Cooper's Castle is among the most iconic sites on Grand Bahama and is set on one of the highest points on the island. Take a tour of this fascinating estate, discover the rags-to-riches story of its owner and enjoy dramatic views over the island from its second-floor balcony.

Admire the castle’s grand blue-and-white exterior, designed to resemble a European medieval castle. Built in the 1980s, the castle is the residence of local businessman Havard Cooper. Towering over the southern side of the island, the building stands four stories high and sits on 46 acres (19 hectares) of land. The property also encompasses a pretty orange grove as well as an elegant mausoleum where Cooper’s late wife Doris Minette is interred.

Look at the castle from the nearby roadside. With advanced arrangement, you can also take a guided tour inside the building. The castle has been partially opened to tour groups since 2014 and also regularly hosts weddings, parties and other events. Tours last for 45 minutes and offer visitors a rare glimpse of the castle’s interior rooms.

Learn about the life of the castle’s famous owner as you explore with your guide. A native of Grand Bahama, Cooper is said to have been so poor when he was a child that he had only one pair of pants. An ordained minister and published author, Cooper gained success over the years by helping to bring franchises like Burger King, Pizza Hut, KFC and Pollo Tropical to the island. His story of success is much loved by locals and his castle is viewed as a symbol of the wonderful achievements that people can make through hard work.

Follow your tour guide through the building’s lower-level foyer and up to the second-floor balcony. Bring your camera to take a few photos of the view from the balcony, which overlooks the entire island and extends outward across the Atlantic Ocean. Cooper's Castle is located in Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. Get here by taxi or car.