While my husband and I were in Saint Philip last year visiting the Crane Beach, our cab driver told us that if we had time, to try to find the famous Sam Lords Castle in Barbados.
He explained that it was an old, historical home that had been used as a hotel for many years, before recently burning down in an unexplained fire. We never did make it during that trip, and to tell you the truth, I had completely forgotten about it…
Until I started seeing people searching what happened to Sam Lords castle in Barbados and landing on my blog!
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Exploring the Ruins of Sam Lords Castle in Barbados
In July, after arriving at The Crane Beach in Saint Philip, we found it covered in kelp. It was also quite windy and between the two, we didn’t see the point of making our way down the beach.
When we visited in 2011 to find the beach covered in kelp, we made a go of it and ventured out. It was too difficult to swim and laying out? Not very fun in a bed of seaweed. Ariel I am not!
My heart was a little broken to find that after actually having the opportunity to set foot on one of the top ten beaches in the world, I wasn’t able to enjoy it. Again.
As we were walking back to our car, we saw a little pathway and decided to see where it led. We had driven all the way around the other side of the island to find The Crane, and didn’t want the trip to have been a complete waste.
Now, the underlying sand wasn’t nearly as pearly pink, and the waves were even more powerful on this side of the beach, but…
And then we remembered – we were somewhere near that mysterious Sam Lords Castle in Barbados…
We set off in search of the castle, not remembering exactly where it was or how we were supposed to get to it.
We did a little old fashioned exploring.
I wasn’t quite sure what I was looking for, but we did see a sign that literally said “Sam Lord Castle” and so we followed the signs.
What happened to Sam Lords Castle in Barbados?
Simple enough. We hoped that what we were looking for was actually Sam Lord Castle. When we found the entrance (photo above), we knew we had the right place.
So, What happened to Sam Lords Castle in Barbados? Now, our cab driver from last year told us that it was an old castle, an old hotel, and that there had been a fire.
What we did not know was how bad it was…As we found our way through the woods, this is what we found…
I was stunned. It is so difficult to capture on film the magnitude of what we saw before us. While Sam Lord Castle isn’t incredibly enormous, it has a presence about it, even in ruins, that takes your breath away.
It was literally burned to its foundation. All that was left was the original walls.
Chris and I walked around towards the back and realized what an incredible structure it must have been at one point.
We found the remnants of extravagant landscaping in the back of the hotel.
We found an empty pool, spots where Jacuzzis must have once been housed.
Winding paths leading nowhere…
Just as we were about to leave, we noticed a path leading towards what we assumed would be the ocean. I was a bit nervous, so I let Chris lead the way.
Yes, I was a little chicken. So sue me. The entire vibe of Sam Lord’s Castle creeped me out. It was so desolate, so isolated - like, what if something happened? I guess I went into mom mode!
There was what we thought must have once been an elaborate walkway, with carved coral rock and benches for resting and enjoying the ocean breeze.
The beach was magnificent!
It seemed that some local fishermen had set up shop on the deserted beach behind the Sam Lord Castle estate.
My favorite thing about this? The tire swing...and this sign.
I did my research after we were back at the Hilton and found that in its day, the Sam Lords Castle hotel had very posh bungalows all along the beach, with private cabanas, bars and the usual beach amenities.
Located in the parish of St. Philip, Sam Lord's Castle was a beautiful Georgian mansion built in 1820 by the notorious buccaneer Samuel Hall Lord, known as 'Sam Lord'.
Legend has it that Sam Lord acquired his wealth by plundering ships, which he lured onto the reefs off the coast, by hanging lanterns in the coconut trees. Captains mistook these lights for Bridgetown and wrecked their ships on the reefs.
The property was run as an exquisite hotel for many years but unfortunately it was consumed by fire in 2010.
Do you notice how all of the palm trees are swaying? The wind is so constant on this part of the island that the trees grow that way.
Of all of the places I’ve seen in my travels, I have to say that Sam Lords Castle in Barbados was one of the most interesting.
I can’t wait to go back and do a little more exploring!
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Beth in TX says
I stayed at Sam Lord's Castle over 27 years ago. I went with a girlfriend, using some hotel points that were about to expire. We stayed in a room on the second floor of the actual castle and it was furnished with antiques. It is so sad to think about all of that history destroyed. Thanks for the pictures. We would walk that path down to the beach. Thanks for the walk down memory lane.
