Bagatelle Great House
PLEASE NO FOOD OR DRINKS ALLOWED WHILE ON THE TOUR, ONLY IN THE DINING ROOM
Lively Lecture by Historians, Sir Henry Fraser and Achirri Adams at 3:00 p.m. Entertainment by Saxophonist, Damian Villarreal
THE GREAT HOUSE & GARDEN TOUR | GHOSTS OF BAGATELLE
The entrance to Bagatelle Great House greets you with a pair of magnificent stone lions, but don’t be scared of these guardians of the house. They are an interesting feature, not only because they are relatively recent additions, but because they look like mini replicas of the Lion at Gun Hill in St. George. Cat lovers will be happy to know that Bagatelle loves cats too. The big cats are here in front of you, but along the way you’re sure to meet up with Vivian, Bagatelle’s resident ginger cat.
AS YOU APPROACH THE HOUSE, pause to take in the beautiful façade of Bagatelle Great House with its two regal Royal Palms; signaling its position as one of the oldest plantation houses in Barbados. Be wowed by the charming rows of wooden jalousie louvered windows and its elegant double staircase, both outstanding examples of 18th century Barbadian vernacular architecture.
PLEASE TAKE THE LEFT HAND SIDE of the double-sided front steps to reach the entrance door and ENTER the enclosed reception hall. Here, positioned on either side of the entrance leading to the hallway, are a pair of highly ornate, mahogany Console tables of the Victorian era that are original to the house, and to your right, see the three pretty tables, beautifully laid out for tea; evoking memories of the Chatter’s Tea Room in its heyday at Bagatelle. On your direct left, is an 8–seater grand table and chairs which belonged to owner, Ralph ‘Bruggadung’ Johnson. The table, dressed up with a white crocheted tablecloth, is elegantly set for high tea and showcases a deep blue, white and gold formal tea set (Set mark-1744 St. Petersburg, Russia fine bone china).
PROCEED LEFT ALONGSIDE this table; HEADING TOWARDS THE FAR LEFT DOOR which leads you into the Richings’ Room, named after previous owners of Bagatelle (in the 1990s it was the old art gallery). In the recent past, this was a formal room used for meetings, dinner receptions and weddings. Inside: Three stunning crystal chandeliers dazzle; illuminating the room. The old wood floors remain, and adorning the room’s walls, is artwork depicting Barbadian places and scenes, painted and donated by Canadian artist, Naemesh —remnants of the earlier art gallery.
EXIT the Richings Room, and step into the hallway with its high ceiling, where a rattan bookshelf displays vintage ‘preciouses’ and curiosities, and other paintings by artist, Naemesh line the walls. Now… please return to the entrance and turn left; hugging the wall as you pass by the three beautifully decorated tea tables. On the wall is an exhibit of framed prints featuring artwork by Agostino Brunias (1730-1796), who recorded scenes of West Indian society in the 18th century (his work has given some idea of the colonial landscape, albeit somewhat romanticized). The most famous shown here is: The Barbados Mulatto Girl (top right).
TURN LEFT at the corner and feast your eyes on the magnificent table with its ornately carved legs; laid with a 176-piece Queen Mary ‘Sol’ by J&G Meakin tableware set of early 20th century vintage. Next, please return to the entrance door; having a last look at the old Chatter’s Tea Room at its finest!
PLEASE EXIT TAKING THE LEFT STEPS. AT THE BASE, PLEASE TURN RIGHT and head towards the front of house archway that bears the Barbados National Trust plaque overhead. Do take in the charming aspect of the aged 17th century coral stone walls with ferns growing in and amongst the locally hewn blocks; noting the solid old entry doors with iron locks that usher you into, what was probably, the original 1645 house before the upper level was added. IN THIS HALL ROOM, have a look at the fine silverware displayed on your right, and on the left, see an original Planter’s desk with a pair of old wood carved, pineapple candle holders atop, as well as an antique mini cannon now sitting quietly in the corner.
DO GO THROUGH THE CENTRAL CORRIDOR and immerse yourself in an old world ambiance where cast iron candle holders with candles lit…. light your way to Lord Willoughby’s Lounge….first entrance on the right. Commanding attention here: An elaborately carved mahogany antique console table and a throne-styled bench both circa mid-19th century, on the wall a shield embossed with Lord Willoughby’s face and everything else!
Note that public bathrooms are found here (another room was here but recently converted into bathrooms). Bypassing the bathrooms, please go through the connecting door. You are now in the Private Dining Room.
