Holetown Chattel Village: A Shopper's Paradise with a Historic Twist

Discover a vibrant shopping experience steeped in Barbadian history at Holetown Chattel Village, where colorful chattel houses offer local crafts, souvenirs, and culinary delights.

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Holetown Chattel Village

Step back in time while indulging in a unique shopping experience at Holetown Chattel Village. This charming collection of brightly colored, traditional chattel houses, once the movable homes of plantation workers, now houses a variety of boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. Stroll through the lush tropical gardens, browse local crafts and souvenirs, and savor delicious Bajan cuisine. Chattel Village offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and retail therapy, making it a must-visit destination in Holetown. Explore the unique architecture, support local artisans, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this open-air shopping haven. With its convenient location and ample parking, Chattel Village is easily accessible and promises a memorable experience for all visitors.

A brief summary to Holetown Chattel Village

Highway 1, Holetown, Saint James, BB

Local tips

Visit during the day to experience the full range of shops and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Check the local calendar for events like craft fairs and music performances to enhance your visit.
Support local artisans by purchasing unique crafts and souvenirs directly from the shops.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions like Holetown Beach or Folkestone Marine Park.
Enjoy a meal or snack at one of the village's cafes or restaurants to savor local flavors.

Getting There

Walking

If you are staying in Holetown, Chattel Village is easily accessible on foot. From Holetown Beach, walk inland towards Highway 1. Cross the highway with caution at the designated pedestrian crossing. Chattel Village is located directly on Highway 1, next to Massy Supermarket. Look for the brightly colored chattel houses set back from the road.
Public Transport

The Barbados Transport Board buses and ZR vans serve Holetown extensively. From anywhere along the west coast, take any bus or ZR van heading to Holetown. Ask the driver to stop at Chattel Village. The bus stop is located directly on Highway 1, in front of Massy Supermarket, a short walk from the village entrance. The bus fare is BBD$3.50.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis are readily available throughout Barbados. Request a taxi to Holetown Chattel Village. The taxi will drop you off directly at the entrance on Highway 1. Ensure to agree on the fare before starting your journey. A short taxi ride within Holetown should cost approximately BBD$15-20.
Driving

From points north or south of Holetown, follow Highway 1. Chattel Village is located directly on Highway 1 in Holetown, next to Massy Supermarket. Ample parking is available in the car park opposite the Sandy Crest Medical Center, just north of the village, or at Massy Supermarket. Parking is generally free.

Discover more about Holetown Chattel Village

Holetown Chattel Village offers a captivating glimpse into Barbadian history and culture, cleverly interwoven with a modern shopping experience. The village derives its name from the traditional chattel houses that define its character. These small, wooden structures, brightly painted in vibrant Caribbean colors, were once the homes of plantation workers. The term 'chattel' refers to movable property, reflecting the fact that these houses were designed to be easily dismantled and relocated. This was crucial for workers who didn't own the land they lived on; the houses could be moved if their tenancy was revoked or if they chose to move. Following emancipation in 1838, the chattel house became a symbol of freedom and resilience for the newly freed population. These homes provided a sense of ownership and stability in a time of uncertainty. Built from wood, the houses were constructed in sections, allowing for quick disassembly, transport, and reassembly. Symmetry was a key feature of their design, often featuring a central front door with a window on either side, drawing inspiration from the Georgian architecture prevalent in plantation great houses. The use of pre-cut timber lengths further influenced the dimensions of these homes. Today, few chattel houses remain as residential properties, but their architectural style has been preserved and transformed into a vibrant commercial space. The Holetown Chattel Village is a testament to this preservation, offering visitors a chance to explore these iconic structures while enjoying a unique shopping experience. The village is a collection of these brightly painted chattel houses, each housing a different shop, boutique, or restaurant. As you wander through the village, you'll discover a wide array of local crafts, souvenirs, clothing, and artwork. The Best of Barbados Gift Shop offers a curated selection of locally made crafts and souvenirs, perfect for taking a piece of Barbados home with you. The Gourmet Shop is a haven for foodies, offering specialty foods, spices, and fine treats. Ganzee T-Shirt Shop provides fun, tropical clothing and souvenirs. Jewelry stalls can be found along the main path into Chattel Village. Chattel Village is not just about shopping; it's also a place to relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Cafe Bar Carizma, located in the heart of the village, is a popular spot for coffee, snacks, and light meals. Just Grillin' offers casual dining at the southern end of the village, opposite the beach house. For those with a sweet tooth, Life Is Sweet offers rolled ice cream. The village is set amidst lush tropical gardens, creating a scenic and relaxing environment for shopping and browsing. The colorful flowers and shrubs add to the charm of the village, making it a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of Holetown. Throughout the year, Chattel Village hosts various events, including craft fairs, music performances, and cultural celebrations. These events offer a deeper insight into Barbadian culture and provide an opportunity to connect with the local community. Beyond the shops and restaurants, Chattel Village offers a glimpse into the history and heritage of Barbados. The chattel houses themselves are a reminder of the island's past, and the village provides a tangible connection to this history. By supporting the local artisans and businesses within the village, visitors contribute to the preservation of this unique cultural landmark. Chattel Village is conveniently located in Holetown, within walking distance of many west coast hotels, villas, and holiday rentals. It is also easily accessible by public transportation, with bus routes running directly along Highway 1. For those driving, there is ample parking available both to the north and south of the village, including a large car park opposite the Sandy Crest Medical Center and parking at Massy Supermarket. Nearby attractions include Holetown Beach, Folkestone Marine Park & Museum, and St. James Parish Church. The Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, offering a high-end shopping experience, is also just a short distance away. Whether you're interested in history, culture, shopping, or simply relaxing in a beautiful setting, Holetown Chattel Village offers a unique and memorable experience. It's a place where you can step back in time, support local artisans, and immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Barbados.

