One of the original buildings constructed by Lord Nelson in the 18th century, the Copper and Lumber Store has become a luxury Georgian Inn

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Noel Garrett
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2 Back in Time Diana Loxley goes time travelling to Antigua s salty past when she visits an 18th-century hideaway. Photography by Rhoderick Grimes Graeme

One of the original buildings constructed by Lord Nelson in the 18th century, the Copper and Lumber Store has become a luxury Georgian Inn The glistening waters off antigua s southeast coast, which

Among the island s main tourist attractions is the base from which the distinguished British admiral commanded the Royal Navy s Leeward Island fleet in the late 18th century Nelson s Dockyard in

3 One of the original buildings constructed by Lord Nelson in the 18th century, the Copper and Lumber Store has become a luxury Georgian Inn The glistening waters off antigua s southeast coast, which today attract luxury cruisers and gleaming superyachts as well as sunworshippers and nature lovers, were once patrolled by one of the world s greatest naval figures, Horatio Nelson. Among the island s main tourist attractions is the base from which the distinguished British admiral commanded the Royal Navy s Leeward Island fleet in the late 18th century Nelson s Dockyard in English Harbour, the historic heartland of the country. But nestled among the dockyard s restored buildings and beautifully maintained grounds is one of the Caribbean s best-kept secrets. The curiously named Copper and Lumber Store Hotel, steeped in the memories of its beginnings in the heyday of British colonial rule, is a picturesque tropical hideaway that retains all the magic of its fascinating maritime past.the two-storey waterfront retreat was built in 1789 and originally housed copper and lumber on the lower floor; the quarters above stairs served seamen whose ships were being cleaned or repaired. The Georgian building, with its elegant proportions, magnificent courtyard and impressive brick arches, has undergone restoration and conversion and, in a dramatic change of roles, now functions as one of the island s most distinctive and intimate resorts. It s like being in your own home here, explained marketing manager Eloise Francis. Lowering her voice and leaning forward slightly in her chair, Many of our guests recognise we re special and quite unlike most MACO Destinations

Colonial Antigua comes alive at the two-storey waterfront retreat which blends gracious living with rich naval history other hotels. They often beg us not to tell too many people.

4 Colonial Antigua comes alive at the two-storey waterfront retreat which blends gracious living with rich naval history other hotels. They often beg us not to tell too many people. We want it to remain our secret hideaway, they say. She paused. Then shrugged. I guess that says it all. Eloise has been with the resort, in various incarnations, since I guess that says it all too. Copper & Lumber Store The property s weathered brick and stonework lend a welcoming coolness to the interior - walking into the hotel from the heat of the tropical sun brings immediate relief, along with the wonderful aroma of polished wood. Period furniture, hand-hewn wooden posts and beams, brass fittings, four-poster beds and historic maps and prints evoke the charm of 18th -century living. Each of the resort s 14 MACO Destinations MACO Destinations

spacious Georgian studios and suites (some with self-catering facilities) is named after one of Nelson s ships or captains in the Battle of Trafalgar.

place to enjoy lunch, dinner or a refreshing drink.

tropical almond, bougainvillea, oleander, sea-grape, mango, fig, eucalyptus, papaya and a variety of spectacular palms (including a royal palm planted by the Queen of England in 1966).

5 spacious Georgian studios and suites (some with self-catering facilities) is named after one of Nelson s ships or captains in the Battle of Trafalgar. Several rooms open out onto the courtyard with its magnificent arches awash with colour from the tumbling bougainvillea, it is without doubt the architectural showpiece of the hotel, the perfect place to enjoy lunch, dinner or a refreshing drink. a stroll through the meandering paths in the dockyard s historic centre, with its magnificent array of stately trees and exotic flowering plants, among them flamboyant, frangipani, yellow bell, tropical almond, bougainvillea, oleander, sea-grape, mango, fig, eucalyptus, papaya and a variety of spectacular palms (including a royal palm planted by the Queen of England in 1966). Period furniture, hand-hewn wooden posts, brass fittings and four-poster beds create a rich and authentic ambiance at the historical resort There are two options for dining at the hotel: the Wardroom, which serves such specialities as roast beef and lamb with mint sauce alongside delicious Antiguan lobster and seafood dishes; and the Mainbrace Pub, a popular dockyard haunt, whose menu includes pub classics like steak and kidney pie and fish and chips. If you need to walk it all off, take Navigating around English Harbour is an adventure in itself the bustling seaport offers visitors a wealth of options, from sidewalk cafés and vibrant restaurants to funky boutiques and gift stores, and if you hit it at the right time of year, the unforgettable sight of some of the world s finest multi-million-dollar cruisers and classic yachts rubbing MACO Destinations MACO Destinations

Looking for a great time to visit? Check out the Stanford Antigua Sailing Week April 27 to May 3, 2008 Antigua Tourist Board shoulders with local fishing boats.

Berkeley; and Shirley Heights, the partially restored fortifications of the harbour s colonial observation post.

6 Looking for a great time to visit? Check out the Stanford Antigua Sailing Week April 27 to May 3, 2008 Antigua Tourist Board shoulders with local fishing boats. Also within easy striking distance from the hotel are the dramatic natural rock formations known as the Pillars of Hercules; the cultural centre at Dow s Hill; Galleon Beach; Pigeon Point beach; Fort Berkeley; and Shirley Heights, the partially restored fortifications of the harbour s colonial observation post. romance of the place, its rich sense of history; or you can immerse yourself in captivating tales of adventure on the high seas, of illicit love triangles, scandal, mutiny, intrigue and murder. In a region that has witnessed some of the world s most legendary sea battles and epic power struggles, there s almost always a good story to be told So, if you fancy a stay in Antigua that takes you a little beyond swimming, scuba-diving, skiing or surfing your way through the azure waters of its numerous white-sand beaches, the Copper and Lumber Store Hotel is an ideal port of call. From this unique anchorage point you can kick back and enjoy stunning waterfront views in cool comfort; on really lazy days you can simply absorb the tranquillity and MACO Destinations MACO Destinations

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