The Howell family that own and run The Great House Antigua have been named Legendary Family Historic Hoteliers of the Year in the annual Historic Hotels Worldwide awards. This award is presented annually to a multi-generational family owned property which has served as an exemplary role model in the operation of a historic hotel as well as a demonstrated legacy of commitment to preservation.

The Great House Antigua is managed by Gabriella Howell who helped to convert the last stone great house in Antigua from a family home into a boutique hotel in 2019.

The award recognises the three generations of the Henderson and Howell families who have owned the historic property for over 60 years and taken care to preserve the history of the estate and the island.

The work was started by Gabriella's grandmother, Patricia Henderson, when she and her husband bought the property in the 1970s, and continued by her mother, Janey Howell.

Now Gabriella has taken up the baton to create a welcoming boutique hotel set in charming historic surroundings. And guests visiting The Great House Antigua will find they are immediately welcomed into the wider Great House family.

The hotel is centred around the 350 year old plantation house with its 4 suites and stunning Georgian drawing room which are filled with antique furniture and furnishings. There are a further 4 suites in Caribbean-style cottages in the gardens as well as a swimming pool and spa. The ruins of a sugar mill, along with other reminders of Antigua's past, can be found in the 26 acres of grounds.

The Great House Antigua is one of more than 350 hotels and resorts in the world that are recognised by Historic Hotels of Worldwide for preserving and maintaining their historic integrity, architecture and ambiance. 

Gabriella Howell comments: “The Great House Antigua is very much a family business and we're delighted to win an award that recognises the efforts by three generations to create this unique resort.

“The award shows that we've succeeded in creating a property where history is very much a part of its charm but not so much so that you feel like you're staying in a museum.”

“We are delighted to honour the Great House Antigua with this prestigious award,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “This hotel was chosen from an exclusive group of nominees in a number of categories. It stands among the finest hotels and hoteliers from around the world. The historic hotels nominated for this award and others include small historic inns, boutique hotels, lifestyle hotels, castles, chateaus, palaces, and resorts. They represent small towns to large cities to UNESCO World Heritage destinations. We applaud the dedication and passion of the thousands of individuals working at these iconic and legendary historic hotels that keep the stories alive from the past and make staying or celebrating special occasions at these historic hotels memorable experiences.”  

For more information visit
www.thegreathouseantigua.com 
www.HistoricHotelsWorldwide.com 

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About Historic Hotels Worldwide®
Historic Hotels Worldwide® is a prestigious and distinctive collection of historic treasures, including luxury historic hotels built in former castles, chateaus, palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other historic lodging spanning ten centuries. Historic Hotels Worldwide represents the finest and most distinctive global collection of more than 320 historic hotels in more than 46 countries. Hotels inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide are authentic historic treasures, demonstrate historic preservation, and celebrate historic significance. Eligibility for induction into Historic Hotels Worldwide is limited to those distinctive historic hotels that adhere to the following criteria: minimum age for the building is 75 years or older; historically relevant as a significant location within a historic district, historically significant landmark, place of a historic event, former home of a famous person, or historic city center; hotel celebrates its history by showcasing memorabilia, artwork, photography, and other examples of its historic significance; recognized by national preservation or heritage buildings organization or located within UNESCO World Heritage Site; and presently used as historic hotel. For more information, please visit HistoricHotelsWorldwide.com.