Customs Receiver House

Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The customs collector's house, located in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, Guyana, is an emblematic building of the 20th century, built in wooden frame with a brick filling. It is distinguished by its location on the Maroni River and its French garden, reflecting the colonial architectural influence. The ensemble, originally composed of a main body and outbuildings, underwent repairs in 1895 under the supervision of engineer Fontainelles, but its condition deteriorated strongly after a partial fire damaged the floor and the wooden panel structure. This monument also bears witness to the pre-Columbian history of the region, as evidenced by the remains discovered during archaeological excavations carried out by the Inrap on its plot.

Registration for historical monuments in 2016 marked a turning point for its preservation. Selected for the Heritage Lotto in 2018, the house benefited from a budget of 1.2 million euros for its restoration, including the reconstruction of missing annexes. In 2021, the municipality decided to transform it into a gourmet restaurant, thus offering a new vocation to this historic place. The excavations also revealed a historic well, a first in Guyana, as well as artifacts dating from 900 to 1400 AD, enriching the understanding of the pre-colonial past of the region.

The house, owned by the municipality, is fully protected, including its parcel, remains, fence and adjacent well. Its official address, Place de la République and 11 Malouet Boulevard, make it a central point of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni. Although partially closed to the visit during the works, it embodies both the colonial architectural heritage and the older archaeological layers, illustrating the historical diversity of Guyana.

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