Chattel house meaning

A chattel house is a type of small wooden home in Barbados that is movable.


Chattel house definitions

Word backwards lettahc esuoh
Part of speech The word "chattel house" is a noun.
Syllabic division chat-tel house
Plural The plural of "chattel house" is "chattel houses."
Total letters 12
Vogais (4) a,e,o,u
Consonants (5) c,h,t,l,s

A chattel house is a traditional style of house commonly found in the Caribbean, particularly in Barbados. These houses are typically small, wooden structures that can be easily dismantled and moved to a new location. The term "chattel" refers to movable personal property, highlighting the transient nature of these homes.

Chattel houses are often built on stilts to allow for better airflow and protection from flooding during the rainy season. The design of these houses also helps to mitigate the impact of hurricanes and tropical storms that are common in the region.

History of Chattel Houses

The origins of chattel houses can be traced back to the plantation era when enslaved individuals were brought to the Caribbean to work on sugar plantations. These houses were designed to be easily disassembled and moved from one plantation to another as the need arose.

Features of Chattel Houses

Chattel houses typically have a single room or a few small rooms, with a gabled roof and large windows to allow for natural light and ventilation. The materials used to build these houses are often locally sourced, including wood, corrugated metal, and compacted earth.

Modern-Day Significance

While chattel houses have historical significance, they are still commonly used in the Caribbean today. Many people choose to live in these houses as a way to connect with their cultural heritage and embrace a more sustainable way of living. Additionally, chattel houses have become popular as vacation rentals for tourists looking for a unique and authentic Caribbean experience.


Chattel house Examples

  1. The small chattel house in the village was painted a bright yellow color.
  2. She decided to renovate the old chattel house and turn it into a cozy vacation rental.
  3. The hurricane destroyed many chattel houses along the coast.
  4. The government provided assistance to families who lost their chattel houses in the storm.
  5. The chattel house had a traditional design with colorful shutters.
  6. He inherited a chattel house from his grandparents located in the countryside.
  7. Tourists were fascinated by the unique architecture of the chattel houses in the historic district.
  8. The real estate agent listed a charming chattel house for sale in the city.
  9. The couple fell in love with the picturesque views from their new chattel house.
  10. The island is known for its colorful chattel houses scattered across the landscape.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 30/04/2024 - 19:06:54