Experience movies in style at Limegrove Cinemas, where luxury meets entertainment in the heart of Holetown, Barbados.

Unmissable attractions to see

Holetown Beach

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Holetown Methodist Church

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Red Door Lounge

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Paradise Sip and Paint

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Public Entrance - Sandpiper Beach

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Jamestown Park

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St. James Parish Church

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Folkestone Marine Park & Visitors' Centre

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Folkestone Marine Park & Visitors' Centre

Holetown

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Petrea Gardens

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Colony Club Beach

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Sandy Lane Beach

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Leigh House

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A Day With the Perrys'

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Paynes Bay Beach

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Essential places to dine

Burger King Holetown

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Just Grillin' Sunset Crest

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Spago Restaurant & Bar

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Jin’s Chinese

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The Bearded Rose Barbados

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Asian Palm 1st Street Holetown St.James

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Chef Michael Hinds x West Bar Barbados

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Island Stories Boutique

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Essential bars & hidden hideouts

The Penthouse

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Zouk Lounge

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The Tipsy Monkey Sports Bar

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The Spirited Barbados

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Jamestown Bar & Grill

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Kirt’s Beach Bar

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Pepper Jacks Beach Bar & Food

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Snowy’s Beach Cafe

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pallet bar

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West Coast Bar and Grill

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Rum Vault

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The Gazebo Enterprises Inc.

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Pepper Jacks beach bar & grill

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De Estate Bar

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JuJu's Beach bar

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Holetown Chattel Village: A Shopper's Paradise with a Historic Twist

A brief summary to Holetown Chattel Village

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

Unlock the Best of Holetown Chattel Village

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Holetown Chattel Village

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Cafe Bar Carizma Chattel Village

Life Is Sweet

Zaccios

Best of Barbados Gift Shop

Holetown Monument

Surfside Restaurant & Bar

The Tides Barbados

Holetown Public Centre

Drift Ocean Terrace Lounge

Paul Owens At The Beach House

Cherry House, Cherry Avenue, Sunset Crest, St. James, Barbados

TML One Love Bar

Calma Beach Club

Fusion Rooftop

Limegrove Cinemas

Unmissable attractions to see

Holetown Beach

Holetown Methodist Church

Red Door Lounge

Paradise Sip and Paint

Public Entrance - Sandpiper Beach

Jamestown Park

St. James Parish Church

Folkestone Marine Park & Visitors' Centre

Holetown

Petrea Gardens

Colony Club Beach

Sandy Lane Beach

Leigh House

A Day With the Perrys'

Paynes Bay Beach

Essential places to dine

Burger King Holetown

Just Grillin' Sunset Crest

Spago Restaurant & Bar

Jin’s Chinese

The Bearded Rose Barbados

Asian Palm 1st Street Holetown St.James

Chef Michael Hinds x West Bar Barbados

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Reminiscent Wardrobes

Arthur & Livingston Jewelry and Crystal Shop (Holetown)

Havana Hut Cigars Limited, Barbados

Massy Stores Supermarket Sunset Crest

The Gourmet Shop | Barbados

Ganzee - The Island Shop

Body Restoration - Health Store

Patsy's Treasures shop

Gatsby Boutiques

Sea Reinas

Gaye Boutique

Butterfly Boutique Barbados

Pure Source - Barbados

Cartier Barbados

Island Stories Boutique

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

The Penthouse

Zouk Lounge

The Tipsy Monkey Sports Bar

The Spirited Barbados

Jamestown Bar & Grill

Kirt’s Beach Bar

Pepper Jacks Beach Bar & Food

Snowy’s Beach Cafe

pallet bar

West Coast Bar and Grill