Sunbury Plantation House, St Philip, Barbados
Being more than 300 years old, the Sunbury Plantation House affords visitors a vivid impression of life on a sugar estate in the 18th and 19th centuries. As well as having extensively landscaped grounds, it is lavishly decorated with Victorian antiques, making it the prime antiques museum on the island. www.barbadosgreathouse.com

Fort Amsterdam, Willemstad, Curuçao
The most important of Curaçao’s eight forts, Fort Amsterdam is included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites. Built in 1635, it was strategically positioned on the Punda at the harbour entrance. Embedded in its southwest wall is a cannonball fired by British troops during a brief skirmish with the Dutch in the early 1800s. www.curacao.com

The Boissiere House, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Perhaps no building is more emblematic of Trinidad’s chaotic history than the Boissiere House, known to many as ‘The Gingerbread House’. Built in 1904, the house is up for sale and is in grave danger of being demolished by a property developer. Catch this national treasure while you can. www.caribbeanfreeradio.com/boissiere

Blackbeard’s Castle (Skytsborg Tower), Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas
This five-story watchtower is said to have been inhabited by Blackbeard and his 14 wives in the 18th century. It is alleged that the infamous pirate used the tower as a vantage point from which to observe and target likely vessels to plunder. www.blackbeardscastle.com

Helvellyn House, Sauteurs Grenada
Perched on a hilltop at the northern tip of the island, this old family home offers picturesque gardens and spectacular 360 degree views, as well as serving up local Caribbean cuisine. There is also a pottery workshop, where you can watch the pots being made – or even get your own hands dirty. www.grenadaexplorer.com/tip/helvellyn