The Government House in Nassau Bahamas is easily one of the most popular sights to see in the Bahamas amongst tourists. It is notable and well recognized mansion that is in Georgian Colonial architecture, and painted white and conch pink hue. This house has direct influence from the Loyalists, who arrived in the Bahamas, leaving the southern areas of the United States.
The original house was built and completed on the site the Government House stands today in 1737. It was built as a home for the Governor Richard Fitzwilliam, but then eventually was replaced with a structure that had neoclassical architecture sometime between 1803 and 1806, to which Governor Charles Cameron became the first governor to occupy it. This beautiful colonial structure overlooks breathtaking harbor views of the islands. The east wing of the mansion was eventually added in 1909. The west wing of the mansion is commonly known of the islands as the Windsor Wing, named after the governor, the Duke of Windsor.
In 1929, the Government House of Nassau was severely damaged by a hurricane. The eastern wing had the roof torn off. It had to be completely restored, because the area of the house was so damaged it was not deemed fit for occupancy, therefore needed to be replaced and repaired. In 1932, the east wing was replaced with the current temple-like entrance and cupola-topped roof that you can see today. There were some renovations made to the mansion in 1940-1941 by the Duchess of Windsor, hired American architect, who practiced this craft in Palm Beach for the most part, named Sidney Neil. The Duchess redecorated as well, choosing wallpaper from New York, and painting one of the rooms the shade of her face powder. The original budget set for the Duchess to do renovations was $6,000, but the ending costs ended up being $21,000 (which was a good chunk of change back then), to which the majority of it was paid by the Windsors.
Upon arrival of the Government House in Bahamas, visitors will notice at the entrance of the house there stands a large statue of Christopher Columbus. This famous statue of the explorer was designed by an aide of Washington Irving, a Columbus biographer and American novelist. He made the statue 12 feet high, and was put in front of the Government House in 1830. It has become famous for it’s size rather than it’s artistry.
Today, this house is still the official resident of the Governor General of the Bahamas. Come visit the Government House in Nassau for a Bahamas vacation, and see all the great things to do in Nassau Bahamas!