Our History
Piecing together the History of Grenadine House
Regrettably little is known of Grenadine House and its true significance when it comes to St. Vincent and The Grenadines’ history. However, there are a few interesting facts and coincidences, that assist in piecing together fragments of history which have been scattered and lost over the years.
Constructed in the year 1765, the hotel first served as the residence to the British Administrator of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. However, during this period of colonisation the British colony only had lieutenant governors assigned to the country. The first of whom was believed to be George Madison, who served between 1763 and 1764.
Joseph Higginson served immediately after George Madison from 1764 to 1766. Therefore, Higginson was the first resident to occupy what was then known as the ‘Great House’. Higginson’s reign was short-lived and he was succeeded by another lieutenant governor; Lauchlin McLean.
It wasn’t until 1886 that St. Vincent was appointed it’s first British Administrator, Robert Baxter Llewelyn who resided in the ‘Great House’.
One could also link the relevance of the Grenadine House to Fort Charlotte as they are in sight of one-another. Construction on Fort Charlotte began only two year’s before Grenadine House in 1763; by the British as a defense against French attack and Carib unrest. Fort Charlotte sits 600 feet above sea level and overlooks the harbour of St. Vincent and the neighbouring Grenadine island of Bequia. They say on a clear day, you can even see as far as Grenada (with binoculars or a telescope).
From The Great House, inhabitants had an uninterrupted view over the harbour where ships would anchor. Ships would offload the ballast which consisted of building material like building stones and bricks. These were used as construction material for the many several century old buildings in Kingstown that still exist along Front and Middle street. Grenadine House now sits in a garden setting, most of which was utilised as plantation grounds.
The structure of Grenadine House as it is seen today was rebuilt in the 1980's and 1990’s into a hotel formerly named the Camelot Inn. The most notable remnants of the original Great House, are the beautiful stone wall foundations found in the ‘Sapodilla room’ & West Indies Bar.
In late 2002 The Disney Corporation chose St. Vincent as the primary location to film the first instalment of the incredibly successful series of film ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. Renting the whole hotel along with countless further accommodation for crew.
Whilst Johnny Depp stayed on a yacht anchored off Young Island, the hotel and pool were used for relaxing between film days and hosted many parties with the stars of the film.
The hotel was later renamed Roy’s Inn until it closed around 2006.
The Great House becomes Grenadine House
After the highs of Disney’s presence, the hotel was later renamed Roy’s Inn but fell into decline, ultimately closing in 2006 in receivership.
At this point, it’s current owner, Bengt Mortstedt had begun to build and create what would become Bequia Beach Hotel on the Grenadine island of Bequia, he read about the property in a newspaper and went to visit, what he found was classical beauty, historical appeal and an opportunity with the shuttered ‘Roys Inn’ to support the resort in Bequia with the concept for guests to ‘see two islands’ on their visits; Bequia & St. Vincent.
A rapid year of refurbishment followed, with upgrades to all rooms, air conditioning, conference rooms, all new furniture but carefully selected in keeping with the history and rich heritage of the building. Re-opening in 2007 under fresh management as Grenadine House; immediately a huge success offering a sanctuary of elegant hospitality above the bustling city of Kingstown.
Never ones to stand still, the property is constantly kept to the highest standards of hospitality.
Vintage-style travel poster by artist Kerne Erickson commissioned for Grenadine House; picturing a balmy evening on The Terrace
Owner Bengt Mortstedt with General Manager Ms. Isola Giddings; winner of the Hotelier of the Year award in 2023
Award-Winning Hospitality
2023 Tourism Award ‘Stakeholder of the Year’ - Grenadine House
2023 SVGHTA Hotelier of the Year award - Isola Giddings, Grenadine House
2023 SVGHTA Chef of the Year award - Karen Ashton, Grenadine House
2023 SVGHTA Gardener of the Year award - Newton George, Grenadine House