The 10-seater table takes centre stage and is laid out in all its finery for a formal dinner. Some of its notable contents include: Two handcrafted African masks and aged 18th century military Halberd-spontoons (spears), along with an unbroken trident, the very grand antique mirror chair circa mid-18th century, brass plates depicting various old English scenes and maritime images, as well as prints of the West India Regiment Zouave.
NEXTPLEASE EXIT through the second door which returns you to the central corridor and take the second left doorway; about five paces down and turn right into the ‘Camelot Room’. PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THE STEPS DOWN AS YOU ENTER.
The Camelot Room (can you guess how it got its name?) is an awesome space. Marvel at the monumental pieces showcased here. The Spanish influenced, Gothic, cast iron chandelier fuels the imagination, while the grand round table with its custom-made brocade-style place settings and the hand carved, 19th century mahogany chairs surrounding it, fill the room; conjuring up images of King Arthur and the Knights of the Roundtable. Adding to the dramatic appeal of the room are four antique swords; belonging to Paul Johnson and though the flagstone tiles are thought not to be originals; they probably date back 100 years!
THE TOUR OF THE GREAT HOUSE CULMINATES HERE. THANK YOU.
PLEASE EXIT the Camelot Room VIA the adjoining side door, BUT MIND THE 3 SMALL STEPS that lead into the ‘Coffee Bar’ room. You are now entering into the ‘World of Bagatelle’, where Bagatelle memorabilia and little souvenir ‘trifles’ are available for sale, such as charming tea cups and tea sets, crystal items and more!. Also see displays of former events held at Bagatelle, such as Boo-gatelle —Halloween event. The other corner wall shows a montage of other events held there over the years. Now… with your purchases in hand; EXIT at the door that leads you directly to your complimentary rum punch and rum cake sample. Some vendors’ stalls can be found here too; so feel free to be enticed by the local art and craft on offer.
BAGATELLE: TOUR OF THE GARDENS & GROUNDS
Take a walk through the grounds at Bagatelle following the route leading out from the Camelot Room situated on the left side of the Great House (where your tour has just ended), and continue along the walkway overpass where a charming Japanese-style pond is found. The pond is filled with vibrant coloured Japanese Koi (fish) in brilliant shades of gold and orange; swimming amongst lily pads. On the left of the overpass, see a graceful statue of Aquarius, the Water Carrier, who appears to be replenishing the pond.
Bagatelle’s enchanting five-acre garden is situated on a slight rise and boasts manicured paths, flowering nooks, and shady walkways to linger along and explore. Found there: an old Blue Myrtle cactus and graceful Ponytail palms, along with other mature trees which make up just a part of the estate’s wider grounds; creating a picturesque backdrop of lush greenery—perfect for photographs. Note the two original Barbadian limestone drip stones which can still be observed here on the property (historically, these unique features served to purify rainwater), though —now disassembled, they offer a glimpse into 18th century domestic life.
Another highlight is the romantic East Garden Bridge which was a favourite setting for weddings and photo shoots in the recent past. This area once featured a manmade waterfall that ran beneath the bridge; adding a whimsical touch. Sadly, the watercourse was not reinstated after the COVID-19 pandemic.
CAUTION: THE BRIDGE IS NOT TO BE WALKED ON.
On the Tavern side…close to the highway, stands a noble Sandbox tree—approx. 200 years old—can you imagine the centuries of life at Bagatelle it has witnessed? Perhaps you can be part of the Sandbox’s stories!
EVENTS AT BAGATELLE: THE GREAT HOUSE GOES TO WORK (1970 – TO PRESENT)
Under the stewardship of English couple, Nick and Val Richings, in the 1970s, Bagatelle was transformed into a fine dining venue. It officially opened its doors in 1972 and soon became known as one of the island’s most charming places to dine. In 1990, Mrs. Richings, an artist, also opened an upstairs art gallery.
Over the years, Bagatelle has evolved while maintaining its historic charm— hosting local weddings at the venue’s Lord Willoughby’s Garden, and other events like Crop Over Band Launches, Q in the Community, Sip & Paint gatherings, as well as charity fundraisers. It has been home to the Bagatelle Restaurant, Paulo’s Churrasco do Brasil, Lord Willoughby’s Tavern (now the Tavern Club), the Lucky Horseshoe, and the now-closed, Chatters Tea Room—remembered for its vintage china and elegant afternoon teas (Chatters was replaced by the current Citrine Restaurant).
