User:GabiHowell/sandbox

The Great House at Mercers Creek was originally built for the Duke of Grafton (the illegitimate son of Charles II), on his instruction in the shape of his ship. Using solid shell white stone from the Cotswolds, brought in on galleons which then plied the trade route between the West Indies and Great Britain.

Mercers Creek is complete with most of its original features, objects and furniture from bygone days and is surrounded by palm trees and an avenue of mahogany trees filled with bird song.

The house, with its sea island breezes, is a cool sanctuary from the ever-reliable Antigua sunshine. It is blissfully private and isolated from the rest of Antigua, a lost treasure, hidden among 26 acres, which has preserved it as an unspoiled regal residence, for all these centuries.

Historically, plantation houses were built on an elevated position, to benefit from the cooling winds. Mercers Creek sits squarely with a commanding view over the sea, Guana island, and in its own creek, which is where the name derives from.

The original sugar mill, with many features still intact, is without its running sail, taken no doubt by hurricanes past.

In 2018 The Great House Antigua, Mercer's Creeks 350-year-old plantation house, opened to the public.

The likes of the Kennedys, Greta Garbo, HRH the Princess Margaret and Humphrey Bogart have stayed in this oasis in by-gone years. The Great House is now open as a Health Sanctuary, perfect to wipe away the stress every day life and explore the beautiful oasis that is The Great House. With a dedicated team to provide all guests with exercise classes, aimed at enhancing guests’ overall fitness, and meditation classes for mental well-being. The Great House team aims to create the perfect environment for guests to re-charge and reach their best potential.

Guests schedules are created to fit their needs. Generally, our on-site nutritionist caters for all guest food in-take, with most of the vegetables being grown in our gardens. Our personal trainer creates a motivational schedule, combining plenty of relaxation with high and low intensity classes and walks. Visiting lecturers regarding nutrition, health and well-being will be held each night.