Trinidad's Grand House Mystery Cache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(other)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
The Cache is NOT at the Posted Coordinates.
This is an easy puzzle for those cachers who would like to grab a Trinidad & Tobago puzzle cache. Official parking is available near the Posted Coordinates.
From the Posted Coordinates, you can look North across the street and see The Grand House pictured below. You may already know the name of this House, or you can visit the gardens and obtain the name from signage or folks who may be visiting the gardens.
To solve the Puzzle: Determine the 3rd or 7th letter (they are the same) of the current name of The XXX House. Convert that letter into a number using A=1, B=2, C=3….etc. Now add that number to BOTH the North and West Posted Coordinates to obtain the Coordinates for the Final cache.
Historical Information: The XXX House is one of the most gracious pieces of architecture to be found in the city of Port of Spain. Set back amidst the lush green foliage and colourful tropical plants of the Botanic Gardens, its elongated facade is a tasteful mix of neo-Renaissance archways and fine Victorian detail.
Built in 1876, the house stands on land that was once a part of the Peschier family's Paradise Estate. In 1818, Governor Sir Ralph Woodford purchased part of the estate to create the Savannah; a portion was also earmarked for the Botanic Gardens and the Governor's House.
The Great House on the estate was remodelled in 1819 and by 1820 the new house was built. This building was situated a little in front of the present site of what is now The XXX House and continued in use until 1867 when it was destroyed by fire, but re-erection was delayed by the Governor of the day.
During this period, 1867-1876, a building known as "The Cottage" was used as the Governor's Residence. This was formally the house of the estate manager. In July 1876, the foundation stone was laid for a new government house at St. Ann's on the present site. It continued to be the residence of the Governor of Trinidad and Tobago until 30th April 1958, when it became the residence of the Governor-General of the Federated West Indies, Lord Hailes.
The Federation came to an end on the 31st May 1962 when the building was vacated by the Governor-General who returned to England. Trinidad and Tobago attained Independence on 31st August 1962. On 4th September, the building was declared open as a Museum and Art Gallery by H.R.H. The Princess Royal.
On the 13th July 1960 Sir Solomon Hochoy was appointed the first local Governor of Trinidad and Tobago. In December 1965, Sir Solomon Hochoy moved back into the old stone mansion, which had been once more reconverted into the official residence. On his retirement in 1973 Sir Solomon Hochoy was succeeded by Sir Ellis Clarke as Governor-General. On the 1st August 1976, when Trinidad and Tobago became a Republic, (the occasion is annually observed on 24th September), the Governor-General's House was subsequently designated "The XXX House.”
Built on a super structure of iron and steel, the elegant stonework of the facade is local blue limestone from the Picadilly and Laventille quarries. The roofing is of Welsh Dutchess slates. The arched doorways and loggias are Italian in style, while the cast iron columns and filigreed railings offer examples of the finest Victoriana.
Inside, the house is spacious and dignified, with its red-carpeted Grand Staircase, the famous Long Room and Dining Hall, and the Great Hall or Sitting Room which is used for ceremonial occasions and which can seat over 200 persons. In addition to being a private residence, the House is used for swearing-in ceremonies, national awards ceremonies and diplomatic receptions. The XXX House is set at one end of the Botanic Gardens, facing the Savannah near the St. Ann's roundabout. The House is currently being refurbished.
The public has always had free access to these gardens, a privilege they continue to enjoy. We hope you enjoy your view and have some time to visit The House and its gardens.
NOTE: To cross the street from the posted coords to get to The XXX House, please walk west to the Hollows or Zoo area and cross there. It is much easier and safer.
You may check you answers using GeoCheck 
Small, actually really small, note on cache maintenance: There is a local cache guardian. Name and contact info on file with geocaching.com.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Zntargvp pnpur. Haqre gur fvyire fgehpgher ng TM, arne gur erne. Gvr lbhe fubrynprf...znxr gur dhvpx teno.
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
Loading Treasures