St. Antoine

Did Edmond de Chazal ever imagine, as he acquired St. Antoine in 1835, that its story would intertwine so deeply with the history of Mauritius? St. Antoine, named after his mother’s family, became more than just a sugar estate. It evolved into a microcosm of the island’s transformation. Edmond, a respected figure in Mauritius, expanded St. Antoine significantly. He incorporated Petite Village sugar mill in 1849. He even rented Amber Island, establishing a rabbit and hare warren, perhaps with an ulterior motive of searching for rumored pirate treasure. Following the end of slavery in 1835, Edmond brought in 1000 indentured laborers from India, providing them with stone houses, gardens, and the means to raise livestock. This forward-thinking approach, described by US Consul Nikolas Pike, showcased Edmond’s kindness and hospitality. St. Antoine flourished under his leadership, eventually annexing neighboring Belmont. The legacy of St. Antoine extends beyond sugar production. The Draupadi Amen Kovil, initially a wooden structure destroyed by Cyclone Carol in 1960, stands as a testament to the estate’s cultural significance. This temple, known for granting devotees’ wishes, draws visitors from near and far, particularly for the annual fire walking ceremony in December. Within the de Chazal family, thinkers and artists emerged. Malcolm de Chazal, three generations after Edmond, became a renowned poet, author, and artist, his work displayed at La Demeure St Antoine, the former estate house now transformed into a guesthouse and restaurant. The story of St. Antoine wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Malcy de Chazal, who, in 1823, painted a pink flower later identified as the extinct Hibiscus Genevii. Her contribution to botany and the preservation of the estate’s history adds another layer to the rich tapestry of St. Antoine, a place where the past comes alive through the stories of its people and the echoes of its vibrant history.