After a year of hammering, pointing and breathing dust, the restoration of the Old Gin House is finally nearing completion. At this moment, all window frames, shutters and doors are being replaced by hurricane-resistant versions. And the result is worth it: in the cellar, a finely crafted piece of brickwork has been revealed, built around 1750 with red and yellow bricks that once arrived as… free ship ballast.

All the masonry that had suffered from 275 years of weather, waves and wandering goats has been carefully restored. Large sections of the façade got fresh pointing, and inside the building has been completely modernised. All floors, staircases and finishes have been made in oak wood, preserving both the atmosphere and the building’s unique appearance.

The spaces now have a new purpose: a wine cellar (for serious meetings), a meeting room (for serious wine tastings), display cases with island finds, a lounge and the hotel reception.

By mid-October there will be an open house: islanders and lucky tourists are invited to take a look, give their verdict, and maybe share a glass.