President's House | |
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President's House from the Royal Botanic Gardens.
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General information | |
Type | official residence |
Location | Port of Spain, Trinidad |
Country | Trinidad and Tobago |
Coordinates | 10°40′40″N 61°30′43″W / 10.677646°N 61.511979°W |
Current tenants | President of Trinidad and Tobago |
Inaugurated | 1876 |
Owner | Government of Trinidad and Tobago |
President's House is the official residence of the President of Trinidad and Tobago, located in the capital city Port of Spain, on Trinidad island, Trinidad and Tobago. It is next to the Royal Botanic Gardens.
A previous building on the site, known as "The Cottage," had been used as the Governor's residence since 1867. This residence, replacing it, was built in 1876. The stone facade is local blue limestone. The roof is covered with Welsh Dutchess slate. The building contains Victorian columns and railings with Victorian Italianate style arched portals and loggias.
The house was used as the residence of the Governor of Trinidad and Tobago from 1876 to 30 April 1958, when it became the residence of the Governor-General of the West Indies Federation.
Trinidad and Tobago attained independence on 31 August 1962. The house was then used as a museum and art gallery for a period, until it again became the residence of the Governors-General.
When Trinidad and Tobago became a republic in 1976, the Governor-General's house was subsequently designated as "The President's House", and became the residence of the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Today, as well as being the President's private residence, the house is used for national awards and swearing-in ceremonies, as well as diplomatic receptions. The President's office is located in a separate building in the grounds of the house.