In 2025, Bagatelle continues to blend history with hospitality through its most recent addition, The Tavern Pub, which has brought new life to the property offering live entertainment, a pool room, and hearty food all set within the grounds of this historic site.
BAGATELLE: A HAUNTED HOUSE? OF GHOSTS AND BOO-GATELLE!
With centuries behind it, Bagatelle Great House surely has a tale or two to whisper—some charming, some chilling, because there have been so many ghostly encounters over the years that ghostly tales at Bagatelle Great House have become part of its charm—especially the antics of the “White Lady” known affectionately as Fiona.
From mysterious footsteps and eerie screams to doors unlocking themselves, Fiona has kept staff and guests on their toes (and sometimes on the run!). One chef fled after hearing footsteps upstairs in the empty house, vowing never to stay late again. Another time, a guest bolted in the night after a spine-tingling encounter.
The ghosts of Bagatelle are practically part of the family now—and have even become something of modern-day influencers; inspiring “Boo-gatelle,” —a delightfully frightening Halloween haunted house event that ran from 2012 to 2015 (such a wonderful word play on the word ‘Bagatelle’). It was a ‘screaming’ success—literally—with Fiona as the star (an actor dressed up), spooking visitors while the real Fiona was most likely giggling in the shadows.
Lawrence Charles, a former manager at Bagatelle, started the “Boo-gatelle” with help from some of Bagatelle’s creative staff, and well-known Crop-Over band designer, Renee Anne Sheppard-Ratcliffe, jumped on board in the last year of the event.
Staff dressed as ghouls, rooms were decorated and rigged to scare, and a screaming banshee howled her way through the house. Boo-gatelle’s success was based on the fact that grown men were scared out of their wits and seen leaping over walls —fleeing into the car park! Safe then to say that at Bagatelle, life hasn’t always been a ‘tea party’—sometimes; it’s been a BOO-gatelle!
Sophia Lewis © Barbados National Trust
BAGATELLE: DEFINED
‘The word “bagatelle” is a fascinating term that has evolved through history; spanning music, games,
architecture, and even place names. At its core, the term originates from the French word ‘bagatelle’
which itself is derived from the Italian bagattella,, meaning “a trifle”—something of little consequence.
First recorded in the 17th century, it has been used to describe a light musical composition and a billiards- type game, but despite its seemingly insignificant meaning, ‘Bagatelle’ has left its mark in various aspects of culture and history’.
A MERE BAGATELLE: HOW THE GREAT HOUSE GOT ITS NAME
The BARALLIER map of 1825 is the first record showing Bagatelle Plantation in the parish of St. Thomas located by this name, and having learned the definition of the term ‘Bagatelle’ from the previous
page…..can you guess how this former sugar plantation came by its name?
It is a fascinating story, born out of oral tradition, which tells that the property was staked—and lost—
during a card game, and that the former owner was heard to shrug off his misfortune with the words, “It was a Bagatelle”… “a mere trifle.” The name stuck, and the property has retained its name ever since. If this episode is true, it would not be the first time a stately home was lost in a card game (possibly Whist, Brag, Baccarat —a form of Chance, or Commerce —a form of modern day poker).
Tales abound of fortunes squandered at the gaming table—with estates lost in a single night of reckless
play (gambling was a serious vice among British and French 18th and 19th century aristocracy and landed gentry —and probably by extension, a ‘nice’ number of plantation owners in the West Indies in the same period), and whether or not the Barbados house changed hands in a card game, this tale certainly adds intrigue and reminds us that what seems a mere trifle may sometimes hold greater significance!
BAGATELLE: AN OUTLINE OF OWNERSHIP
Bagatelle Great House has been owned by about a dozen families over the years, and like most Barbadian plantations, it has a checkered history—expanding, changing hands, and evolving according to the fortunes of its owners. Though tradition claims it was built in 1679 by James Hay, 1st Earl of Carlisle—then the island’s proprietor—no conclusive record proves this. There is also no formal evidence that the property was ever leased or transferred to Lord Willoughby of Parham, though he may have resided elsewhere in St. Thomas during his governorship.
The earliest documented owner was William Howard, who by 1679 held 18 acres in the area now known as Bagatelle. The estate remained in the Howard family into the early 18th century. Following the deaths of several heirs, the estate was sold to John Gibbes, a member of a prominent Barbadian family. The Gibbes family retained it into the early 1800s.
