Sunbury Plantation House

Table of Contents

Introduction

Sunbury Plantation House is a historic and inviting museum located in the parish of Saint Philip in Barbados. Nestled amid gently swaying sugar-cane fields, the Great House stands as one of the oldest plantation homes in the Caribbean. Positioned at 6 Cross Road, Marchfield, Sunbury offers an immersive journey into colonial history, combining architectural beauty with stories that span centuries.

About the Museum

Sunbury Plantation House was originally built in 1660 by Matthew Chapman, an early Irish-English planter, and over the years passed through various families, each relying on sugar-cane cultivation as the property’s primary economic activity. The house was once known under names such as Chapman’s Plantation, Branker’s Plantation, and Brothers Plantation, until adopting its current name inspired by a British namesake.

Today, the Great House is beautifully maintained and open to the public, offering guided tours led by knowledgeable guides who share the rich history and charming stories of the house. Visitors can wander through every room of the house—Sunbury is notable for being the only Great House in Barbados where all rooms are accessible for viewing.

Inside, guests will discover majestic furniture and intriguing antiques, including a mahogany dining table that is over 270 years old, seating thirty people. The collection also includes mahogany antiques, old prints, antique porcelain dolls, and a one-of-a-kind display of horse-drawn carriages.

In addition to its role as a museum, Sunbury Plantation House serves as a picturesque venue for weddings, events, photoshoots and even fine-dining experiences. The lush gardens, Bell House, Pavilion, and other posh spaces offer memorable settings for ceremonies and receptions. A particularly rare experience is the opportunity to dine around the historic thirty-seater mahogany table in an elegant fine-dining setting.

Sunbury also bears marks of intriguing historical episodes. At one time, a turret atop the Great House served as a signalling station using mirrors so that Sir Thomas Daniel, “King and Father of Bristol,” could communicate with the notorious buccaneer Samuel “Sam Lord” Hall. Moreover, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Barbados Railway included a stop at Sunbury Plantation, making it one of four train stations in the parish.

Practical visitor details: house tours are offered with a “house tour and drink” option priced at 30 Barbadian dollars per person, while local residents with identification enjoy a reduced rate of 25 Barbadian dollars. Children aged four to twelve are admitted at half price, and children under four are admitted free of charge. Members of the Barbados National Trust and BARP receive a discount. The Great House operates Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during July and August 2025, with closures on Emancipation Day (1 August) and Kadooment Day (4 August), and remaining closed from 1 to 30 September 2025 due to operational reasons. It is recommended for prospective visitors to confirm current opening hours via phone, WhatsApp or social media.

The site is also accessible via public transport: bus number 26 from Oistins bus station stops at Sunbury Plantation House.

Interesting Facts

Built in 1660 by Matthew Chapman, one of Barbados’s early settlers.
The Great House changed its name several times, from Chapman’s Plantation to Branker’s Plantation to Brothers Plantation, before becoming Sunbury Plantation, a name derived from a British estate.
A turret once crowned the roof, serving as a signalling station for buccaneer rendezvous using mirrors.
Every room in the house is open to visitors—unique among plantation houses in Barbados.
The museum features a 270-year-old, thirty-seater mahogany dining table.
Visitors can marvel at horse-drawn carriages, antique porcelain dolls, old prints, and mahogany furniture.
The Barbados Railway once had a stop at Sunbury, making it part of the island’s transport history.
The site serves as a charming venue for weddings, events, fine-dining experiences, and photo sessions.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +12 46 423 6270

Website: sunburyplantation.com/

Facebook: facebook.com/SunburyPlantationGreatHouse/

Conclusion

Sunbury Plantation House is a captivating journey into Barbados’s colonial past, offering much more than a typical museum experience. From its 17th-century origins to its exquisite collection of antiques and architecture, the Great House invites visitors to explore a richly preserved heritage. With every room open for discovery and stories that span from buccaneer intrigue to railway history, Sunbury captivates and educates in equal measure.

Whether you come to learn, to admire, or to celebrate, Sunbury Plantation House presents an extraordinary blend of history, elegance, and warmth. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, sumptuous settings for fine dining, and the natural beauty of gardens that echo centuries of promise. It is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience Barbados at its most historic and hospitable.