Villa Corrie

A Building with a Rich History
Welcome to Villa Corrie, located at # 1 Oude Hofstraat (A132a), one of the oldest urban properties in
Paramaribo. The origins of this site date back to the slavery era and possibly even earlier. Historical
records suggest that a building already existed on this property during the early nineteenth century.
The property formed part of the urban ownership structures of colonial Suriname, a period during
which domestic slavery was an integral part of daily life. Villa Corrie therefore represents not only
architectural heritage, but also an important chapter in the social and cultural history of Paramaribo.

The Legendary Water Well
Directly opposite Villa Corrie stands a remarkable historic landmark: the legendary well known as
‘The Well That Never Runs Dry.’ For generations, this well served as a gathering place where
residents exchanged news, stories, and community affairs. During and after the slavery period, it
remained an important social meeting point.
A memorial marker in the street today commemorates the historical significance of this special
location.

Ownership Through the Years
Although the property is much older, it was formally re-registered in the modern Mortgage Registry
in 1901. Augusta Amalia Poronel was therefore not the first owner of the property, but the first
owner recorded in the modern registration system.
• Augusta Amalia Poronel – 21 December 1901
• Abrahams Fernandes – 20 January 1926
• Juliana Elisabeth Lew-Jen-Tai – 4 April 1956
• Patrice Jacques Sang A Jang – 18 January 1962
• Makkoe Toerisme N.V. – 21 December 2011
• Cornella Buela Seconda Culley – 24 June 2015

Preserving Heritage for Future Generations
Villa Corrie serves as a tangible link between Suriname’s colonial past, the post-emancipation era,
and present-day Paramaribo. The building and its surroundings remind visitors of the many people
who lived, worked, and gathered here over the centuries. By preserving this site, an important part
of Suriname’s cultural and historical heritage is passed on to future generations.