The Estate House
The Estate House is the top fine-dining destination in the Caribbean, combining classic fare with modern island flavors, drawing on the culinary traditions of the West Indies. Signature dishes include Monkfish and black trumpet casserole with crispy jasmine rice pancake; Spiny lobster with Armagnac flambé, tomato, saffron pearl, and sea urchin; and Black sea bass with potato confit. For dessert, sweet indulgences include Rum Baba with berry compote and preserved citrus and Baked Alaska with rum flambé and Antiguan black pineapple.
The circa 1830 plantation house, once the centerpiece of the island's sugar plantation, reopened in November 2016 following a one-year, six-million-dollar restoration. The new Estate House includes a main restaurant and the 1830 Bar with three new private dining rooms as well as a wine room all inspired by the home's rich history and island traditions.
Richly combining the impressions of a traditional colonial home with a contemporary perspective, The Estate House's redesign, led by acclaimed designer Dennis Irvine, represents a modern interpretation of the Colonial spirit. Retaining historical elements of the original structure, the redesign pays homage to The Estate House's roots in empire-era glamour with subtle nods to the island's history and traditions throughout. A two-story, vaulted ceiling provides a dramatic entryway to the bar, while an airy courtyard, connecting the main restaurant, three private dining rooms, and the Wine Room, serve as an idyllic outdoor lounge space to savor pre or post dinner drinks amongst tropical plants and a fountain made by a local artist. Curated local artwork depicting local Antiguan life, flora, and fauna, and vintage maps adorn the walls, while sophisticated tableware and accessories offer a refined dining experience. Inspired by the island's verdant landscape, a color palette of rich greens have been employed, and hand-crafted furnishings in ebony, teak, rattan, and wicker will emulate the style of past travelers and explorers. Sweeping terraces will offer unparalleled views of the island landscape.
The design of The Estate House's three private dining rooms – The Map Room, The Tent Room, and the Blue Room – embody different facets of the island's character. The Map Room personifies wanderlust and discovery through carefully curated objects and antique maps from the golden age of exploration. The Blue Room features hand painted trompe l'oeil island scenes and rich blues inspired by the twilight sky. Draped fabric ceiling and walls in the Tent Room create a romantic Empire Era dining experience.