Tamarind Great House, located near Oracabessa in Saint Mary Parish, Jamaica, is a historic estate with a rich and varied past. Originally built in 1711 by the Silveras family, who were Portuguese Jews fleeing European Inquisitions, the estate was a symbol of resilience and heritage. The Silveras family maintained ownership of the property for over 260 years before it was sold and subdivided in...
Minard and New Hope Estates, located in Brown's Town, St. Ann, are among the oldest and most historically significant estates in Jamaica. These estates gained international recognition due to the efforts of Dr. Thomas Lecky, who revolutionized livestock farming by developing new cattle breeds for Jamaican farmers. This innovation brought Minard and Jamaica to global attention, particularly in the...
Seville Great House, located in St. Ann, Jamaica, represents an important chapter in the island’s colonial history and architectural evolution. The estate emerged from the ruins of New Seville, the first Spanish capital in Jamaica, abandoned by the Spaniards after the British capture of the island in 1655. The property was allotted to Captain Hemmings, a British officer, and subsequently developed into...
Stokes Hall Great House, located in the parish of St. Thomas, Jamaica, holds a significant place in the island’s history. Built by Luke Stokes, the former Governor of Nevis, the property is situated on fertile land along the Plantain Garden River and Negro River delta, an area known for its agricultural potential due to the periodic flooding by the rivers, much like the Nile River in Egypt. Stokes was...
Thetford Great House, located in the parish of St. Catherine, Jamaica, has a rich historical background. Colonel Thomas Fuller was granted the Thetford estate as a reward for his role in the 1655 British capture of Jamaica. He and his wife, Catherine, later donated 30 acres of land from their estate to build St. Dorothy's Church, an important community landmark. Although the exact date of construction for...
Tryall Great House is located in the parish of Hanover, Jamaica, along the main road between Hopewell and Sandy Bay, right next to the famous Tryall Golf Course. The estate has a rich history, originally being a sugar plantation in the 19th century. Today, it’s a popular place for visitors to enjoy a golf course, tennis courts, and a beach club. Even though it's been modernized, there are still pieces...
Nestled in the heart of the Walkers Wood district in St. Ann, Bromley Great House stands as a testament to Jamaica’s rich colonial past. Dating back to the 18th century, this beautifully preserved house is a prime example of early Jamaican architecture. Built with a sturdy cut stone foundation and timber, the house features distinctive architectural elements that are characteristic of the...
Located in the parish of St. Mary, Brimmer Hall Great House is an important historical site that dates back to the 18th century, built during the era of slavery by the plantocracy. The house, a single-story structure, is designed to reflect the grandeur and practicality of plantation-era architecture. With high ceilings, polished wooden floors, and large glass louvre windows, it is an elegant...
Located in the parish of St. Ann, Bellevue Great House sits on land with deep historical significance. Archaeological evidence indicates that the property is located on two separate Taino sites, making it an area rich in indigenous history. In 1982, a remarkable discovery was made on the grounds: the only known gold artifact ever found in Jamaica. This gold disc, dating between AD 600-800, is...
Admiral Mountain Great House, located in St. Andrew, Jamaica, was once the residence of Admiral Peter Parker, head of the British fleet in the West Indies, in 1780. The property later served as the home for British Admirals stationed in Jamaica during the 18th and 19th centuries. One of the most famous figures to stay at Admiral Mountain was Admiral Horatio Nelson, Britain’s celebrated naval hero....