The White House
A salt merchant's house on Salt Cay, built of Bermudian stone in the 1830s.
Updated 3 September 2026
The White House at Balfour Town on Salt Cay was built in the 1830s by the Harriott family, salt merchants, from Bermudian stone brought over as ballast, and it is the best preserved building on the island: two storeys with a wide veranda, shuttered windows and the family's furniture and papers still in it. Salt was stored on the ground floor and the family lived above.
What to look for
- The Bermudian stone - the material brought over as ship's ballast.
- The veranda - the wide covered front of the house.
- The stored salt floor - the ground level used for the trade.
- The family contents - the furniture and papers still in place.
When to go
December to April is the season. Visits must be arranged and are not on fixed hours. Many things on Salt Cay close in the low season.
Before you go
The house is private and visits must be arranged in advance; it is not a museum with opening hours. Getting to Salt Cay depends on ferries and small flights. It is a short visit.
Nearby
Balfour Town is around it, and the salt pans are alongside.
What to pack for The White House
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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Where to start if The White House is going on the list.
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
