Habitation Thomas

Timeline

Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Thomas Habitation, also known as Habitation-Caféière Thomas-L'Hermitage, is a former colonial plantation located at Morne Surelle, Bouillante, on the island of Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe. Built around 1900, this master house is representative of the colonial agricultural dwellings of the region. It has been listed as historic monuments since 2004, highlighting its heritage and architectural importance.

The lands of the heights of Thomas have been exploited since the mid-19th century, with a first attestation of the dwelling around 1875. The present house, rebuilt in the 1920s, consists of a central room surrounded by other rooms embedded in a gallery. It underwent renovations in the 1980s and restoration in the early 2020s, thus preserving its historical heritage.

The Thomas Habitation belongs to the typology of traditional structural houses on the coast of the Sous-le-Vent. Its construction in the late 19th or early 20th century reflects the techniques and lifestyle of the colonial era in Guadeloupe. The protected elements include the main house, located in Morne Surelle, and listed by order of 16 March 2004.

This home illustrates the economic and social history of Guadeloupe, marked by colonial plantations. It reflects the architectural transformations and successive adaptations to meet the needs of owners and farm workers. Today, it remains a symbol of the island's cultural and historical heritage.

Available sources, such as Wikipedia and Monumentum, confirm its status as a historical monument and its role in local history. The accuracy of its location is estimated as fair, with an approximate address at Morne Surelle, 97125 Bouillante. The main house, located in the village section (cadastre AH 370), is the heart of this heritage site.

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