Dunmore Town
A pastel-painted time capsule of colonial elegance, where Loyalist cottages and pink sand beaches define Caribbean chic.
Dunmore Town is the sole settlement on Harbour Island, a compact village of extraordinary charm where pastel-painted colonial cottages line narrow lanes beneath swaying palms. Named for Lord Dunmore, the Royal Governor who served from 1787 to 1796, this was once the bustling capital of the early Bahamas before Nassau claimed that title.
The town's architectural heritage represents one of the finest collections of colonial-era buildings in the Caribbean. Steep-pitched roofs, wraparound verandas, wooden shutters, and intricate fretwork reflect both British and Caribbean influences, all painted in signature shades of coral, turquoise, lavender, and yellow. Just beyond these historic streets lies Pink Sands Beach, the famous three-mile stretch that has made Harbour Island a destination for discerning travelers worldwide.
Colonial Heritage
Dunmore Town's history stretches to the mid-1600s when English Puritans known as the Eleutheran Adventurers left Bermuda seeking religious freedom. The settlement later became a haven for British Loyalists fleeing the American Revolutionary War, who brought skilled craftsmanship and architectural traditions from the American South and British colonies.
Lord Dunmore, former Governor of Virginia who fled during the Revolutionary War, was responsible for the town's methodical grid system of streets, unusual for Caribbean settlements of that era. The colonial houses lining these streets were primarily built in the late 1700s and 1800s from Abaco pine and local limestone, and many have been meticulously preserved or restored.
Architectural Treasures
The town's architectural gems include St. John's Anglican Church, built in 1768 and standing as one of the oldest functioning religious institutions in the Bahamas. Its traditional English architecture and tranquil interior offer a quiet refuge from the tropical sun.
The Hill Steps, stone staircases cut by early inhabitants, provide pathways through the settlement's gentle elevation changes. The Loyalist Cottage, though privately owned and viewable only from the street, represents the quintessential Dunmore Town residence with its white picket fence and blooming bougainvillea. These structures collectively earned Dunmore Town recognition as one of the Caribbean's most charming settlements.
Pink Sands and Island Life
Pink Sands Beach stretches for three miles along Harbour Island's eastern shore, its distinctive blush tint created by microscopic coral insects called foraminifera. This legendary beach, consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful, lies just a short walk from Dunmore Town's historic streets.
The Lone Tree, a massive piece of driftwood deposited by Hurricane Andrew in 1992, has become a beloved photo subject on Pink Sands Beach. For shopping, the Straw Market offers handwoven Bahamian crafts, while boutiques along Bay Street sell resort wear and local art. Golf carts serve as the primary transport, adding to the island's relaxed atmosphere.
Getting there
Harbour Island is accessed via water taxi from North Eleuthera. Fly into North Eleuthera Airport, then take a taxi to the government dock at Three Island Dock or Jean's Bay. Water taxis run frequently throughout the day, with the crossing taking approximately 10 minutes. Once on Harbour Island, Dunmore Town is immediately accessible on foot, and golf carts can be rented for island exploration. Private boat charters also serve Harbour Island from Nassau and other Bahamas destinations.
Frequently asked questions
- Why is Dunmore Town called Dunmore Town?
- The town was named for Lord Dunmore, the Royal Governor of the Bahamas from 1787 to 1796. He was the former Governor of Virginia who fled during the American Revolutionary War and was instrumental in planning the town's grid street system.
- How do I get from Dunmore Town to Pink Sands Beach?
- Pink Sands Beach is just a short walk from anywhere in Dunmore Town. Several lanes and pathways provide direct access to the beach. The walk typically takes 5 minutes or less from the town center.
- Can I drive a regular car on Harbour Island?
- Most transportation on Harbour Island is by golf cart, bicycle, or on foot. While some vehicles exist, golf carts are the primary mode of transport and are available for rental throughout Dunmore Town. This contributes to the island's relaxed, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.