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 1972.
Sadly, the original wooden structure of the great house was destroyed by arson in 1990, but its legacy was revived in 1991 when Barry and Gillian Chambers took on the daunting task of rebuilding it. The reconstruction project, which took three years, was completed in 1994. The new two-story house, painted a vibrant blue, stands proudly on the original foundation, featuring thick walls that bear testament to its historical roots. Inside, the house boasts ten bedrooms, a spacious lobby, a living room, and a dining area, with stunning cream-colored wood floors reportedly sourced from a single tree.
The estate is set on 13 acres of land that was once part of the sprawling Crescent Estate. Visitors are treated to panoramic views of the valley filled with coconut trees and the distant Captain Kidd Peak, a historically significant lookout point used by the infamous pirate.
Dean Jones, founder of Jamaica Homes, had the pleasure of touring this great house and engaging in a lengthy conversation with the owner, Gillian Chambers. Despite the substantial rebuilding work, the house still retains its awe-inspiring charm. Gillian, along with her family, has gone to great lengths to restore elements of the house’s history, incorporating impressive artifacts that bring the building alive. The house itself is a true delight to walk through, with much of the restoration work being done by the owners themselves, showcasing their direct hands-on approach. The grounds surrounding the house are equally impressive, contributing to the serene and majestic atmosphere of the estate.
One of the most remarkable experiences was seeing the house from a different perspective using aerial photography, which provided a stunning view of the property and its surroundings. For those interested in learning more about Tamarind Great House and its rich history, Dean Jones is available for further insights and personal discussions.