Location

How to find Burgh House

Go to:  Introduction • Driving Directions • Find Burgh House on an Internet map?

Introduction

Burgh House

Burgh House is in Barren Ground, a community in the west of the Island of St. Helena{1} in the Blue Hill District - map reference 5°45'00"W, 15°58'49"S.

The photograph shows the first view when approaching Burgh House via the forest track that provides access.

The Wikipedia provides more information on:

• Barren Ground

• The Blue Hill District

• The Island of St. Helena

Barren Ground, as seen from the top of High Hill

Location: Island of St. Helena

Driving Directions

To drive to Burgh House, starting from Jamestown:

• Leave Jamestown up the Ladder Hill road, via either the China Lane or Shy Road routes.

• Continue on the main road up through Half Tree Hollow and into the St. Paul's area.

• At Red Gate there is a fork, at which the main road runs to the left of a building.  On the right fork it is possible to see the red gate which gives the area it's name.  Stay on the main road, ignoring an almost immediate left turn down into Francis Plain.

• At the end of a short stretch of relatively wide and gently curving road is White Gate.  Plantation House is reached via a turning on the right, through the substantial white gates which give the area it's name, and a left turning leads downhill into the central part of the island.  Stay on the main road, which continues ahead, passing a right turn towards Scotland and St. Paul's Catherdral church on the right.

• The road now becomes much smaller and passes into a tree-lined section, twisting left and right.  Ignore a sharp turning up to the right (towards St. Paul's School and the studios of Radio St. Helena).  A distinct fork is soon reached with a signpost labelled Bates Branch (on the vertical post).  Follow the right fork, running up hill and labelled Blue Hill.

• Your route now winds through Casons and the Arboretum before reaching the ridge - an open but typically narrow road which curves along the leeward side of the island's spine.  Mist is common here and caution is advised to those unfamilir with the road, especially at night.

• The first signposted junction reached is a right turn down to Head O'Wain.  Follow the left fork uphill towards Blue Hill.

• At the next (and last) signposted junction, follow the road down and to the right, into Blue Hill.

• The telephone box and bus shelter indicate the centre of Blue Hill.  The road now forks and it is necessary to go to the right, sharply down through Blue Hill, ignoring the left fork which leads (via the Blue Hill Shop) to High Hill, seen ahead.

• The road winds through Blue Hill, turning sharp right into a steep descent and sharp left at the bottom, where the Blue Hill Community Centre is ahead (but not signposted).  Pass the Community Centre and the road continues to a point where it is necessary to make a 330° right turn in an area mostly enclosed by white railings.

• Follow the road downhill to a sharp left bend which leads back uphill, then via a sharp right and another sharp left bend to a piece of relatively straight road with the sea and High Hill ahead to the left.  The road turns 90° right and houses will now be seen on both sides, above on your right and below on your left.  This is Barren Ground.

• The route to Burgh House is up an agricultural track which leads off the main road steeply up to the right.  It is not marked but should have been spotted before the wide passing place with a house above is reached.  If lost, ask for directions - Barren Ground people are friendly and helpful.

• Engage four wheel drive before attempting the agricultural track, especially when there has been recent rain.  Travel upwards for approx 100m, ignoring a sharp turn up to the left which leads only to a water tower.  The track then becomes roughly level for about 300m before descending to Burgh House.  The view is as shown above.

Find Burgh House on an Internet map?

St. Helena is one of the world's most remote inhabited islands, though as you might expect this is no obstacle in the days of satellite mapping - to some providers at least:

(a traditional map appears on the History of Burgh House page)

{1} The "most extraordinary place on earth"

Burgh House, on the Island of St. Helena • Location • Copyright ©  The Turner Family, v1327139265
PS: St. Helena, Saint Helena or St Helena - it's the same island!