Hayes Court, Port of Spain

The second southernmost building from the "Magnificent Seven" line-up on Maraval Road, at #21, is Hayes Court. This is the official residence of the Bishop of Anglican Church of Trinidad and Tobago and was purpose-built as such from the very beginning. It was completed in 1910.

Presented as an anonymous gift by two men, who offered to pay for the construction, the building looks rather unpretentious, yet stern. The house design, done by Taylor and Gillies, was indigenous and popular at the time. It features a combination of French Colonial accents and Scottish cast iron elements incorporated in decorative beams and columns of the veranda that wraps around the building on the north, east and south sides.

Traditional Demerara-style windows complete the western façade of the property, giving it a compelling elegant appearance. The floors are a mix of imported marble, ceramic, and terracotta tiles.

The mansion was named for Thomas Hayes, who served as archbishop in Trinidad and Tobago, from 1889 to 1904. Sadly, he died in England before the house was finished, so the very first resident in Hayes Court was Right Reverend John Francis Welsh.

Restricted public access is allowed.