Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine July 2017 | Page 511

On the beautiful island of St. Kitts, Nevis’ sister
isle, old sugar plantations and ancient fortresses
charmingly linger. A tour of the island will
inevitably take you to the historic Romney
Manor which was built and owned during the
17th century by Sam Jefferson II, the great great
great grandfather of Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd
U.S. President. The house was later owned by
the Earl of Romney, hence its current name.
Over the years, the mansion, set on 10 acres,
was the abode of several affluent families. Now,
it is a historic site replete with history. It was
the first plantation in St. Kitts to free its slaves.
That site is also said to have been the village
of a local Carib chief, prior to the arrival of
Christopher Columbus.
Today, a visit to Romney Manor will take you
back in history but it will also allow you to enjoy
the beauty of the grounds - floral heaven - and
also get you a close-up look at the production
of the batik produced by Caribelle Batik which
is fortunate to call Romney Manor home.