BARRIE JACKSON says
Dear Jenn, nice article! I am a Brit living in Spain and had the pleasure of staying at Sam Lord's Castle back in 1985. It is perhaps one of the best hotels I have ever stayed in. It's history is fascinating. But one of the things I remember (totally unforgettable) was that I nearly died there. I had had a long day and decided to go for a quick swim at the private beach. There was no-one else there at about 6pm. I walked into the sea and suddenly a large wave hit me. It was like being hit by a bus. I remember sitting on the sea bed and looking upwards and seeing stones, sand and seaweed. I tried to get to my feet struggling against the strong undercurrents. At that point another enormous wave hit me and fortunately carried be to the beach, face down in the sand. I staggered to a beach lounger and sat down, literally shaking from fear. After a few minutes recovering I set off back to my hotel room and realised I had lost my key! But that was the least of things. Afterwards I never went to that beach and have a great respect for mother nature!
Jenn says
Wow, what an experience! I remember trying to go swimming at the Crane next to the castle and the waves and current were just too strong for me!
casey says
My husband and I stayed here several times (I think it was the late 80's) and it was our favorite of any place in the Caribbean. Three pools and the private beach was beautiful. Once we walked to The Crane for breakfast and went down to the beach. The Crane was also beautiful and very small - not the huge complex it is now. It is very sad to see what happened to Sam Lord's. My goal now is to to a trip to Barbados and stay one week at the Crane and the following week at the new Sam Lords in 2019 - I can dream
Susan Chase says
My husband and I honeymooned at Sam Lord’s Castle! It was many dreams come true to both of us. We were incredibly saddened to hear of the deviation caused by the fire. I hope rekindling/rebuilding of the “Castle stories” will take place for other newlyweds to cherish their moment of love. Thanks for listening to our tale and for your wonderful written journey.
V Seers says
We were on holiday in Barbados last week with my best friend who lived on the island as a child. We hired a car and set out to find Sam Lords Castle as my friend remembered going there as a child in the mid 60’s for Sunday lunch along with a lot of expats. It was quite emotional seeing it as it is now but my friend had such lovely memories of it and described it to us in detail. Then we met one of the fishermen who had set up shop. Was great to chat to him. Hopefully we will return one day.
Jenn says
A! I am hearing so many stories about people's visits back in their glory days. I wish I could have seen it for myself!
Jenn says
Wasn't it sad to see? I am glad that you at least got to see it again.
Debra says
My husband & I and our son, who was seven at the time, stayed at Sam Lord’s Castle in 1987 when it was a Marriott property. I remember arriving after dark and we were taken down the pathway in a golf cart. Monkeys were in the trees above and our son lived that. We were a little perturbed because we hadn’t been told how extensive the remodeling was going on. Only one pool was open and some food areas closed. We actually complained and were given another seven night stay at no cost which we never used. My husband was on the road constantly for work so we had a lot of free stays with Marriott so we opted not to use the complimentary stay we were given. I remember going down to Crane Beach. The surf was SO strong it pulled my husband’s trunks down! We got a laugh out of that. I’m just now learning San Lord’s Castle burned down and it makes me sad. I love historical homes and they cannot be replaced.
Debra says
In July 1987 my husband, seven year old son and I stayed at San Lord’s Castle when it was a Marriott property. I remember we arrived after dark and we’re taken to our bungalow in a golf cart down these little paths. Monkeys scampered through the trees above. The next day when we checked out the property we were a little perturbed we weren’t told how extensive the remodeling was. Only one pool was open and some food areas were closed. My husband complained to management and we were given a complimentary seven night stay but we never returned. During those years my husband was in the road constantly for work and we got to travel many places for pleasure so rarely returned to the same island twice. I remember going down the pathway to Crane Beach. The surf was so strong it literally pulled my husband’s trunks off! We got a kick out of that. I’m saddened to hear San Lord’s Castle burned down. I love historical homes, and once they’re gone they’re gone. I’m glad we got to experience it.
Michael Hawk says
My wife and I stayed there in March of 1985 and are going back in February. I really appreciate your story and it’s nice to know that you can “visit” the Castle. We also frequented a bar next door to The Castle named Sam’s Lantern. We’re sure it’s not still there but we’re going to check it out. We still have a brochure of the grounds and a menu from Sam’s Lantern.
