The Great House was the central hub of authority on a plantation estate, acting as both the residence of the estate owner and the focal point for overseeing the operations of the property. These houses were typically the homes of planters, who were often responsible for the day-to-day management of the estate, or attorneys acting on behalf of absentee owners, who may have lived far away, often in Europe. The design, size, and grandeur of the Great House were a direct reflection of the estate’s profitability and the wealth of the owner. Larger, more prosperous estates boasted more impressive houses, showcasing the owner’s social standing and success in the sugar or coffee industries.
Great Houses were usually built as two-story structures with a strong foundation made of brick, cut stone, or mortar to support the upper levels. The upper floors were typically constructed with wooden materials, often sourced locally, which allowed for ventilation and a cooling effect in the tropical clima…
