Historic Plantation Houses of Curaçao: 12 Landhuizen to Explore
Curaçao’s plantation houses, also known as country houses or “landhuizen”, are iconic remnants of its colonial past. The first plantations were founded in the 17th century. Settlers tried crops like indigo, cotton and sugarcane, but the dry climate made large-scale farming difficult, so most estates focused on food crops, livestock and salt. Many of the houses were built or rebuilt in the 18th and 19th centuries and reflect a unique blend of European and Caribbean architectural styles, often characterized by their colorful facades and spacious layouts. Many have been restored and repurposed into museums, restaurants, or event venues, offering visitors a glimpse into the island’s history and culture. These houses dot the landscape of Curaçao, each with its own stories of plantation life, slavery, and the island’s economic evolution. Exploring these historic estates provides a deeper understanding of Curaçao’s rich heritage and its enduring influence on the island’s identity and traditions.
1. Landhuis Blaauw
Located in the heart of Blue Bay Golf & Beach Resort, Landhuis Blaauw is a monumental building over two hundred years old and serves as the clubhouse for Blue Bay Golf. The estate is named after Anno Blaauw, who owned the plantation around 1700 and grew limes, oranges and plants for the blue dye indigo. The current house dates from around 1800. Once a working plantation, the estate has evolved into a vibrant residential and vacation destination under the Curaçao sun, and Blue Bay still carries his name.
2. Landhuis Chobolobo
Landhuis Chobolobo is famous worldwide as the home of the iconic Blue Curaçao liqueur. The Senior family started making the liqueur in 1896 and moved production to this 19th-century country house in Willemstad in the 1940s. Today, visitors can tour the distillery on weekdays, learn how the liqueur is made from the peel of the Laraha orange, and sample the different varieties. The lush surroundings and historic charm make this estate a highlight for those interested in the flavors of the island.
3. Landhuis Bloemhof
A blend of art, culture, and nature, Landhuis Bloemhof offers a unique experience. The estate dates back to at least 1735 and has been owned by the same family since 1919 — passed down from mother to daughter, so it has been in the hands of women for more than a hundred years. In the 1940s, sculptor May Henriquez turned the old carriage house into her studio, making Landhuis Bloemhof a significant hub for local art. The estate features a beautiful garden filled with sculptures, local plants, and trees, as well as a historic well that once provided water to the city. In 2020, the “Cathedral of Thorns”, an art installation by Herman van Bergen, was unveiled in the garden. Made from millions of local thorns, the labyrinth-shaped artwork invites visitors to walk through it and explore various artistic expressions. The estate is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM, and guided tours and evening events bring the stories of the property to life.
Website Landhuis Bloemhof
4. Landhuis Ascension
Built in 1672, Landhuis Ascension is one of the oldest and best-preserved plantation houses on the island. Since 1965 it has been used by the Royal Netherlands Navy, but on the first Sunday of the month the doors open to the public, with local artists, crafts and live music on the veranda. Check the date before you go, as the program can change.
5. Landhuis Brakkeput Mei Mei
Landhuis Brakkeput Mei Mei, near Spanish Water, combines history with an evening out. The early 18th-century country house is now a restaurant, and the grounds have a playground and an 18-hole minigolf course, which makes it a great choice for families.
Website Landhuis Brakkeput Mei Mei
6. Landhuis Dokterstuin
Landhuis Dokterstuin is home to the renowned restaurant “Komedor Krioyo”, a local favorite among families. Set in the picturesque surroundings of the estate, diners enjoy authentic Curaçaoan dishes under a large covered terrace, offering delicious meals at great prices. Sundays are especially popular with local families and the perfect opportunity to mingle with the island’s residents. Be sure to either make a reservation or arrive early, as it can get quite busy! The restaurant is closed on Mondays.
7. Landhuis Daniel
On the way to Westpunt, Landhuis Daniel is one of the few plantation houses where you can spend the night. The country house is now a small inn, and its restaurant welcomes walk-in guests, making it a pleasant stop for lunch on a day trip to the west of the island.
Book your unique stay next to blue bay beach
8. Landhuis Jan Kok
Perched on a hill with a view of the salt flats of Jan Kok, this is one of Curaçao’s oldest plantations. Founded in the early 18th century, Jan Kok was primarily a salt plantation; the current house was built in 1840. Today, it houses the art gallery of the late Curaçaoan artist Nena Sanchez, known for her colorful paintings. With its vibrant artwork and scenic views of the flamingo-filled salt flats, Jan Kok offers a unique mix of history and local art. Opening days vary, so call ahead before you visit.
Website: Website Nena Sanchez
9. Landhuis Groot Santa Martha
Perched on the hills near Santa Martha Bay in Soto, Landhuis Groot Santa Martha is one of Curaçao’s oldest and largest plantation houses. Once spanning 554 hectares, the estate cultivated divi-divi pods, sugarcane, and oranges and was home to one of the island’s first sugar factories, where molasses and rum were produced. Over time, the property downsized and came under government ownership, with restorations in 1979 and 2001. Until 2021, it served as a sheltered workplace for people with disabilities. Although the house is currently closed to the public, the hills around it offer breathtaking views over Santa Martha Bay and, on clear days, a glimpse of Christoffel Mountain.
10. Landhuis Klein Santa Martha
Its smaller neighbor, Landhuis Klein Santa Martha, has been restored as a boutique hotel with a restaurant. It’s a lovely place to stay in the countryside or to stop for a meal with views over the green hills of Soto.
11. Landhuis Savonet
At the entrance of Christoffelpark stands Landhuis Savonet. The 19th-century country house is now the Savonet Museum, which tells the story of life on the plantation, from the enslaved people who lived and worked here to the crops and animals that kept the estate going. Combine your visit with a hike in the park: start early, as the museum closes at 2 PM.
Website Savonet Museum
12. Landhuis Knip – Museo Tula
Landhuis Knip (Kenepa), close to the beaches of Grote Knip and Klein Knip, is where the great slave revolt of 1795 began. Led by Tula, enslaved workers laid down their tools and marched across the island to demand their freedom. Today the country house is home to Museo Tula, which tells the story of the revolt and of Tula, now honored as a national hero. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday; book your visit online.
Website Fundashon Museo Tula
Stay next to a piece of history
At Bayside Boutique Hotel, history is right around the corner: Landhuis Blaauw is a short walk from your room, inside the gated Blue Bay Curaçao Golf & Beach Resort. From here, Willemstad and most of the plantation houses in this list are within easy driving distance, and at the end of the day Blue Bay Beach is waiting for you.
Frequently asked questions
A landhuis (plural: landhuizen) is the main house of a former plantation on Curaçao. Most were built in the 18th and 19th centuries and are recognizable by their colorful facades, thick walls and wide verandas.
Landhuis Chobolobo, Bloemhof, Savonet, Knip (Museo Tula) and Jan Kok are open to visitors. You can eat at Dokterstuin, Brakkeput Mei Mei, Landhuis Daniel and Klein Santa Martha, and Landhuis Ascension opens its doors on the first Sunday of the month.
Yes. Landhuis Daniel and Landhuis Klein Santa Martha both offer rooms in or around the historic country house.
At Landhuis Knip (Kenepa) in the west of the island. Tula led the revolt, which is now remembered every year on August 17. The story is told at Museo Tula, inside the country house.
At Landhuis Chobolobo in Willemstad, home of the original Curaçao liqueur. Tours with a tasting run on weekdays; book in advance on their website.