Ross says
I got married here in 1998 was such a wonderful place. So sad to here about the fire. Looking at the photos I have the Great hall and rooms were stunning. As we're the grounds and beaches. Such a shame
John Berry says
WOW,Thanks for sharing your exploration! Not sure why I suddenly thought about Barbados,which brought back memories of Sam LordsCastle.Me and the ex-wife stayed there in the 80's.back when the only research available was word of mouth and O so honest brochures(ahem) Went with the advice of a travel agent i believe.What a wonderful trip,place was awesome,remember Sam Lords night dinner ate in castle main dining room then went on a midnight walk through the old paths used by pirates,great history there.So sad to see it in this condition,reminds me of a beautiful marriage that once was that,well wound up like your pictures.But life goes on can't live in the past! Melancholy rush goin on here! Nice memories thanks again
Deborah V Grey says
I stayed at Sam Lord's castle in 1982 for our honeymoon and also want to contest the next year to come back for free. I also got sucked up by the waves and almost drowned. There was something special about this place.
Susan Herion says
My husband and I vacationed in Barbados in 1987 after visiting their small pavilion at the 1986 world expo at Vancouver BC. The castle was part of a larger Marriott resort. We did not stay at the castle proper but attended the “Castle Dinner” which was held once a week on the veranda overlooking the ocean. It was one of the most romantic and memorable evenings of our fifty year life together. Our son and his wife have been in Barbados this week. How sad that experience is no longer available!
Jenn says
I have heard so many stories like this since publishing this article. It makes me so happy to hear all of the wonderful memories so many people have of the castle when it was in its full splendor!
Lorraine McCune says
I got married at Sam Lords Castle 20 years ago this year and it is sad to think how it ended up. Likewise i made the mistake of going into the sea for one minute before i realised i was out of my depth.
ingo says
Hi..I was also there at the end of the 70th..
It was a Marriott's.. I slept at the beach in the wooden changing rooms...too young to have money for Marriott's..the manager at this time always went swimming early morning.. when he discovered me after ssome days he offered me to sleep in the hotel when there is a free room in the main building...for free...
We did this some years always in winter when I passed by Barbados...cool
Then he changed station and I lost track..
Somebody remember his name ???
Samlords was a great place anyway
PjinPa says
Wow. Stayed at Sam Lord's Castle in 1980 for our honeymoon. Did not stay right inside the castle but a room on the grounds. Remember walking through the castle and it was SOOO beautiful with irreplaceable, incredible furniture. Sickened to know it was burnt down.
PjinPa says
Was there in 1980 for my honeymoon. Terribly saddened to find out it burned. It was irreplaceable
PjinPa says
Yes! Was there in 1980 for my honeymoon. The ocean was so wild and wicked it was not an option to go swimming in it. Waves and currents were crazy!!
Susan Goss says
Thanks for your story and update on Sam Lord’s Castle. So sad to hear it burnt down. My late husband and I honeymooned there the first week of October, 1977 (!!) when I believe it was about 6 months old. It was beautiful.
Susan Hutchison says
I stayed there in the millenium year. We had a cabana / chalet in the grounds which were very well kept and also beautiful.
This was my 1st holiday together with my partner and his 1st holiday ever abroad. We had a fabulous holiday and the hotel and staff were fabulous too. I was trying to book it again a few years ago and that was when we found out it had burned down.We still say it was the best holiday we have ever had to date.
We are still looking forward to staying at Sam Lords again as i understand it is being rebuilt. One can never get back the beautiful hotel but the whole area was lovely anyway.
We spent quite a few days on the beach with the really rough water that would knock you over if you went more than about knee deep.
Wicked to say but you could always tell a new guest when they were trying out the water for the 1st time. They always ended up getting knocked over. Quite hilarious.
We spent many evenings at barbeques on the beach and being entertained by the local singers, bands and other displays etc.
I am watching out for when it opens again. We will go back.
Barrie Jackson says
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN3tlFm6KyI
Doris Dörfler says
In the 90's I stayed there several times as a crewmember ..... best Crew Hotel Ever! We had a one week layover and it was fantastic ! It is so sad what happened to this wonderful place ...irretrievable.....would love to come back one day even to see the ruins of this lost place....
