Olveston House

Olveston House stands as one of the most culturally significant landmarks on the island of Montserrat, defined primarily by its deep connection to music legend Sir George Martin. Known as the “Fifth Beatle,” Martin purchased the property in the early 1980s to serve as his Caribbean residence while operating the nearby, world-famous Air Studios. During this golden era, the house became a sanctuary for some of the biggest names in rock and pop history. Music icons such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, Sting, The Police, and Stevie Wonder utilized Olveston House as their private retreat while recording on the island, cementing its place in music lore.

Olveston House (17.120421, -61.893158)

Architecturally, the residence is a classic representation of colonial Caribbean style. Built in the 1950s on the foundations of an older estate, it features a traditional wrap-around veranda designed to capture the cooling trade winds. The interior serves as a living museum, largely unchanged from its heyday. Guests can view original gold records and candid photographs taken by Linda McCartney, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of the celebrities who once relaxed within its walls. Situated on five acres of lush tropical gardens in the Old Towne area, the property offers a tranquil atmosphere with distant views of the Soufrière Hills Volcano.

Olveston House Menu, 2024 (16.747609, -62.224201)

Today, Olveston House operates as a charming boutique guest house and one of the island’s premier dining destinations. Managed by long-time caretaker Margaret Wilson, the establishment preserves the legacy of the Martin family. The restaurant is celebrated for its unique fusion of English and Caribbean cuisine, featuring favorites like chicken rotis and traditional Sunday roasts. Whether for a stay in the master suite once occupied by George Martin or simply for a meal on the veranda, the house provides a nostalgic link to the time before the volcanic eruptions, when Montserrat was the recording capital of the Caribbean.

On our first visit to the Olveston House several years ago, we had arrived on the island late at night after all of the grocery stores were closed.  We decided to get up early and hit the Olveston House for our first, local breakfast.  After speaking with the owner Margaret, we found out that the restaurant was not open that day, as was the case with most breakfast spots.  Margaret told us to wait one minute while she popped her head in the kitchen to ask her daughter Sarah, if she could prepare us a breakfast anyway.  Of course, in typical Montserrat fashion, we had one of our best breakfasts that day.  A first memory we will never forget.