Plizio Visual Lab

Austin House

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

Austin House in Georgetown is the official residence of the Anglican Bishop of Guyana and stands as a masterwork of 19th-century colonial timber architecture. Completed in 1894, the residence was named after William Piercy Austin, the first Bishop of Guyana, whose legendary tenure lasted over five decades. The building's design features intricate fretwork, expansive galleried verandas, and shuttered windows, all tailored to provide maximum airflow in the tropical heat. Constructed almost entirely from indigenous hardwoods, the house has remarkably survived several large-scale fires that destroyed surrounding city blocks. Located on High Street near the St. George’s Cathedral, it is an integral part of Georgetown's ecclesiastical and architectural landscape. Austin House continues to serve its original function while hosting official church functions and preserving the heritage of the Anglican Diocese. It is widely regarded as one of the most elegant and best-preserved wooden mansions in the Caribbean region.

Location: Guyana
Top sights: Umana Yana · community center · African Liberation Monument
Nearby: Ruimveldt (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	26	27	27	27	27	27	27	28	28	28	27
Rain mm	181	117	94	144	315	314	302	193	102	103	181	257

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Austin House is the official residence of the Anglican Bishop, so it is usually not open to the public. However, the exterior of the remarkable wooden house can be admired from the sidewalk.

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Typical hours

As a private residence, there are no public visiting hours. Any occasional open days would be announced locally.

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Photography

Photographing the exterior from the public sidewalk is generally allowed. Please respect the residents' privacy and avoid shooting through windows or doors.

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Time needed

A brief stop of about 5 to 10 minutes is enough to appreciate the unique wooden architecture from outside. Incorporate it into a walk through Georgetown's historic residential areas.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with nearby Castellani House (National Art Gallery) and the Georgetown Botanical Gardens. They are all in the same quiet neighborhood and easily walkable.

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Getting there

Austin House is located in an upscale residential area of Georgetown, about 10 minutes by taxi from the city center. Public buses stop nearby, but a taxi is the easiest option.

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Insider tip

Visit in the late afternoon when the warm light beautifully highlights the wood carvings and verandas. Look out for the ornate Victorian details typical of Guyana's colonial wooden architecture.

Geography

Coordinates

6.82440, -58.16380

Facts

The building was completed in 1894 for the Anglican Diocese.
It was named in honor of Bishop William Piercy Austin.
The house remains the official residence of the Bishop of Guyana.
The structure is a prime example of Guyanese timber architecture.
It is located in Kingston, Georgetown, near the cathedral.
The residence features elaborate decorative woodwork (fretwork).

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Red House<1 km · NExplore →

Demerara River2 km · SWExplore →

Colgrain Swimming Pool2 km · NWExplore →

Vreed-en-Hoop3 km · SExplore →

Georgetown Botanical Gardens3 km · NExplore →

Eccles Industrial Estate4 km · WExplore →

Ruimveldt4 km · NWExplore →

La Grange5 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Austin House (10)

Umana Yana

National Heritage Building, a traditional meeting house of indigenous peoples.

community center

Community hub offering events and classes for local residents.

African Liberation Monument

Monument commemorating the African liberation movement.

Red House

Building in Georgetown, Guyana, known for its red facade.

Kingston Methodist Church⛪ church

Church in the Kingston area, used for worship and community activities.

Chimney

Historic structure, remnant of a former industrial facility.

sea wall bandstand 1

Bandstand on the sea wall, used for performances and events.

Eve Leary Sports Ground🌳 park

Sports field in Georgetown, hosting football and athletics.

Theater Guild

Theater in Georgetown, staging local and international plays.

Walter Roth Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Georgetown, focusing on indigenous cultures.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When was Austin Haus built?

The building was completed in 1894 as the residence for the Anglican Bishop of Guyana.

Can you visit the interior of Austin Haus?

As it is the official residence of the Bishop, the interior is typically not open to the general public.

Where is Austin Haus located?

It is located on High Street in Georgetown, near St. George's Cathedral.

What material is the house made of?

It is a classic example of Guyana's wooden colonial architecture.

Is photography allowed?

Photographing the exterior facade from the street is allowed and very popular.

Austin House: where is it located?

Austin House is located in Guyana.

Austin House: what is there to see?

Highlights include Umana Yana, community center, African Liberation Monument.

Austin House: when is the best time to visit?