In 1818 Governor Sir Ralph Woodford purchased part of the Peschier family’s Paradise Estate to create what is now the Queen’s Park Savannah, dedicating a portion of the property to the botanical gardens and the construction of the Governor‘s House. The original Governor’s House was destroyed by fire in 1867 and rebuilt in 1876. In the interim, the Governor resided in Estate Manager’s annex, known as “The Cottage”. After Trinidad and Tobago became a Republic in 1876 the main property, inclusive of the annex, was renamed President’s House.
The annex consists of two structures, the first being the original wooden cottage, previously known as St. Ann’s Cottage, which is said to have been constructed in 1820. It was later demolished, and then rebuilt in 1873 as a Victorian-styled L-shaped wooden structure with influence of the Tudor Style or Medieval Revival.
The second structure was later constructed as an extension of the original and linked by a small interior patio. There is also a large terrace area with a pool that has since been covered. The Cottage has undergone various modifications and expansions over the years and the works were completed by UDeCOTT in 2005.
UDeCOTT has, once again, been mandated to refurbish and outfit the President’s Cottage to accommodate His Excellency and his family. These works also include renovations, modifications and historical conservation management.
