Landhuis Zeelandia

About

Landhuis Zeelandia is a beautifully located colonial country house in the Brievengat area on the northern outskirts of Willemstad, dating from the second half of the 18th century. Unlike most landhuizen on Curaçao, Zeelandia was not a working plantation but rather a country retreat for wealthy townspeople who wanted to escape the heat and bustle of the city during the colonial era. The house was built in two phases, with the oldest part consisting of a cross-shaped pavilion designed to capture the cooling trade winds — a clever architectural feature that reflects the Dutch adaptation to the tropical Caribbean climate. The original entrance faces west, positioned in the middle of the building, and the house features traditional Dutch-Caribbean architectural elements including thick coral stone walls, a high saddle roof, and wide galleries that provide shade and ventilation. The name Zeelandia refers to the Dutch province of Zeeland, connecting the house to the Dutch colonial heritage that shaped Curaçao's architectural landscape. The property is located on Polarisweg 28, about 10 minutes north of Willemstad by car, in a quiet residential area that feels far removed from the tourist districts. Landhuis Zeelandia is one of the lesser-known but most charming colonial houses on the island, offering visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of Curaçao's colonial elite who maintained country retreats outside the city. The house is an excellent example of how Dutch colonial architecture was adapted to the Caribbean environment, with its wind-oriented design and traditional construction methods. Landhuis Zeelandia can be combined with visits to nearby Landhuis Brievengat and other historic plantation houses in the northern part of the island for a self-guided colonial heritage tour.

Polarisweg 28

How to get there

Located on Polarisweg 28 in the Brievengat area, about 10 min north of Willemstad by car.