Balcony house is an unusual building, it is said to be the oldest residential structure in the city of Nassau. The building is actually a three story building with a second level and a basement. Its name was derived from its actual wooden balcony that overlooks Market street below.
We could imagine its occupants looking down at the locals as they moved their goods to and from down town Nassau.
Market street was the main thoroughfare that connected the farm, horse stables, sponge houses, cotton factories and other businesses over the hill to the actual market located at the mouth of market street.
The world famous Straw market is located at the northern end of Market street.
Where is Balcony House in the Bahamas?
Balcony house is located on the island of New Providence in the city capital of Nassau. It is situated on the western side of Market Street north of Shirley Street and south of Bay Street.
It is well within walking distance from the cruise ports taking about 4-6 minutes at a moderate walking pace.
The property is directly across from the central bank of the Bahamas, which happens to be the present owner of the property.
How Old Is Balcony House Nassau?
As of the year 2022 balcony house would be about 234 years old. Records are sketchy as to the actual age of the structure however as far back as 1788 there are records that state that a small structure stood on the property.
Was that structure the beginning of this now historic building? We do not know however what is known is that the present day structure would be over 200 years old, which would date it during the era of the Loyalist
The Loyalist that settled in the Bahamas were a group of American colonist that preferred to remain loyal to the Britain hence they left North America after the American war of Independence some where in 1783 and came to the Bahamas. The Bahamas was at that time a British colony.
Architecture
Parts of balcony house are said to come from local ships from the 17th and possibly 1800’s. There is a staircase that leads to the second level that is known to be the staircase used in ships of that era.
Although the house is freestanding there is a detached kitchen that is also an indication of the age of the overall building.
Detached kitchens were something that was done during this era and began to change over time. You can see the difference in architecture compared to the Parliament Buildings in central downtown a 3-6 minute walk away
Balcony House throughout modern time
History of this structure become interesting between 18410-1844 when the house was sold to Stephen Dillette a native of Haiti who later became the first black person to win an election as a representative for the city of Nassau.
Mr. Dillette went on to leave an indelible mark on the Bahamian Society and even has a primary school named after him for his contribution to the Bahamas.
The property changed hands many times through the years but eventually fell into the possession of the Central Bank of the Bahamas in 1985 was restored in 1992 and opened as a museum in 1994.
The house has undergone further renovation in recent years and is presently opened for business, there is no charge but donations are accepted.
Balcony house has undergone further renovation in recent years and is presently opened for business as a museum.
Learn more about Balcony House by visiting the Central Bank website or make it a point to visit in person.
Opened;
Monday – Wednesday and Friday 9:30am-4:30pm
Thursday 9:30am-1:00pm
Closed on Saturday and Sunday