Visitors looking for a little 'art-chitectural' history of the island will enjoy a tour of Anguilla's Old Valley. Just south of Crocus Bay, many of the islands more important historic structures line The Valley Road.
Frank Costin, member of the Anguilla Archaeological and Historical Society and owner of Savannah Gallery, donates his time to give interested visitors tours of this section of town. The walking tour begins at Ebenezer Methodist Church and is uphill from there. Built in 1830, Ebenezer Church is the oldest standing church in Anguilla. The original steeple is still in tact.
The tour continues uphill to Miss Marjorie's House, built in 1920. Possibly the most photographed house in Anguilla, Miss Marjorie keeps her beautiful abode in mint condition. This traditional West Indian style home has painted shutters, a red tin roof, gingerbread work and the former slave quarters are still intact.
Across the road from Miss Marjorie's is the Warden's Place. Built circa 1800, the Warden's Place is one of the very few houses remaining from this period and has been restored by the Gumbs family. The building attracts history buffs and epicureans alike as it now home to one of Anguilla's most famous restaurants, Koal Keel.
Almost the last stop and just adjacent to the gallery, is the private residence called Rose Cottage, which is another quaint example of West Indian architecture. An architectural firm has recently purchased Rose Cottage and will be restoring it to open its doors to visitors and residents alike.
The tour finishes at Savannah Gallery, which is housed in a building that is over one hundred years old. Canadian Frank Costin opened the gallery in November 1996. Its interior features water colors, oils and prints of tropical scenes by local and regional and its exterior has maintained its original historic structure. The Old Valley Tour cost $10 per person and all proceeds are donated to the Anguilla Archeological and Historic Society.