Stunning 19th-century property in the Caribbean, a grand architectural marvel, clinches the Stéphane Bern Heritage Lottery (ensureing its preservation!).
The Descamps Plantation, a historical site in Baie-Mahault, Guadeloupe, has been selected for restoration in the 2025 edition of the Heritage Lottery. This French initiative, launched by Minister of Culture Rachida Dati and TV host Stéphane Bern on September 1, 2018, aims to finance the restoration of endangered French monuments through a lottery.
Built in 1830 by Gaston Descamps, the first mayor of the commune elected after the abolition of slavery in July 1848, the Descamps Plantation is a significant part of Guadeloupe's history. After her husband's death, Simone Paulin opened the domain to multiple activities including associations, artist residencies, and concerts, making it an important place for social and cultural life on the island.
The Descamps Plantation consists of the main plantation, dependencies, and a park spanning over 6,000 m2. The work aims to rediscover the traditional Creole architectural vocabulary of master's houses, with the restoration project including masonry restoration, exterior terrace rebuilding, floor repair, facade repair, and roof replacement with wooden "essentes" tiles.
The restoration will also revitalise the Jazz Club "Around Midnight" at the Descamps Plantation, which has hosted international figures such as Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke, and Michel Petrucciani. The club will become a multipurpose space open to the public, offering a vibrant cultural experience.
Since its creation in 2018, the Heritage Lottery has collected over 325 million euros. For the 2025 edition, the lottery offers a jackpot of 1.5 million euros through scratch-off tickets. FDJ United, organisers of the Heritage Lottery, will also organise eight dedicated Loto drawings for a 2 million euro prize and a super Loto with a minimum jackpot of 13 million euros on September 19.
While the Heritage Lottery aims to engage players and contribute to the preservation of French historical heritage, it's important to remember that gambling involves risks such as debt, isolation, and dependence. A helpline number (09-74-75-13-13) is available for those who need help.
As the restoration progresses, the Descamps Plantation is set to regain its original charm and continue its role as a cultural hub in Guadeloupe. The Heritage Lottery's efforts to preserve French historical sites through a unique lottery system not only ensures the preservation of these sites but also offers a chance for the public to engage with and appreciate them.
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