In 2019 and for a variety of reasons, we decided to limit our guesthouse business. We regret that we now only accept bookings from returning customers with whom we have already established communication links. However, Essex Cottage continues to be available as a self-catering vacation rental cottage.
We built Essex Cottage soon after we purchased land in Tobago in 2000. It was always our intention to build a bigger house close to the cliff's edge that we could operate as a guesthouse after we retired from working for 35 years as international educators.
Gloucester Place was completed in August 2006. Our guesthouse filled a need for tourists looking for a more personal experience than staying in a large hotel, but also wanting the services and accommodations that can make their holiday more enjoyable. Focusing on providing quality amenities and service, we have sought the highest standards of furnishings and decor. Most of the furniture was custom made in Venezuela, and we imported the best linens and other fixtures we could find.
The surroundings we have created reflects our years in the Middle East and South America. Many of the rugs, wall hangings and artifacts in the bedrooms and living areas were collected during our time in Lebanon, Iran, Saudi Arabia, India, Sri Lanka and Venezuela. Throughout the house there are large animals carved by indigenous people in the Amazonia and original oil paintings of tropical settings.
The name, Gloucester Place, comes from our family and reflects both our connection to the early Massachusetts colony as well as its English origins. Both the ancestral home and our guesthouse are located overlooking the water, so we felt our site here in Tobago well justified the name.
Our careers demanded constant interaction with many different cultures. We are hardworking, gregarious, and thoroughly enjoy meeting new people. It is our intention to treat you as welcome guests. We would be delighted to share our cottage with you and will do everything we can to make your stay a special experience.