grantley Adams, the first Premier of Barbados and a pivotal figure in the West Indian Federation, offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and immerse themselves in the island's rich heritage. The centerpiece of the village is the grand Tyrol Cot house, an architectural gem constructed in 1854. Built by William Farnum, a prominent Barbadian architect, the house showcases a distinctive blend of Palladian and tropical vernacular styles, featuring cut coral stone and elegant proportions. Inside, the house has been carefully restored to reflect the era when Sir Grantley Adams and his family resided there. Visitors can explore the various rooms, adorned with original mahogany furniture, antique books, and personal memorabilia, offering a glimpse into the lives and times of this influential Barbadian leader. Beyond the main house, Tyrol Cot Heritage Village features a charming chattel house village, showcasing replicas of traditional Barbadian chattel houses. These colorful, transportable wooden homes were once common throughout the island and represent a unique aspect of Barbadian folk architecture. Each chattel house in the village is dedicated to showcasing traditional crafts, with local artisans demonstrating their skills in pottery, basket weaving, leatherwork, and other trades. Visitors can purchase unique, handcrafted souvenirs directly from the artisans. Adding another layer of historical context, the village includes a replica of a stone slave hut, offering a somber reminder of the island's past. The grounds of Tyrol Cot are beautifully landscaped, with lush gardens featuring roses, ferns, bougainvilleas, and other local plants. The gardens are designed in a natural, "wild" style, reminiscent of the 1930s, when Sir Grantley Adams and his wife first took up residence. No visit to Tyrol Cot is complete without a stop at the traditional rum shop, where visitors can sample local delicacies such as fish cakes, sweet bread, and coconut cakes, along with a refreshing glass of rum punch or other beverages.

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