This English-style plantation house conceals centuries of dark secrets beneath the bright Caribbean sun.
Rose Hall Great House was built in the English style in 1770 by a British planter. The setting for the opulent manor house, surrounded by verdant hills, was chosen for its spectacular views over the sparkling Caribbean. Hundreds of slaves provided the workforce for the fertile plantation and kept its owners in luxury. However, the house’s fortunes took a distinctly darker turn when a series of gruesome murders tainted its sunny façade.
Annie Palmer and her husband lived at Rose Hall during the early part of the 19th century. According to local legend, Annie took plantation slaves as lovers – something which would have been deeply shocking and strictly forbidden at that time. When her husband confronted her, a terrible row ensued, resulting in Annie killing her husband and the slaves. Known locally as the White Witch of Rose Hall, it is said that her ghost still stalks the upstairs rooms, searching in vain for atonement for her shameful crimes.
Today visitors can discover the ghoulish history of Rose Hall on a tour of the estate. View the beautiful house and gardens and learn about the widely disparate lives of the plantation owners and slaves from expert guides. Visit the chilling private quarters of the White Witch, still decorated with authentic furniture from that period, and pause to admire the beautiful sea views that contrast sharply with the dark secrets within. Then bring the legend vividly to life with a visit to her grave on the estate grounds.
Tours of Rose Hall Great House and estate take place at regular intervals throughout the day. There are also night tours which delve into the eerie history of the house in greater detail and wind up in the basement for a restorative Witches’ Brew – a specially concocted rum cocktail. Both tours should be booked in advance, but the night tours are not considered suitable for youngsters or those of a nervous disposition.
