This film is part of Free

Buccaneer Hill

Colour film showing the restoration of a historic house and views in the Bahamas, dating from the mid-20th century.

Documentary 15 mins Silent

Overview

Colour film showing the restoration of a historic house and views in the Bahamas, dating from the mid-20th century. Early scenes perhaps show the aftermath of a storm, with trees ripped from the ground and an upturned boat in the sea. The film shows the complete rebuilding of a house including unloading materials, plastering, bricklaying and framework. Children watch a seaplane land and take-off. A group in masks and a band appear to celebrate outside the property. Film ends showing ‘Buccaneer Hill’ house sign.

‘Buccaneer Hill’ is a colonial beach house. It sits on a hilltop overlooking Cupid’s Cay in the historic village of Governor’s Harbour, Bahamas. It was first built in the 1800’s, but fell into disrepair in the early 20th Century. The house was bought by travel writer Kjeld Helweg-Larsen (1907-1971), who rescued the derelict structure while visiting the island on his honeymoon in 1949 with Everild Vera Undine Lucas-Tooth Young (1909-1992). Under current ownership the house was completely restored in 2009, and is now a luxury villa. The film may well show the repairs undertaken after it was purchased by Helweg-Larsen.

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