Madame Estate: Grapes to Sugar

Madame Estate, located just outside Philipsburg, has a rich history that reflects the changing agricultural practices on St. Maarten.

This plantation is among the island’s oldest. Initially, it focused on grape cultivation, supplying wealthy merchants on Sint Eustatius before transitioning to sugar production in 1725. In 1870, the property was sold to a salt company, which used the building as their headquarters.

Madame Estate, now primarily a residential area, features architecture with Amsterdam gable-style designs.

This transition mirrored broader economic trends in the Caribbean, where many estates converted to sugar to meet the growing demand in Europe. The remnants of Madame Estate include the old plantation house and parts of the sugar mill, which offer insights into the agricultural history of St. Maarten and the adaptation of its economy over time.

References: St. Maarten National Heritage Foundation, St. Maarten Museum