Government House, Salt Cay
| Government House | |
 | |
|---|---|
| Built 1790-1795 | |
| Information | |
The Government House, which is also known as 'Old Commissioner’s House' and 'Government Guest House' stands on the little island of Salt Cay, on of the southernmost of the Turks Islands, and part of the territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The building was most likely built between 1790 and 1795. It was the seat of government on the island: the residence of the District Commissioner, customs officers and other government officials for generations. It was also the preferred venue for most social activities on the island.
However the building was abandoned and neglected. The last wedding party here was held on 18 December 1976;[1] and the house declined into ruin.
Style
The property is a prime example of the Bermudan architecture that dominated the Turks and Caicos ‘salt’ islands from the early 1800s: Bermudans sailed and settled on these islands to harvest the salt, and the island srchitecture reflects the styles familiar in Bermuda. The government House’s hipped and gabled roofs have no overhangs because they were expensive to build, and created a locus for hurricane winds to lift and carry roofs away. Traditional cedar shingles cover the roof of the main house, while corrugated tin roofs protect the outbuildings.
Government House and the surrounding property are today owned through a 99-year lease by the Turks and Caicos National Trust, which has taken on the restoration of the house as one of their ongoing projects.
Restoration
In 2008 the Trust, working in partnership with the Turks and Caicos Preservation Foundation, initiated a project to restore the old Government House.[2]
The Trust and the Foundation have progressed with restoration orf the whole exterior, with shingle roofs, windows, doors, shutters, porch and balcony, and painted in an authentic a soft cadmium yellow.[1]
The entire property is surrounded by a traditional stone wall made from local stone and mortar prepared from crushed conch. The function of the wall and gates was to keep livestock out of the gardens while creating an intimate courtyard gathering space.}}[1]
Outside links
- Government House, Salt Cay – Turks and Caicos National Trust
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Salt Cay Government House Project: Turks and Caicos Preservation Foundation
- ↑ Government House, Salt Cay – Turks and Caicos National Trust