Landhuis Groot Kwartier, Willemstad Travel Guide

Landhuis Groot Kwartier, also known as Landhuis Rustenburg, is situated just east of the Schottegat in Willemstad. This striking landhuis is located in the Groot Kwartier area of Willemstad. Once a plantation house, it reflects the architectural styles of the 18th and 19th centuries.Originally built with a U-shaped, one-story floor plan featuring an open patio lined with columns, the landhuis underwent several transformations over time. A second story was added, the patio was enclosed, and the entrance was moved to the east side. The front of the building now boasts a column gallery supported by ten white pillars. Architectural features include a small gable in the middle section, wooden shutters, and water moldings.Historically, the Groot Kwartier area was known as the Valley of the Indians and later as Weis. In 1694, Dutch colonists established Plantage Groot Kwartier, a 200-hectare plantation. The plantation cultivated bananas, corn, and dividivi trees. Wildmills were used to grind corn into flour, and an orangerie provided citrus peels for Curaçao liqueur production. The plantation also raised sheep, goats, and cows and harvested salt in the Schottegat. Groot Kwartier was a major water supplier for Willemstad, housing Curaçao's largest freshwater reservoir with a capacity of over 180,000 liters.Today, Landhuis Groot Kwartier houses the administrative offices of Trustmoore Curaçao. While the landhuis may not always be open for tours, its grounds offer a peaceful retreat with opportunities for leisurely walks and photography.