Chattel Houses

Why moving today is not really that strenuous

We may think the task of moving can be a taxing chore, most especially in the Barbados heat, but such a task was far more strenuous in Barbados in the early 19^th century.  During this time, Bajans who worked on the sugar cane plantation often lived in chattel houses.  These homes were given such a name due to their character, in that they were quite literally a chattel and therefore movable.

The homes are made completely of wood, without nails.  The owners would often own the house but not the property.  With living on the employers land it was sometimes necessary to move – their house.

Originally built as a single roof home with two rooms, and referred to as a “one-roof home”, these houses were expanded as the owner saved money.  The first addition was normally a shed in the back, followed by a second full section to make a ‘2 roof house’.  Eventually, if the owner was able, the house would expand to have a third section with shed.

Many of these historical homes are still standing today and can be easily spotted with a drive down a residential street in Barbados.  If you are interested in architecture, be sure to have a look at one of the few wooden homes to be built without a nail.