The house is a beautiful example of the opulence and grandeur of the sugar industry during the early 1900s, and the tour provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the wealthy sugar barons who once called the region home.
InBalay Negrense is a heritage house located in Silay City, Negros Occidental, Philippines. It is a window to the rich history of the province and a testament to the opulence of the sugar industry during the Spanish colonial period.
The house was built in 1897 by Victor Fernandez Gaston, a wealthy sugar baron. It was designed by a Spanish architect and constructed using local materials such as coral stones and hardwood. The house has 12 rooms, a spacious living room, a dining room, a kitchen, and a courtyard.
It also has a balcony that overlooks the street and a garden that showcases various plants and flowers.
Balay Negrense is a prime example of the bahay na bato or stone house architecture that was prevalent during the Spanish colonial period. The house has a ground floor made of coral stones and an upper floor made of hardwood. The walls are thick and the windows are large, allowing for natural ventilation and lighting. The house also has intricate carvings and details that reflect the wealth and status of its owner.
Today, Balay Negrense serves as a museum that showcases the lifestyle and culture of the sugar barons during the Spanish colonial period. The house is filled with antique furniture, paintings, photographs, and other artifacts that provide a glimpse into the past.
Visitors can also see the various rooms and areas of the house, including the bedrooms, kitchen, and dining room.
One of the highlights of the museum is balay negrense the collection of photographs that depict the life and times of the Gaston family. The photographs show the family members in various activities such as horseback riding, hunting, and social events. They also show the various workers and laborers who worked in the sugar plantations, providing a glimpse into the social hierarchy of the time.
Another interesting feature of Balay Negrense is the courtyard, which is surrounded by a gallery that leads to the various rooms of the house. The courtyard is filled with plants and flowers, providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere.