Landhuis Chobolobo
Curacao
Landhuis Chobolobo is an 18th-century plantation house located in Willemstad, Curaçao, now serving as the distillery for Senior & Co's renowned Curaçao Liqueur. Originally built as a country residence for wealthy merchants, the landhuis features a distinctive two-story structure with a square lower level and an L-shaped upper floor crowned by a gabled roof with black tiles. It stands on land that was once a salt plantation. In 1947, Senior & Co acquired the property to house their distillery, which produces the genuine Curaçao liqueur made exclusively from the native laraha bitter orange peels. The distillery offers guided tours that explore the rich history and craftsmanship behind the blue and orange Curaçao liqueurs, including tasting experiences and cocktail refreshments. In 2014, the site was restored to include a museum and information center within the old storage sheds, alongside a café behind the landhuis. This unique combination of historical architecture and cultural heritage makes Landhuis Chobolobo a must-visit attraction on the island.
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Tip: The best time to visit is during the guided tours which last about 60 minutes, available daily with options for standard or deluxe experiences. Visitors are advised to book tickets in advance, especially for the cocktail workshops. Local residents can enjoy discounted rates by presenting valid ID. Children under 13 can join tours for free, while alcoholic beverages are served only to guests 18 and older. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour starts to ensure a smooth check-in.
Interesting facts
- •Landhuis Chobolobo is the only distillery that uses the native laraha bitter orange from Curaçao to produce genuine Curaçao liqueur.
- •The blue coloring of blue Curaçao liqueur was added historically to give an exotic appearance to cocktails, despite the liqueur being naturally colorless.
- •The liqueur produced here has been referenced in literature as early as the mid-19th century, notably in William Makepeace Thackeray's Vanity Fair.
- •The distillation process uses a 120-year-old copper still, highlighting the blend of tradition and craftsmanship.
History
Landhuis Chobolobo was constructed in the 18th century as a country house for affluent merchants on what was originally a salt plantation.
In 1776, it was owned by Anna Mattheeuw, a free mulatto woman, and was then known as Sebollobo, a name with indigenous roots that evolved into Chobolobo.
In 1947, the Senior & Co family purchased the property to establish their distillery for the authentic Curaçao liqueur made from the laraha fruit native to the island.
The distillery has since operated at this site, preserving the landhuis's original architectural features while adapting it for production and tourism.
A restoration in 2014 enhanced the site with a museum and visitor center, further cementing its cultural significance.
Place Guide
The Distillery Floor18th century
Explore the heart of the production process where the laraha peels are soaked, spiced, and distilled using traditional methods in a historic copper still.
Museum and Information Center2014 (restoration)
Located in the restored old storage sheds, this museum showcases the history of Curaçao liqueur, the Senior & Co family legacy, and the cultural significance of the laraha fruit.
Landhuis Architecture18th century
The plantation house itself features a distinctive two-story design with a square lower floor and an L-shaped upper floor, topped by a black-tiled gabled roof and a lean-to kitchen roof in the missing corner.
Café behind the Landhuis
A relaxed spot behind the distillery where visitors can enjoy cocktails made from the famous Curaçao liqueur and other refreshments.
Contact
Phone: 9 461 3526
