Sprat Hall Plantation Greathouse

Sprat Hall Plantation

A Unique Country Estate by the Sea

(click on images to enlarge)

Sprat Hall is the oldest plantation on St. Croix, dating back from 1650 to 1690 -when the French occupied the island. This stately Greathouse and its historic grounds are located along the west end of St. Croix, 1 1/2 miles north of Frederiksted on Rte. 63. The hilltop estate is graced by constant breezes. It's diverse tropical vegetation teams with the colors, scents, and sounds of the Caribbean. The lush landscape practically invites visitors in.

Bright tropical flowers and fruit adorn the property, while Grand Mahogany trees and Ginger Thomas offer shade and color along a path that leads to a hilltop sugar mill, while on the other side, Royal Palms line the path to an abundant orchard.

All this proved to be too enticing one recent Saturday. My companion and I, out in what was supposed to be a relaxing afternoon's drive, decided to discard our schedules and "check out" by "checking in" to Sprat Hall for the remainder of the weekend.

It was then that we met the matriarch of Sprat Hall, Joyce Hurd, who was born in the greathouse in 1927 and has called it home ever since. In 1947, at just 20 years old, filled with pride, Joyce decided that her beautiful family home and its treasures should be shared with the rest of the world. She has been operating a Bed & Breakfast at the Greathouse ever since.

Sprat Hall attracts antique collectors and nature lovers, as well as historians, with a eclectic blend of past and present cultural artifacts.

Palm trees, Bougainvillea and Ginger Thomas line the path to a hilltop Sugar Mill.

Dinners are served in this gorgeous dining room

The Greathouse is decorated with many antiques and rare family heirlooms. As we walked around the dining room, pictures of the past hung proudly on the walls, representing fond memories for the Hurd family, and a rare glimpse into the history of St. Croix for their guests.

The furniture throughout the home is made of Mahogany, at one time found in abundance on St. Croix. Original cabinets, also from the rich, dark Mahogany tree, remain throughout the living and dining rooms and are lavished with fine crystal and pottery, heirlooms from several generations past.

After breakfast, relax in the living room.

One special point of interest is a hand-carved head board decorating a 4 post canopy bed -- the very same bed in which Joyce was born. The mattress is made of hair from the horses that grazed in the pastures on the grounds of Sprat Hall Plantation over 100 years ago.

Every room has a great view and a wonderful breeze.

Sprat Hall offers to its guests a unique place to stay, and a prized kind of hospitality. Hearing it was my friend's birthday, Mrs. Hurd went beyond her "Inn Keeper" duties and surprised us with a homemade birthday cake. This came after a breakfast of pancakes (made from scratch), crisp bacon, coffee, fresh juice and fruit she picked that morning in the orchard.

Tours of their orchard are not only available, but encouraged by Mrs. Hurd, who has plenty to share with her guests. This part of the Sprat Hall "experience" is not to be missed. Standing in a sweet smelling orchard, adorned with tropical flowers, the serenity of nature will calm your soul.

Sprat Hall beach is great for snorkeling or just plain relaxing.

After taking in the hills, we walked across the street to the beach to begin the next stage of relaxation. We got situated in the warm, soft sand to catch some rays and listen to the surf. The seagulls and pelicans entertained us with their dives. We were the only ones on the beach, which can often happen on the laid-back island of St. Croix. We stayed long enough to watch the sunset, and were fortunate enough to catch the famed "green flash" -- the burst of green light that flashes as the top of the setting sun disappears below the horizon. The saying is true, "When it comes to sunsets, the west is best!"

Feeling no pain, we strolled back across the road to our room in the Greathouse. We showered and changed our clothes in preparation for an elegant dinner, seasoned with live music at a nearby restaurant in Frederiksted.

The morning light beckoned us early to rise and enjoy our final day of lounging. With so many cozy spots on the grounds to choose from, we decided to take turns and seek our "favorite". First, a hammock shaded by palm trees. Then, a secluded patio by the nearby cottages allowed for a little late morning sunshine, which lulled us right to sleep. After our catnaps, we found ourselves at a table, with Mrs. Hurd pouring us coffee to awaken our senses. We enjoyed her company and conversation, as well as the subtle presence of palms swaying in the breeze, and the many wonderful island residents such as guinea hens, horses, and the friendly friendly mascot, a pet donkey. Sprat Hall is their home, too.

Be rocked to sleep by the breeze in the comfort of a hammock.

Step outside your cottage to take a nap in a lounge chair.

Enjoy a long conversation and the tropical breeze under palms.

This friendly donkey likes to be petted, but only after you share your fruit.

Guinea Hens group together for a
photo.

Time seemed to have stood still while I was at Sprat Hall. It took only one weekend at this magical place, surrounded by the history of my hosts, to experience a glimpse into St. Croix's past, the timelessness of its current beauty, and a much needed chance to relax and re-acquaint myself with nature.

To find out more about Sprat Hall Plantation, please contact Mrs. Hurd directly (and not through email!)

Toll-Free 1-800-843-3584

Sprat Hall Plantation
Rte. 63N Frederiksted, St. Croix
US Virgin Islands 00840

Photos and text by Leslie Hillyer © gotostcroix.com