Historic Great House Afternoon Tea

After a short and scenic, approximate 25-minutes, ride from the port in comfortable air-conditioned transportation will be welcomed at The Great House Antigua for a traditional afternoon tea service. This unique stone-built structure known as The Buff House is the only one of its kind residing on its plantation grounds.

The Great House Antigua was built in 1670, using solid white Cotswold stone, brought in on galleys which plied the trade routes between the West Indies and Great Britain. While the remains of other plantation houses, including Betty's Hope, can still be found, most have had their stone removed by the nearby villages to use as foundations in their own houses. The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda's database reveals that there were 109 mill towers in Antigua and Barbuda. Here you will find a sugar mill, much of the machinery and the copper boiling pots, and the original refining rooms and storehouse.

As the Great House has remained a home for most of its existence, it holds some of the country's best collection of items including exquisite mahogany furniture, china, silver, glassware, domestic items, and old prints. Among these pieces are Chippendales, and the King of wood, mahogany four-poster beds. The Great House Antigua is also home to a unique French metal 4 poster bed believed to be dated c.1840, parts of it are thought to have belonged to a French emigre family, who left France due to the Revolutions. These unique items provide a true glimpse of what life was like for wealthy plantation owners during this opulent era when sugar was king, and how the sugar industry shaped Antigua's history.

Take a seat for afternoon tea amongst the beautiful gardens with a backdrop of the 350-year-old sugar mill for magical selfies. Tea is served in the Palm Court and is available for an exclusive number of discerning guests, the set afternoon tea service will include a selection of delicious and freshly made sandwiches, baked cakes, pastries or scones, accompanied by the plantation's honey, jam or island jelly and a selection of English teas. Upon entering the courtyard, guests will be seated at small and intimate tables set with colorful and charming English tea service china. Each guest or couple will be given a printed booklet of the history of the House and Plantation.

Book this unique and exclusive, small group tour today and discover for yourself an era gone by of plantations and great houses when sophistication was an elegant afternoon tea.

Please Note: Afternoon tea is a set menu and cannot be modified. Minimum age to participate is 16 years old.