Janine Bernadina and her son Jeanfried represent the 5th and 6th generations with ties to the original owner of this historic home in Curacao. Built by the island's first freed slave, it's now a museum. (Diane Slawych/QMI Agency)

SPAANSE WATER, Curacao -- Few Caribbean islands have more plantation homes than Curacao, which is not surprising considering the island was once a major slave depot in the region.

Every plantation had what the Dutch called a "landhuis," otherwise known as a country estate or plantation house, which was the focal point of the property and often built on a hill.

Of the 100 or so plantation homes in Curacao, roughly 80 remain, of which about 50 can be visited. Many of these brightly painted Dutch colonial-style mansions have been restored in recent years and converted to other uses including restaurants, art galleries and museums. As North Americans mark Black History Month in February, some travellers may find it a good time to delve into African history on their jaunts abroad as well.

Landhuis Brakkeput

Today you enter Brakkeput, which dates to 1733, by what was once considered the back of the house. The original front is on the opposite side (obvious by the grand staircase) overlooking the fields, where the master could keep an eye on the 22 slaves who toiled there. The plantation produced fruit, meat and dairy, which was sold to locals and crews of the ships that docked in the harbour of Spaanse Water, on the eastern side of the island.

In 1929 the Royal Dutch Shell Co. bought the house to use as a club for employees. Then in 1985 the Foundation for the Preservation of National Monuments acquired and restored the mansion. It has since become a Latin Steak House offering sweeping views from the terrace that overlooks a lush landscape and a distant mountain.

Landhuis Daniel

Lacking the expansive views of Brakkeput, Landhuis Daniel's source of beauty can be found in its vibrant tropical flower collection, particularly at the entrance. Built in 1650 and restored in 1997, this landhuis is now a hotel and restaurant popular among locals for its savoury Dutch pancakes or "pannekoeken," served with a variety of toppings.

Located just off the road to Westpunt, the property also contains some ruins, a small museum and a pool. Legend has it the house was built by a castaway who washed ashore on St. Daniel's Day.

Landhuis Groot Santa Martha

Already well established by 1696, Landhuis Groot Santa Martha was known for its cattle, sugar mill, indigo, distillery and fresh-water wells. At one stage, it produced 90% of the island's salt, which was shipped to the U.S. and the Netherlands.

In 2001, the neglected plantation house and its outbuildings were beautifully restored and now include rooms furnished in Louis XVI style. A map of the 17-hectare property (it was originally 554 hectares), lists about 20 points of interest including an orchard, vegetable and herb garden and a farm with cows, goats and sheep. Horseback riding can be arranged here if you call in advance.

Landhuis Kenepa

A local tambu band was entertaining the crowds on the terrace of this 18th century plantation house when we arrived. Perhaps the powerful drum beats were summoning the spirit of Tula, a slave who led a failed revolt here on Aug. 17, 1795. Once a prosperous plantation producing divi divi seed pods and sheep's wool, Kenepa now houses the Tula Museum, which contains local antiques and tools, the bell that called slaves to work and a fine collection of traditional musical instruments.

Landhuis galleries

At least three former landhuizen around the island have been converted to galleries. Landhuis Habaai is now the Gallery Alma Blou with paintings and sculptures of well known local artists. Landhuis Bloemhof in Santa Rosa has changing exhibitions featuring art from around the world. Landhuis Jan Kock -- one of the oldest plantation homes, which now showcases the work of local artist Nena Sanchez. This former Miss Curacao, who travelled the world and lived abroad for 25 years before returning to her native island, got her start at age 18 when one of her charcoal drawings was selected for a Caribbean art exhibition. Today she's known for her brightly coloured paintings that feature tropical flowers, local cottages and Dutch Caribbean scenes.

Landhuis Chobolobo

Perhaps one of the most visited landhuizen on the island is the 18th-century Landhuis Chobolobo, in Salina Ariba about 3 km east of the capital, Willemstad. Since 1947, this has been the home of Senior & Co., which produces the famous Blue Curacao liqueur, made from the sun dried peels of a bitter orange. The distillery has been around since 1886 and the original copper still remains in use.

The liqueur, which you can sample here, comes in several flavours including coffee, chocolate, and the original -- orange. Another product made here from the orange oil is Alcolodo Glacial -- a cooling spray that also wards off insects.

For more information, check curacao.com.

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