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Adventures On Foot
A walking tour of central West Bay is available from the National Trust. The 37-stop tour begins at the West Bay United Church and continues on to many historic sites. Some of the most interesting architectural styles are pointed out on buildings along the way, including the wattle and daub houses typical of those built on the island from the 17th through the early 19th centuries. Handmade using few tools, the homes were built of mahogany, ironwood, wattles, daub, and thatch and had outdoor bathrooms and kitchens as a safety feature. Wattles are woven wood panels covered by a coral lime plaster substance called daub. Making the daub was often a neighborhood-wide activity since it was so labor-intensive. Coral rocks were broken up and baked in a large kiln to create lime ash. This was mixed with sand and water then daubed onto the wattles, usually about six inches thick. Although a fairly simple construction method that used all locally available materials, this style was sturdy and could withstand the hurricanes and tropical storms as well as rain and sun.
Wattle and daub houses built from the mid-19th century to present are called manor houses. Showing American influences, the modern homes have indoor baths and kitchens as well as verandas.
Timber houses, constructed of imported lumber using ship-building tools, were constructed starting in the mid-19th century. The most striking feature of these homes was their intricate fretwork or gingerbread trim. Later, the bungalow style was a favorite, using pre-cut lumber and later cement and blocks.
Traditional Caymanian sand gardens are unique. Raked clean, the sand gardens are often trimmed with conch shells and have paths paved with coral.
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