Photo Gallery: Southlands

March 21, 2010

Scroll down for a photo gallery of Southlands; a place both renowned for its natural beauty and features, as well as the controversial hotel development plans.

This afternoon [Mar 21] Southlands Estate in Warwick was opened to the public. Organized by the Bermuda Environmental and Sustainability Taskforce [BEST], there were tour guides, and presentations by BEST Chairman Stuart Hayward, and noted conservationist Dr. David Wingate.

The event was extremely well attended, with an estimation from BEST of 1,500 attendees. We arrived 15 mins early, and a quick count showed almost 100 cars parked. Once inside, the group lining up for the tour was well in excess of 100 feet long, at 2-4 deep.

The 37 acre Southlands property dates back to at least the 18th century and many of its most unusual features were created by early 20th century owners James Morgan and Brigadier Maconochie.

A trio of Bermudian businessmen [Craig Christensen, Nelson Hunt and Brian Duperreault] bought the estate from the Willowbank Foundation in 2005 and announced plans to develop a tourist resort, prompting a public outcry.

In an exchange which has yet to come to fruition, the three owners agreed with the Bermuda Government to swap Southlands for 80 acres at Morgan’s Point, so that Southlands could be preserved in its natural state.

Click to enlarge images:

Click here for the second set of photos from Southlands, and click here to view three videos from the Southlands Open Day.

[Photo Gallery Part #2 will be added this evening]

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Category: All, Environment, Photos

Comments (5)

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  1. Mike says:

    I was there this afternoon, and was truly amazed at the turnout. They just kept coming, in waves, up the main driveway.

    White, black, small, tall, young and old, thin and not so thin. It’s clearly an issue that truly cuts across traditional lines, and one that Bermudians are passionate about.

    The people I spoke to you genuinely cared, looking for the Government to do what is right and approve the land swap.

    Congrats also to Stuart to his team who were there in force.

  2. bernews says:

    I know, it was packed! We were trying to estimate how many people, but gave up. Huge turnout, and like you said a true cross section of the community. It really was a fun afternoon. Many times some of us that live here, well at least I do, forget how beautiful Bermuda really is. Days like this remind me.