Plantation House
About This Museum
You'll find Plantation House sitting up on the high central ridge, a grand old Georgian lady keeping watch over the island. For over two centuries, this has been the official residence of St Helena's Governors, and if you stand quietly on its grounds, you can almost feel the weight of all that history. It’s not just a monument, though; it's a working estate and, most famously, home to Jonathan the tortoise. He’s been roaming these lawns since the 1880s, making him the world's oldest known land animal and the island's most beloved resident.
Collection Highlights
The real highlight is meeting Jonathan and the other giant tortoises in the paddock. Inside, the state rooms are beautifully preserved with original Georgian furniture and portraits of past governors staring down from the walls.
Visitor Information
The house is open for guided tours on certain days, so it's best to check their schedule in advance. Don't forget to wear sensible shoes for walking the grounds.
Architecture & Building
A classic example of Georgian architecture, built from local volcanic rock with a symmetrical facade and a welcoming, wide entrance porch.
Contact & Location
Address: STHL 1ZZ, Saint Helena, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
Phone: +290 24453
