State House, Presidential residence in Moka, Mauritius
The State House in Moka is a residence set on extensive grounds featuring gardens filled with flowering plants and mature trees. The property spans about 97 hectares near the University of Mauritius and includes ornamental lakes and landscaped green spaces.
The estate was originally constructed in 1749 by Pierre Felix Barthelemy David as a fortified structure during French colonial times. Its function evolved from a military defensive position into an administrative center for the state.
The garden lake known as Bout du Monde carries a name rooted in local history and reflects the estate's French colonial past. Walking through the gardens, you notice how this name connects the landscape to the stories of those who shaped it.
The grounds are accessible with clear pathways through the gardens for visitors to explore. You should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection since much of the visit involves time outdoors among the plantings.
The building still retains visible defensive features such as bastions and a drawbridge mechanism from its days as a fortress. These elements remind visitors of the military past and show how the original design coexists with modern administrative use.
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