You’ll tread the original clay tile steps and into an open vestibule. Enclosed by lattice, it’s fine spot for enjoying afternoon tea in the Morris chairs and gazing at the view. Inside the house itself, a wide space with its original windows and new purple heart floors, opens before you. Back in the area surrounding the stairs going down, you might notice the skylight. Beneath in hangs a 1930s or ’40 vintage chandelier to provide light at night.

The term “Caribbean Georgian” was coined to describe the many tropical adaptations to this style that evolved in the West Indies all of which can be seeing at Bellevue. The most recent changes are in the verandahs or galleries, which were extended from small balconies and wrapped around  two sides of the house. Goodbye symmetry, hello outdoor living! Updates were done by architect Aubrey Dawkins.

Downstairs, in the formal living area, creamy fabrics depict travelers’ palms and bananas. Old china and photographs of old Barbados decorate the room. Among the antiques, you may spot a pretty piecrust table, an old mahogany chest, a grandfather clock, a victrola, and curvy rocking chair with carved detailing. This area mentioned above is a zone of exposed coral-limestone walls and cool, painted cement floors where you can feel the solidity of the building.