Mary’s Fancy: The Last of the van Romondts

Mary’s Fancy: Van Romondt Legacy

Mary’s Fancy, located in the Dutch Cul-de-Sac area, is one of the oldest and most historically significant plantations on St. Maarten. Established in the 18th century, it was the last estate owned by the influential van Romondt family, who were prominent figures in the island’s colonial history.

Mary’s Fancy was once a hotel, but the small bungalows are now leased as apartments.

Similar to Madame Estate, this plantation originally cultivated grapes on its land. However, with the rise of the sugar industry on the island, the plantation made significant investments to establish a sugar factory.

The estate, which includes a well-preserved plantation house and outbuildings, is a testament to the van Romondts’ wealth and status during the heyday of sugar production on St. Maarten.

Today, Mary’s Fancy serves as a reminder of the island’s plantation past and the families that shaped its history.

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