By 1825, Thomas Padmore was listed as the owner. In 1832, the estate was sold to Charles St. John for
£5,953. Joseph Harris Bishop acquired the 154-acre property in 1841; renaming it Parham Park. However, financial difficulties led to its sale in 1870 via the Chancery Court to John Forster Marsh, who changed the name back to Bagatelle.
Ownership passed to H.T. Birmingham, then to J.T. Haynes and John Hinkson, the latter leaving a stone
plaque dated 1901 —let’s keep an eye out for it. In 1905, Carlton Davis Bascombe bought the estate, and by 1913, the Bascom (or Bascombe) family had increased Bagatelle’s acreage to 213 acres.
The Tryhane family owned the estate from 1921, expanding the estate to over 340 acres, but after W.L.
Tryhane’s death, the estate changed hands again when it was eventually purchased in 1970 by English
couple, Nick and Val Richings, who converted the property into a gourmet restaurant. Then, in 2002, brothers, Paul and Ralph “Bruggadung” Johnson acquired Bagatelle, further developing the property as a dining and entertainment venue. Bagatelle is still in the Johnson family today and operates under the name of Paul’s Enterprises Ltd; with Paul Johnson as its CEO.
LORD WILLOUGHBY AND THE BAGATELLE MYTH (an unproven story)
Francis Willoughby, Lord Willoughby of Parham, played an integral role in Barbados’ 17th-century history.
He was appointed Governor of Barbados in 1650 by King Charles I, and arrived in the island during turbulent political times. England had fallen under Cromwell’s Commonwealth, but Barbados—with its thriving sugar economy—remained loyal to the Crown. Willoughby convinced Barbadians to resist Parliamentarian control —this being successful, it led to the signing of the 1652 Charter of Barbados at Oistins. This document became the foundation for the future Barbados’ Constitution. After the monarchy was restored in 1660, Willoughby resumed his post as governor, but died at sea three years later in 1666 during a naval expedition. For a long time, it was widely believed that Lord Willoughby had once owned Bagatelle, the Sugar Estate in St. Thomas, and that he had had it renamed Parham Park after his ancestral home in Suffolk, England. However, historian Peter F. Campbell, through his very thorough research, sought to debunk some of the myth, noting that there was no conclusive evidence tying Willoughby to Bagatelle, still his point works both ways, as there is no conclusive evidence that Willoughby was not associated with the estate, so the jury is still out on this one folks!
And, while oral traditions and early 20th-century reports—such as the 1910 Committee on Historic Sites and Buildings—asserted Willoughby’s connection, Campbell was able to trace the property’s earliest known ownership to William Howard in 1679. The name Parham Park may have originated, not with association to Willoughby, but rather with Joseph Harris Bishop, who owned the estate in the 1840s and possibly had links to Parham Park in Sussex.
BAGATELLE: THE ARCHITECTURE
Built in the 17th century, Bagatelle Great House showcases a simplified Barbadian take on Palladian design—unusual for plantation houses of its time, but fashionable during the early Georgian period in Barbados. The elegant façade features a distinctive, but graceful double staircase above a ‘flattened archway that leads to a pedimented porch supported by classical wooden columns’ (Fraser, Historic Houses of Barbados, 1982). This arrangement reflects both European ideals and the possible influence of the nearby Garrison’s military buildings, where such staircases were common (the principal Garrison buildings/ barracks were constructed over a forty year period; commencing in 1780). Bagatelle also features a piano nobile layout, placing the main living spaces on the upper floor for improved ventilation and scenic views—suggesting a 19th-century update to an older structure.
The interior reception hall may have been an open veranda originally, but appears to have been enclosed sometime later. The dramatic façade of Jalousie louvered windows served to enhance airflow while protecting interiors from the sun’s glare.
Inside, high ceilings, finely crafted wooden door frames embellish 8-foot tall doors and doorways. While outside, steep gabled roofs cover the whole; blending style with tropical practicality.
The house is constructed out of local coral limestone; prized for its strength and cooling properties. A point of interest here is that the coral limestone used in the house’s construction was quarried directly from the land behind the house, so it could be said, that Bagatelle is quite literally rooted in its landscape!
Bagatelle was officially recognised by the Barbados National Trust as one of the island’s finest surviving examples of Barbadian vernacular architecture, and is thus honoured by the Trust’s commemorative plaque, mounted above the house’s entrance archway.
Thank you for coming!
