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Thomas on Islands | profile | all galleries >> Galleries >> Samoa: Villa Vailima (R.L.Stevenson's home) tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Samoa: Villa Vailima (R.L.Stevenson's home)

In my youth I red "Treasure Island" and "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" under the blankets, disobeying my parents orders to go to sleep. I'm sure you have similar memories!

Stevenson spend final part of his life in Samoa. Samoans called him "Tusitala" ("Teller of Tales") He died on 3rd December 1894, at the age of only 44 and was buried at the summit of Mount Vaea (475m/1558').

The present Villa has an additional wing constructed in the period of German Samoa 1889-1914, when the Villa served as a residence of governor Wolfgang Solf. In 1992, the Villa was seriously damaged by hurricane Val. After its reconstruction, the R.L.Stevenson Museum was opened in the Villa. Unfortunately, with the exception of 3 chairs, the interior contains only replicas.

From the grounds of the museum a path leads to the summit of Mount Vaea and the last resting place of Robert L. Stevenson. A magnificent view opens up from the summit at the Harbor of Apia and at several villages with their so typical Samoan Fales.

03-32-Entrance to the Museum
03-32-Entrance to the Museum		 03-31-Villa Vailima
03-31-Villa Vailima		 03-11-R.L.Stevenson Museum
03-11-R.L.Stevenson Museum		 03-12-The German Wing
03-12-The "German Wing"		 03-08-R.L.Stevenson Museum
03-08-R.L.Stevenson Museum
03-14-R.L.Stevenson Museum
03-14-R.L.Stevenson Museum		 03-15-R.L.Stevenson Museum
03-15-R.L.Stevenson Museum		 03-16-R.L.Stevenson Museum
03-16-R.L.Stevenson Museum		 03-17-The Tour Guide
03-17-The Tour Guide		 03-18-R.L.Stevenson Museum
03-18-R.L.Stevenson Museum
03-19-Rear side of the Villa Vailima
03-19-Rear side of the Villa Vailima		 03-21-Fale in Vailima's Garden
03-21-Fale in Vailima's Garden		 03-23-Path to the Summit of Mount Vaea
03-23-Path to the Summit of Mount Vaea		 03-24-Rainy outlook from Mount Vaea
03-24-Rainy outlook from Mount Vaea		 03-25-Outlook from Mount Vaea
03-25-Outlook from Mount Vaea
03-28-Samoan Life, Villages and Fales
03-28-Samoan Life, Villages and Fales		 03-27-Tomb of Robert L. Stevenson
03-27-Tomb of Robert L. Stevenson		 03-26-Harbor of Apia seen from Mount Vaea
03-26-Harbor of Apia seen from Mount Vaea		 03-29-Coast of Apia
03-29-Coast of Apia

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Guest 03-Jun-2014 17:01
I visited the museum in 2001wonderful what an experience to see where RLS lived and worked,it took my breath away, what a beautiful setting, a joy of life. Paul slater, uk.
Anne G. Wienen 20-Nov-2008 21:46
As I am just reading a biography of Fanny Vandegrift, RLS' wife, named Tamaitai, who was a very special and interesting woman - SHE did all the planning of Villa Vailima! So your photos are a big help for me, imagining their life on the island. The street leading to the house was the first street on Samoa, built out of gratitude by the native inhabitants. I wonder where the original furniture is now, because you say that the interior contains mostly only replicas.
I intend to visit the island myself as soon as possible, maybe next year already.

Thanks for the great photographs. It would be nice if one could decipher the writing on the side of the tomb! - GREETINGS FROM GERMANY! -
Rachael 09-Apr-2005 11:34
have been to samoa with my friend. he comes from vailima. such a beautiful place. great food, great people. thanks for your pictures - will enjoy showing them to my friend.
Thomas on Islands18-Dec-2004 02:35
Thanks for the lovely note, I met a lot of Australians on Samoa and on Fiji.
If I only had the time to publish the 200-400 images which I have from this trip...
I stayed at Aggie Grey’s Hotel (http://www.aggiegreys.com ) in one of these lovely
ground level fales.

I also toured Sawai'i and stayed there with Samoans on a private
invitation. These are very proud people, preserving so well their way of life.

Not so American Samoa, I am afraid. Pago Pago was almost depressing.
Kev & Bev Dunne 25-Apr-2004 05:04
Greetings from Sydney Australia,
We have both looked at the published photos on your site - well done,and thankyou!!

We are coming back to Samoa for the 5/6th time in June and plan to visit Vailima again.
Some time ago I bought a 1903 copy of "The Pocket R.L.S." a second edition, which we would like to donate to your collection.

Looking forward to our next visit,

Cheers,

Bev & Kev Dunne
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