Cobblers Cove
Step into the world of Cobblers Cove, an iconic Barbados locale known as "The Great House," in our latest edition of Cultivating Conversations. As the visionary behind the resort's transformation, Sam de Teran, guided by her background in fashion and design, shares her journey of restoring this historic landmark, and how she carefully revitalized Cobblers Cove while paying respect to its original charm, history, authenticity, and sense of place. From collaborating with renowned designers to prioritizing sustainability, her attention to detail and commitment to creating an unforgettable experience for guests and locals alike make Cobblers Cove truly exceptional.
“Cobblers is a family–owned business that has been within our family for sixty years and we are the second generation to care for the property.”
I come from a background in fashion and design, and my focus for Cobblers Cove is to keep our existing customers happy but also to introduce a whole new generation to the resort. We have seen the needs of guests change over time–in the 60s, visitors just wanted sun and British food, whereas now guests have very different standards and want to experience local food, musicians, objects and design.
HOW DID YOUR JOURNEY WITH COBBLERS COVE BEGIN?
Cobblers Cove is a family-owned business, so once I married Hugh and he took over the resort, we were all family.
“I fell in love with the resort the moment I saw it, in particular the kind and courteous people of Barbados.”
YOU HAVE A DIVERSE PORTFOLIO OF WORK, RANGING FROM FASHION TO CHILDREN’S LITERATURE. HOW HAVE YOUR PAST EXPERIENCES INFLUENCED YOUR WORK ON COBBLERS?
“If you’re interested in design, you have a restless eye and a continuous desire to create.”
It’s been a pleasure to jump into interior design, which has been a whole new world. My past experience has definitely influenced Cobblers Cove by keeping a paired back and simple design.
THE GREAT HOUSE, AS COBBLERS COVE IS ALSO KNOWN, HAS BEEN AN ICONIC BARBADOS LOCALE SINCE THE 1940S. HOW HAS THE LANDMARK’S RICH HISTORY GUIDED ITS REDESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT?
The Great House is an amazing building, built in the mid–1900s. The building has a wonderful link to the island, being built from solid coral stone, which is the local stone, as well as the metal supports of the house being created from the old railway line
“It was built in a traditional Great House style and is the only historic great house on the West Coast of the island, so is very special to both us and Barbados.”
WHAT WAS YOUR VISION FOR COBBLERS WHEN YOU FIRST EMBARKED ON THIS FIVE–YEAR PROJECT?
“Our vision was not to ruin the resort and to keep the charm, because once charm is lost, you cannot get it back.”
WHAT BROUGHT YOU AND LULU LYTLE, OF SOANE BRITAIN TOGETHER?
Lulu and I have been friends for years, and the collaboration came up in passing during one of our regular catch ups. As soon as I mentioned the resort, Lulu wanted to be involved, so we worked together on The Great House.
“Our brands have an excellent alignment, especially when it comes to sustainability.”
© Photo via Leah Marie Photography
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES COBBLERS COVE STAND APART FROM OTHER RESORTS AND LUXURY HOTELS IN BARBADOS AND THE CARIBBEAN AT LARGE?
What makes Cobblers Cove stand out is that we are family owned and have an impeccable attention to detail.
“We have made an incredibly strong effort to retain the charm of the building, as well as a strong sense of place, which you cannot get in larger hotel chains.”
We made an effort to work with basket makers, weavers, pottery makers, and clay experts, all located within 10 miles from the hotel and using suppliers grown on the island. We even found the man who made the original rattan chairs in the 60s, who was able to refurbish them all.
We have been collecting Barbadian art which is a huge focus on the island and for the people of the island. We also pride ourselves on being the first five–star resort to have both a local Resort Manager and Head Chef.
WHAT WAS YOUR GUIDING PRINCIPLE WHEN IT CAME TO REVAMPING COBBLERS INTERIORS?
To strip everything back, refresh, and create a bright and clean palette.
“The renovation came naturally to us, as we focused on emphasising the charm, sweetness, and location.”
© Photo via Leah Marie Photography
YOUR EYE FOR DETAIL IS APPARENT TO ANYONE WHO STEPS FOOT IN COBBLERS. YOU EVEN DESIGNED A LINE OF CHINA FOR THE HOTEL. WHAT INSPIRED THIS PROJECT, AND HOW DOES IT FIT INTO YOUR LARGER VISION?
We wanted to create a china line that didn't feel like traditional hotel china, and something that was truly Caribbean. We wanted to focus on the charm and uniqueness of both the resort but also the West Indies.
“Every part of Cobblers feels like a home, so the china line needed to reflect this.”
SUSTAINABILITY AND ECO-FRIENDLY MEASURES ARE FRONT-OF-MIND FOR MANY IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. WHERE DID THIS COME INTO PLAY IN COBBLERS REFURBISHMENT AND DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS?
We have made great strides towards protecting our environment, and it’s something we are very proud of.
“As mentioned, we work with local craftsmen, carpenters, artists, metalworkers and basket makers to provide all our furniture and fittings.”
We have also learnt how to work with the weather conditions, from new light qualities, to ensure hardwood floors are used, and even making sure we don't use maraschino cherries (birds love these, but the tablecloths do not!).
© Photo via Leah Marie Photography
WHAT'S NEXT FOR COBBLERS COVE?
Don’t take your eyes off Cobblers Cove! There is always something exciting around the corner, and we’d love to work on more product lines. I think it is also important we continue to keep the resort a happy place for staff and locals.