Sweetfield Manor

A Historic Bed & Breakfast in Barbados

If ever there was a chance to live in aspects of a century far before your years it would be a stay at Sweetfield Manor, an exquisite plantation Great House nestled on a ridge in St.Michael, Barbados.

A Match Made

It was a Christmas gift from Ann to the Captain (George), a first generation American, to reconnect with his family in Barbados after 9/11 that brought Ann and George Clarke to Barbados in 2002.

Nothing could be seen from the road side of the plantation house, so the two climbed up the wall to take a look and what they saw was enough, with no previous intentions of buying a property in Barbados at the time, they purchased their vacation find, Beaulieu (the French word for “beautiful place”) from then owner Adele Blackman.

The plantation estate was originally built by Waldemar Hanchell a Danish Virgin Islander and founder of the established distribution company Hanschell Inniss. In the early 1900s Waldemar built Sweetfield Manor for himself and an indistinguishable house for his brother on the same estate(next door). George and Ann confirm “the properties are close to an exact match but mirrored images of each other!” After pairing several names of old sugar plantations across the island belonging to members of the Clarke family in the past “Sweetfield Manor” was christened.

History in a Bed and Breakfast

George and Ann wanted to restore Sweetfield Manor, keeping all of the allure of the original historic property. Later on as they decided to open the Great House to offer a fun way to stay Plantation style – the result is an exclusive Bed and Breakfast in Barbados that would refute any popular conceptions of a normal bed and breakfast.

Entering the delicately detailed private iron gates and continuing down an even more private driveway to what appears to be a cosy cottage with plantation fixtures, but immediately the foyer of this magnificent home opens up to a large breeze way and gallery, with high ceilings and large doorways an elaborate statement of a historic period of Great House living.

Ann’s paintings greet visitors upon entering Sweetfield Manor. An elegant piece in particular entitled ‘African Princess’ is astounding.

The whimsical ambiance of every room and outdoor living space at Sweetfield Manor was decorated by Ann whose artistic flare creates a natural sense of a plantation era along with an ecclectic sense of the here and now.

Off the foyer is a little garden, a court yard setting, shaded by mature trees and naturally cooled, by the estates indulgent position on Brittons Hill overlooking Carlisle Bay and the sea. The Garrison can be seen below in all its colors as well as the cuise ships in the distant port.

Inside the main house the living and dining spaces are welcoming of a large gathering suitable for formal and informal affairs, antique wood furnishings and hardwood floors throughout, are the backdrop for your historic stay. Open and airy, the filtered sunlight and breezes are felt throughout, cooled by the hand cut 26” coral stone walls.

Then a large winding mahogany stairway leads up to the second story to discover the remaining three guest rooms of the main house.

The largest is The Captain’s Quarters. A typically oversized plantation room accommodating a king size wicker sleigh bed, gorgeous new marble private bath and plenty of closet space, all with a lovely view of Carlisle Bay.

The Mignonette Room (another large room of 25ft X 25ft) across the hall boasts a queen size bed, and exquisite antiques mahogany furniture with granite finishes displaying an undeniable quality of craftsmanship.

The neighboring Island guest room, also grand in scale, is an all white room, telling its own story of island life. Staged with a queen size sleigh bed, an oversized white armoire, comfortable sitting chairs, and a lovely large Bajan seascape painting of Ann’s.

The remaining stone structures include a stand alone cottage, previously the servants' quarters and carriage house are also lovingly restored and made into additional guest suites away from the main house, all having a distinct island feel, private baths, and separate outdoor living spaces with garden , pool and coastal views.

What is a plantation great house turned bed and breakfast without a little modern indulgence?

Sweetfield Manor’s gardens seem to flow seamlessly, and every detail is well placed. The sound of water falling from the lagoon styled pool is refreshing, hidden by tropical palms, Banana trees, and colourful blooms is the enchanting pool in to which the water is cascading, a setting that is a picture perfect surprise.

Historic ruins of rumble stone steps left unfinished, add a poetic spin- a scene that can only be described a breathtaking and romantic.

Stunning Quarters... How about the Breakfast?!

Since you’ve been searching online, you’ve probably heard or will hear about Sweetfield Manor’s culinary delights, long before you get to try them yourself. If you haven’t heard, I guess you’re dying to find out, what’s on the Sweetfield Manor breakfast menu!

Besides being an artist, interior designer and an author, Ann’s latest children’s book- “, ‘People Are So Different!’, based on tolerance and understanding, was awarded the Teacher’s Choice Award for Best Children’s Book of 2008. Ann is also a professional Chef, having studied at Florida Culinary Institute in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

These fantastic dishes are prepared in the main house in a fully equipped gourmet kitchen suitable for the most consummate chefs. A space which Ann and Captain Clarke rent out to for special occasions such as privately catered parties and weddings held at Sweetfield Manor.

property of great historic significance, restoration which took place long distance

George and Ann for the most part oversaw the project while living in the United States, and it went smoothly. "We knew exactly what we wanted and it was no trouble at all. We had a very good Bajan contractor and altogether a dedicated team, proud to be a part of restoring a structure of this historic value.” Besides when Ann and the Captain were on the island, Ann kept the team well incentivised with her Banana Bread, noting, “George would suggest I make a small loaf of Banana bread for someone who worked overtime and one loaf became many individual loaves for each worker over time.” Even now, seven years later many of the people who originally worked on Sweetfield Manor come over for Banana bread on ‘Appreciation Day’, hosted by George and Ann.

I know what you’re thinking... the recipe is Anne’s Grandmother’s recipe and a well guarded family secret. You’re welcome to stay at Sweetfield Manor, that’s the closest you’ll get to it.

During your stay, you’ll have a wonderful time with your vacation hosted by Ann and Captain Clarke; they are both very helpful with your needs and very knowledgable of the in’s and out’s of the island. You can immerse in the Captain’s astonishing family history, amazing event’s we don’t even begin to cover here. George is also well versed in many aspects of Barbadian Heritage and can tell you how to get almost anywhere on the island. Enjoying every day of Ann’s remarkable breakfast, whimsical art and bubbly personality and of course lounge by the fabulous pool as long as you wish.

Waiting on a Flight, Spend the day in Bliss

Spend a day with Anne and the Captain just because or while waiting for a flight, for US $80.00 per couple you can sit and relax and just enjoy the surroundings with an island drink, tour the beautful plantaion, take a nap in one of the hanging beds or in the hammock under the shade of a grand old Mahogany Tree.

You may want to check your laptop for emails or just relax beside the tropical pool-side and you will receive fresh towels, clean robes and a place to shower and change before flight.

Wish to Stay Longer

If you wish to stay longer than an afternoon, that option is welcomed of course the best! For your inquiry, comments, to find out rates and or make a booking, feel free to contact Sweetfield Manor directly or by filling out the form below.