Discovering The Balcony House
This is how I roll.....
I happened upon it because of geocaching, which I learned is a great way to really see a city.
We were walking in the downtown area of Nassau, looking for three different caches. I was with my sister Karan and her grandchildren, Lucy and Jack and we had somewhat successfully found the first one. More on that in another post.
We even did a No-No by stopping at a Bahamian McDonald's for a cold drink
It was very hot, it was June after all, and the children (who were aged 8 and 9) were anxious to find the next cache but I was lost without my GPS and eventually they went on back to the ship to swim.
I trudged on, up and down unfamiliar streets and stopped to rest in a picturesque spot. It looked across the street to this little museum called
The Balcony House.
I don't mind saying I was pretty tired so I sat quite a while studying the outside of this beautifully restored pink building, built in the Loyalist style.
I went over after a bit to inquire about the admission price and found it was free! Donations accepted of course, but I was delighted to take the tour, especially after finding out it was believed to be the oldest house in the city.
These two photos show the entry way and the famous balcony. It's famous because it is free standing. A very unusual design for the day.
These doors (below)) exited out of the room next to the kitchen which is thought to be a stable at one time due to the design of the door and location to the house. All the wood and hardware is original from 1788 when the house was built.
Here, is an original stucco wall from the house.
The wall is along the back of the summer kitchen, so necessary in this hot climate.
The kitchen was kept cool built with thick walls of stone and stucco
Louvered doors concealed the large open side of the kitchen.
The kitchen was located opposite the house here in the back.
On the side of the house, not exactly convenient to either kitchen is the well.
It was designed and built by slaves.
Inside the house is the regular kitchen, modernized in the 1930's for the last owner
Many of her possessions are still stored in the glass cabinets
The dining room is restored as well as the rest of the house to the period of the last owner
the 1930's.
Note the carved chairs.
It was here the guide told me that photos inside the house are discouraged so I took no more after this one.
There were other rooms and also a grand staircase, located in the center of the house made from a shipwrecked ship!
The upstairs is now open as well, all beautifully furnished.
The guide gave me a wonderful tour, with much history of the house and island. It was a real treasure to stumble upon this place, one of the highlights of my visit.
The house is located well within walking distance of the cruise ship docking area. I was nearly back to the the entrance of the docks when I came across it. It's located on Market Street right off of Bay Street, the main street along the water.
My lovely guide was also able to guide me to my next geocache destination, only one block up and two over, the Fredrick Street Stairs. Another must see destination, It features local artist's sculptures as well as ancient stairs landscaped beautifully.
Geocaching and a donations only museum combined with
my own walking tour. Pennies on the dollar!
I always love visiting Nassau.
Adding in my own watercolor of my dream pink and white house!
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Comments
xoxo
Vesna
What an adorable pink house, and to be so old, that is neat! I did notice those dining room chairs before I read your text, very nice.
Too bad you couldn't take more pictures, but glad you got what you got. Have a great rest of your week and a Happy 4th!
Gina
Blessings,
Sandi
Robin
hugs,
Jann