L'Hotel Boynes on Blackbeard's Hill has begun a new life as a permanent part of the history of St. Thomas. In a recent deal struck between Historic Inns & Expeditions and St. Thomas Historical Trust, the vintage early 19th century structure will now be a house museum and will serve as a reminder of life more than a century ago on St. Thomas.
Under provisions of the sale, the hotel now joins the stately Hotel 1829, The Haagensen House, Crown House, Blackbeard's Castle and other buildings on the historic museum walking tour in anticipation of snagging the tourist dollars of the growing interest in the historical segment of the travel market.
L'Hotel Boynes is listed in the National Registry of Homes and was faithfully restored after destruction in Hurricane Marilyn of all but the basic shell of the building.
The building, of yellow ballast brick and blue bit stone, with white cast-iron balcony and marble steps, features tranquil private gardens and is an oasis from the bustling streets of Charlotte Amalie below.
Michael Ball of Hotel 1829 and Historic Inns & Expeditions declined to discuss the sale price and conditions of the property. However, he did say the name L'Hotel Boynes may not be retained and the name of record, still under discussion, could revert to the Scottish engineer who was the builder and original owner of the structure.
Ball did say, however, he will oversee the maintenance and tours of the structure for St. Thomas Historic Trust. He expects the trust to furnish the structure with authentic 19th century West Indies furniture and accent the natural features without diminishing the history or the integrity of the building. A white picket fence, now under construction, will surround the property.
Sam Boynes, proprietor of L'Hotel Boynes since 1995, said he leaves with bittersweet memories. Boynes will stay on island and says he knows the hotel will be preserved and shared with the public. "Now that the structure is in good hands, the time has come for me to pass the baton," he said.
