La Dauphine Estate

La Dauphine Estate sits on the site of a working cocoa plantation, which dates to the 18th century. The estate manager provides engaging free tours of the 75-acre grounds, where coconuts, bananas, nutmeg, citrus fruits, as well as a variety of flowers, herbs, and veggies thrive, depending on the season. Guests can learn about cocoa production, pick ripe fruit, and explore the wonderful nature trails that wind through the estate’s hillside grounds. 

Built in 1890, La Dauphine Great House is the most interesting of the estate’s two cottages, with its original gingerbread fretwork and wooden shutters. The cottages’ old-fashioned decor mirrors their historic setting to some extent, but it often crosses the line from quaint to just plain dated. While not particularly stylish, the cottages are large and practical, making them well-suited for budget-minded families (children under 12 stay for free) and groups of friends. With no TVs in rooms and no nightlife in the area, the estate lends itself to quiet, nature-focused vacations. 

La Dauphine Estate is set along a tree-lined road on the southwest side of the island. There are a few dining possibilities within walking distance, all of which are located at neighboring resorts. A car is recommended, as the nearest hub of shops and restaurants is in Soufriere, which is a 10-minute drive away. The closest beach is Sugar Beach, a 15-minute drive from the property.

The location is convenient for visiting most of the island’s top attractions, including the famous Pitons. Sulphur Springs is a five-minute drive away, while Diamond Botanical Gardens is a 10-minute drive. Hewanorra International Airport is about a 40-minute drive from the estate.

La Dauphine Estate consists of two cottages: La Dauphine Great House and Chateau Laffitte. The decor in both is made up of lots of heavy wooden furniture and faded floral prints. Bright local artwork adorns the walls, but the overall effect is dated and drab. Beds are draped in mosquito netting. Slightly mismatched color schemes give the cottages a homey, lived-in feel. There’s no air-conditioning, and although standing fans are provided, the cottages can get stuffy. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, but there are no TVs and no phones in either cottage. Both cottages have utilitarian bathrooms with pedestal sinks and simple showers. Bars of soap and towels are provided. La Dauphine Great House includes an extra half bathroom in the attic, although it’s not in the best condition, with loose flooring and discolored tile grout. Both cottages have porches overlooking the estate’s picturesque grounds. La Dauphine Great House’s wraparound porch is particularly impressive, featuring a nice mix of seating, including hammocks, rocking chairs, benches, and porch swings. 

La Dauphine Great House is the more charming of the two cottages, with its polished wooden floors, jalousie windows, and wainscoting. It has four bedrooms, including a Master Bedroom with a handsome four-poster bed made of wood sourced from the property. The kitchen is hardly modern, with its white tiling and light-wood cabinets, but it has an oven, a full-size fridge, a blender, a coffeemaker, and a variety of other appliances. There’s a roomy dining area that can accommodate up to 10 people, as well as a living area with wooden Morris chairs, a sofa, and a desk. 

Chateau Laffitte has two bedrooms, as well as a living area with tiled flooring and a few armchairs. The kitchen is slightly smaller than the one found in La Dauphine Great House, but its equally well-equipped, with a range of appliances, cookware, and cutlery. The kitchen includes a basic dining table with a checkered plastic tablecloth. 

Like many self-catering properties, La Dauphine Estate has only a handful of on-site features. There’s a lovely lap pool nestled amid landscaped greenery. The remains of an old mill add character to the pool area, and the deck offers loungers with soft cushions shaded by beach umbrellas. A small stone staircase leads up to another seating area with a few wooden patio tables, which overlooks the pool. 

There’s no restaurant, but breakfast and dinner can be prepared by the estate's housekeeper, Antonia, upon request, for an additional fee. Dishes are Creole-style and often incorporate vegetables and herbs grown on the plantation. Guests are welcome to pick any fruit found growing around the property.

Charles, the estate manager, provides free tours of the plantation, which include an overview of its history, facts about the plants grown on the property, and an explanation of how chocolate is made. 

Both Charles and Antonia can help arrange local tours and activities. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and there’s free self-parking on-site.