Elisabeth L Sadler says
In 1994 my husband & I celebrated our 10th anniversary at Sam Lords (at a wonderful discount courtesy of my mother-in law who work for the Marriott Corp!) I was just cleaning out some old files and came across the brochure & was curious to see how the property looked today -I was shocked and saddened to learn about the fire but your photos brought back wonderful memories and I could still picture the beauty of the property. I remember hiring a driver (for $10. round trip!) to take us to a restaurant off property-can't remember the name but an excellent and romantic meal. The driver waited down the road playing cards with friends and told us he would be back in an hour and a half as this was pre cell phone-he was just one of the many lovely & interesting people that we met during our stay. Maybe we will make it back for our 40th anniversary!
Mary Shew says
We were in Barbados in 2014, on one of our many visits to the island. We were on our way to the Crane when I saw the sign to Sam Lords Castle (we had been past there many times before, but never ventured in). I drove down a very overgrown area and eventually parked up. We walked through the foliage and came upon the building. As we walked around to the south side it seemed very eerie, the ground in front of what was left of the building was blackened and still smoking. The whole area seemed spooky, it was as if someone was watching us. I couldn't wait to get out of there. I am not usually alarmed but this was something else.
Jenn says
I also had a very eerie feeling there! My ex husband thought I was just being weird, but that place definitely had something bad happen there!
Dianne says
I believe it was 1986, I don’t remember it being a hotel. I do remember taking a tour inside . Old furniture and such with ropes not allowing you to go into rooms but to only looks. I have read the stories above and am confused. I’m trying to find the old pics I had taken and having no luck. My memories of the castle were that it was bit a place you could stay just go inside and walk around and read plaques or hire a guide to talk about the man and castle. Is my memory wrong?
Jenn says
It may be the same place, I know that it wasn't always fully operational!
W. AMOROSE says
My mom and dad first took me to Sam Lords Castle many, many years ago when I was a very young girl and it left such an impression upon me. It was so beautiful, so years later in 1981 my husband and I returned to Barbados for our honeymoon and spent time at Sam Lords. It was just a magical place.
Very sad to know that it met such a fate in the end. No matter what kind of resort they build and I’m sure it’ll be wonderful, it still won’t capture the essence of all that was “Sam Lords Castle.”
michael bartlett says
My wife and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary there. We were hoping to go back for our 50th next year but it doesn't look likely now. We knew it had been destroyed by fire but hadn't realised it had not been rebuilt.
Kathryn says
I stayed here as well had to be in 80 ‘a . It was a beautiful location beach was beautiful. Too much undertow scary to swim but lovely. Wonderful pool. We would walk out gates to a local pub the flying fish for local food and wonderful hosts that were Australians. I have pictures of the hotel it was beautiful! I was curious to see what happened to it sad it’s gone
Fritz Roecker says
Reading your article makes me mad as hell.....I live in Miami, Florida and always dreamt of going back for a visit...and revive all my beautiful memories I have of this beautiful place...and now it lies in ruin!
Its location is not exactly an easy access to get to and the street through St.Peter's Parish were only a narrow two way path...never mind the distance the fire dept had to travel to get there...and then I would like to know what exactly happened... The Bajan's are, like many isle lander very inquisite people. Besides Sam Lord's castle was a tourist attraction for the whole Iseland...
I was hired by Marriott Corp in the early 1980"s to work at Sam Lords Castle along with other Exec's from Marriott...The General Manager was Austrian, I believe, the Executive Chef was Japanese, the Food and Beverage Mgr was Italian and me Pastry Chef a swiss.
Every Friday we had a Cocktail Party for all new arriving guests on the front lawn of the castle, once a week we had a barbeque at the beach right next to Crane Beach with a live band from the iseland and occasionally a steel band playing caribean sounds.
It was the exec chefs idea to offer a "Sam Lord"s Catle dinner every Tuesday for 20 people ( or so i remember) to VIP's and honey mooner's...which became a hit very early on.
Cocktail Party on the front Porch followed by a 5 course dinner at the castle's dining room right nest to the reception which was also housed in the Castle.
When I arrived the Hotel was under expansion adding some 100 rooms in a new complex just a few steps to the north of the castle.
