Our thanks to Prime Minister, The Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, QC, for opening her official residence today. A tranquil oasis less than 2 miles from the heart of Bridgetown, Ilaro Court was designed and built as a retirement home in 1928 by Lady Gilbert Carter, an accomplished American artist whose husband was Governor of Barbados from 1904 to 1911. This gracious mansion successfully combines Edwardian, Italian, and Caribbean features into a distinctive and individualistic whole. It boasts the first swimming pool in Barbados and a park-like garden with gazebo, fishpond and orchid house.DirectionsFrom Highway 2A, turn towards Bridgetown at the Emancipation Statue roundabout. Turn in at Sherbourne Conference Centre. Parking is at the right side of the building, and there is a walkway from there to Ilaro Court.The Barbados National Trust Open House Season, which has been a 'must do' on Barbados' events calendar since the 1960s, continues in 2019 with a showcase of some of Barbados' most historically interesting and architecturally magnificent private homes. In addition to 'lively talks', narrated by some of Barbados’ most well-known historians and architectural aficionados, the Open House Season 2019 will also feature live music, cultural performances by local schools, beautiful handmade Barbadian craft sold by artisans and many more enjoyable surprises!