-Fraser’s ‘99 Windows House’ officially launched as new tourism experience

IT was sweet poetry, keyboard music and patriotic songs at the iconic 99 Windows House owned by the Fraser family, signalling the official launch of Guyana’s newest tourism product which promises visitors an unforgettable experience.

The launch organised by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) was held on Friday at the house’s location in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)

Developed by Lothian Ventura, a newly licensed tour operator managed by the Fraser family, visitors will participate in a historical tour as well as an ‘agro’ tour, showcasing the location’s offerings. Information about the house’s colonial architecture will be provided and captivating stories about the house’s original owners will be told.

The new product experience has historical and cultural exhibits which include original pieces of furniture, vintage photos, and traditional artifacts that bring the past to life.

The guided tours will also offer a fascinating glimpse into the colonial past, intricate craftsmanship, and stories behind this historical gem.
They are perfect for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and curious travellers as they combine education, exploration, and unforgettable experiences.
The 99 Windows House, a striking colonial-era wooden building, has always been a landmark of intrigue in Berbice. Now, its rich history is being shared in a new way, paired with an agro-tour that highlights the connection between heritage, agriculture, and community life.

WEBSITE LAUNCHED

Maria Fraser, the granddaughter of David Fraser, at Friday’s launch said that she is extremely excited about the event as she could display a part of history.

She also used the occasion to launch the official website, www.99windowshouse.com for the 99 Windows House – A timeless jewel of Colonial Heritage, where bookings can be made and where one can find a very detailed history of the Fraser’s House and what to expect on the tours, which promotes rice and sugar cane cultivation, aquaculture and history.

Maria said her family has plans to fully restore the 99 Windows House which was built in the 1800s and $1 million was gifted towards this. Persons can also sponsor a window, as part of the Restoration of the 99 Windows House Project.

Once fully restored, the house will serve as an Airbnb among other things. At the moment, two tour packages are available with licensed tour guides. Meals and beverages will be provided on each tour.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The 99 Windows House is a rare gem of tropical colonial architecture. Known for its distinctive feature 99 precisely crafted wooden windows, this house is an iconic, lesser-known treasure of Guyana’s architectural and cultural landscape.

It is an ideal focal point for heritage tourism and cultural preservation initiatives. This 130-year-old mansion was designed by a French architect and built by a Dutch family.

Built in the 1800s, the structure served as the residence of a prominent plantation family.

It reflects a fusion of Dutch and British colonial influences, featuring wide 360-degree towers, high ceilings, ornate eaves, and excellent cross-ventilation. The building stands as a testament to the legacy of craftsmanship in Guyana’s early 20th-century architecture.

BERBICE DEVLOPING IN EVERY AREA

Meanwhile, at the launch, GTA Director Kamrul Baksh spoke of Berbice’s vast potential, linking culture, agriculture, and epicureanism with the rapid development taking place in the region.

He also noted that the region’s location is an important corridor for cross-border tourism with Suriname that is strengthened through collaboration with the Suriname Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHATA) team.

Baksh reported that the GTA has been mapping the region for newer tourism development since Berbice is alive with rapid development and the corridor has a bit of everything to promote tourism.

He added that with the launching of the Rose Hall Municipal Airport, instead of the long drive to the region, the air dash experience can help to reduce one’s travelling time significantly.

Baksh stated that the soon-to-be constructed bridge linking Guyana and Suriname will allow for the free flow of people, goods and services between the two countries, further expanding ties and tourism.

President of the Region Six Tourism Association, Randy Mangru, who was also present, reiterated the government’s commitment to the continued development of the region and its tourism product.

He said that the model village Palmyra is a testimony to the development happening within the region and there is potential for the creation of a commercial hub of activities with the new constructions that are taking place.

New hotels will be constructed in the community along with100 houses for young professionals and the Berbice Stadium, Mangru added.

He noted that the construction of the Tourism Hospitality Institute building at Port Mourant, will pave a new path for tours, social media platform and training of staff to promote tourism development.

He reported that with the intervention of ‘Air Dash’ in Guyana, travel by road and overland can take a backburner and faster time travel experience can be had to explore Berbice in real time.
Mangru said visitors can be air dashed from the city to Canje and within 10 minutes, they can be at the 99 Windows House to experience a different kind of adventure.
He pointed out that the Orealla/Siparuta Tour will soon be launched and the road to Orealla will be built.
With everything that is happening, the region is ripe for development and tourism, he added.