In the basement of the castle were the administrative offices and on top of the reception there were a few bedrooms with king sized beds and foot steps to climb into the bed, and since there was no room for me to sleep in, I was given the bedroom overlooking the front patio...today we would call this room "The Penthouse".
After Sam Lords was apprehended and sent back to England where he died in prison, the Castle laid bare for a long time before it was turned into a lodging facility and later expanded into a hotel when Marriott was given the contract to run it.
It has always been a mistery to me of how much furniture dates back to Sam Lord, all I can say the floors and stairs were made of solid wood and the chandelier at the reception and dining room were impressive.
Needless to say the treasures were long gone....sadly...
Shameful the Barbadian Governement just let it decay like that....
Thank you or publishing those pics
Fritz
Bob and PAtti Wegmann says
Wow! I don’t know for sure why I found this article. Perhaps I was feeling sentimental and just wanted to relive my honeymoon from forty years ago. It was May of 1981 and we were booked into the main hotel on the grounds. (I believe it was owned by Marriott) When we were checking in as newlyweds the very friendly clerk leaned over the counter and quietly asked, “Would you like to stay in the castle?” As it turned out we not only had a room in the castle, we actually stayed in Sam’s master bedroom suite overlooking the private garden and small harbor. Truly a great ten days in a most historic setting. We had always hoped to go back for a second honeymoons sometime and it was heart breaking to see the castle in ruins. Hopefully the castle will be rebuilt and we can still live that dream. Thank you for what you do, it’s been fun to take this walk down memory lane.
Philip C Sohn says
Wow your article and pictures brought back so many happy times and memories staying at Marriots Sam Lord Castle.
My wife and I stayed at the castle several times the first being 1984. The castle and the grounds were magnificent. The rooms in the castle were decorated with the furnishings of Sam Lords time. I remember walking the grounds in the morning after breakfast and feeding the monkeys on the property. Taking the trail down to the beach and trying to navigate the rough sea.
The castle dinner was something special, as we ate a meal that would have been served to the Queen of England in the main castle dining room. We remember the first class staff and service that kept us coming back to vacation at Sam Lord's castle.
Jenn says
Thank you so much for sharing your memories with me! I love hearing these stories - I wish I had seen it in all of its glory!
Sandy Bobek says
I was there in the 80's. It was a beautiful place and there was a lot to do. The history of the castle was awesome . It saddens me that it is gone'
Pamela says
Please keep your stories coming!!! I love to read them, and if anyone has any photos to attach, I would love to see them. Sam Lord is in my geneology, and I am very curious to see this property that he used to own. Thank you.
Dana Anderssen says
From 1986-1993, I was a regular @ SLC, 3+ weeks/year (entirely on Marriott points). Bought/sold property on Long Bay, between Castle and Crane.
Just came across this blog. If still active, I have plenty to share.
Avi says
My family is one of the many original fisherman families who made a living fishing in SamLord's waters or worked at the castle. Many families in that area including mine are the original families from the plantations from slavery. This area is where I call home.
I grew up in that area, walked through the castle grounds during its height, swimmed, snorkeled in those waters, saw it rot away, explored the ruins, saw the fires of the castle and watched it rot away, saw the buildings pushed down...it makes me so sad to see it fall from its former glory.
The hotel there now is a far cry from the original resort. The Chinese workers harassed locals like myself and took photos of us without permission.
Now the hotel is massive, looks nothing like the original resort which matched the actual castle's aesthetic. People call the new resort the castle but it is NOT. The actual castle is fenced off and overshadowed.
The Same Lords Castle building is still in decay, completely overshadowed by a generic looking resort, with some activity. A piece of my cultures history completely ignored, fenced off and forgotten. It hurts to see nothing being done to restore the castle to its former glory. The grounds overgrown. Sometimes beach access by foot is difficult because private homes nearby close off their gates to locals. As usual only tourists and rich people matter. Because we are tucked away from the busy tourists areas and in the rural part of St Philip, it feels we are ignored even more
My father was a spear fisherman, diver, scuba diver, helping many marine biologists in the 50s-60s, showing them the reefs below. My father taught me how to snorkel and I saw the reefs myself. Breathtaking.
I pray the government makes the actual Castle a museum for local history and make the grounds a public park and easier beach access with baths, and fresh water like they do in more popular parts of the island. It's so depressing seeing the history of Long Bay and the locals there be erased by the hotel there.