The place where it all started when it comes to tea production in Mauritius

Last week I went to Curepipe, which is a large city located in the central highland. Curepipe has a cooler and more rainy wether than the rest of the island, so tourists don't usually come here in large numbers. But, I think it is worth visiting this city, if you want a break from the beach. Curepipe was once a colonial stronghold. It is also here that you will find one of the oldest houses on the island – the Domaine des Aubineaux. During the years it has undergone renovations several times, but it still has the antique furiture used by the Guimbeau family. This family came from France to Mauritius in 1793 where they became involved in the tea trade. The house, built in 1872, has been in the possesion of the family since its inception. In 2000 the mansion was converted from being a family house, into a museum.

Standing here in front of the house, I am standing at the place that is the beginning of the famous Tea Route. The Domaine des Aubineaux is the first stop on that route. The house is part of the «Groupe Saint Aubin» which is a family owned group of tea plantations. Domaine de Saint Aubin is located further south and between the two «domaines» you will find the Bois Chéri Tea plantation where the tea production still takes place.

The Pavilion

The house and the garden

It is possible to take a guided tour of the house. But because I was early I had to wait for the tour to start. In the meantime, I took a walk aound the house outside, the pavilion and the building that used to house the stable. Then I continued to the garden. The place is green and well maintained. A short break on a bench is a great way to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Historical background of the house

The island was colonized by both France and later by Britain. During the colonial years the tea trade was a huge part of the island's economy. The Guimbeau family members lived in the house up unntil 1993, when the last person in the seventh generation passed away. Before I came, I had read that the government took over the house. But the guide told me, that the house is still owned by the children and grandchildren. They just don't live here. But they have opened it up to the public, as a museum, containing original paintings and furniture.

Many of the tea plantations who were operative back in the 1800s are gone. The Bois Chéri tea plantation that the Guimbeu family bought in 1958 is still producing tea. Domaine des Aubineaux is therefore unique, as it has the only tea plantation of its kind that still exist in Mauritius.

Lunch on the terrase

Tour of the house

The tour that takes you to the various rooms, does give a good insight in how the lifestyle was during the colonial years. The house is partly built by using local wood, teaks and wood from demolished ships. The guide told us that it was the first house to get electricity and the Guimbeau's were the first on the island to get a telephone. After giving us some facts on the historical background, she took us through most of the rooms on the first floor.

The dining room

The dining room is impressive. Especially the 30-seater massive oak dining table! Wow! what a place to enjoy a dinner. There are so many small details that tells us something about the family who once lived here.

The corridor

This house was the first house on the island to have a corridor that divides the two sides of the house. There are bedrooms on boths sides. Usually the rooms were connected, so you had to walk through one room to get to the next.

The master bedroom

Philippe Guimbeau's study

The living room

The room used by the men

This room is where the men would come together to have a good talk. Maybe smoke or play cards. It is a pleasant, rather small room, but with lots of light and fine view of the garden.

The family used to have breakfast in this room. It is facing east, which means they would have the sunrise on this side. Today it function as the restaurant. The large windows lets in lots of light. Definitly a great idea to taste the tea.

You will find a small souvenir shop in one of the small rooms. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes. There is also a building that houses a distillery that produces essential oils. Both the destillery and the pavillion was closed on the day of my visit.

A tour of the house gives an idea of life during the colonial years and the tea production. There were only a few other visitors, making it a pleasant visit. I have been to Mauritius many times, and always been more interested in the history of sugar production. I simply haven't thought about the tea. Even though I have been drinken tea from Bois Chéri for years, I have never visited the plantation or the family house. I will definitly visit the plantation.