Great River House - featured in 'Caribbean Travel and Life' and selected one of Luxury Retreats favorite Jamaican villas; Great River House tops the luxury list for privacy & exceptional staff!

 

Set on over four acres of rolling lawns, the house commands sweeping views of the sea with included amenities of an exclusive private retreat. The property features citrus, mango and pimento trees with flowering plants and royal palms gently lit at night to create a stunning environment! The entire property is fenced with wrought iron gates ensuring complete privacy. Outdoor play areas include the hard surface north/south tennis court with wind screen, grassy areas for practicing putting and long drives and badminton and croquet equipment supplied for entertainment. Tree swings for children with a fire pit for marshmallow roasting add extra fun as does the green parrot 'Survivor'. Fresh herbs, island fruits and flowers are yours for the picking.

 

Designed in 1956, for a member of the DuPont family, Great River House's total renovation by modernist architect Tom Reed combines elegant ambiance, stunning expanse, state of the art technology (including Wi-Fi, IPod connections and cable TV) with the natural setting. The 7,500 square foot home is filled with island crafted mahogany furniture preserving the old Jamaican great house tradition yet incorporating modern fabrics, Kohler-designed en-suite bathrooms complete with water tiles, a chef's kitchen[including on staff private chef and butler] and an expansive Entertainment/Library/Game room [ 32' flat screen TV and DVD] all opening to the tropical property.

 

Candlelight dinners created by 'the finest chef on the North Shore' {state Carlos and Debbie Nieto, owners & house guests from the number 1 rated Zagat Restaurant in Chicago} are served in a formal (air conditioned) dining room or more casually under the stars on the expansive stone deck with lanterns and space for reggae lessons, all surrounding the extraordinary serpentine salt water infinity pool. As you enter, the villa opens to a large living room with views through to the Caribbean leading to an extensive covered veranda focusing on indoor/outdoor living, so much a part of Jamaican life. The new salt water pool with waterfall, fountain and children's area is but two steps down from the living area and is surrounded by a 2,400 square foot stone deck with nooks and crannies for relaxing and privacy. The pool may be heated at your request for a charge of $350/week; one of a handful where heat is available on the North Shore!

 

A flower filled side courtyard with outdoor shower offers a retreat for relaxing and rejuvenating spa treatments. Throughout the day and evening the Great River valley breezes and trade winds create a gentle, environment. At night watch the twinkling lights of cruise ships and fishermen's lanterns or study the stars through the house telescope as you listen to the tree frogs and enjoy the jasmine scented air. Savor morning coffee and banana bread as the sun peeks through lush foliage.

 

Combining tradition and innovation each of the five bedrooms and en-suite baths is filled with custom made island furniture accented with well known designer fabrics, fluffy towels, your choice of feather or hypoallergenic pillows as well as fine linens, good sized closets and chests for clothes. Four bedrooms radiate from the living areas of the house. The fifth bedroom and bath has its own low-walled terrace complete with seating and access to the tennis court and expansive gardens on the lower level near the entertainment/ games area and powder room. Configurations of the bedrooms include king beds in three with the remaining two having twins which may be combined into kings. A pull out twin sleeper/sofa is available in one of the bedrooms.

 

Great River Estate is eight miles west of Montego Bay International Airport. Conveniently located only a few minutes away from Round Hill, the North Shore's most elegant hotel and four miles from Tryall Club with its internationally acclaimed 18 hole championship golf course. Great River Estate is a private community of some twenty villas built on a hill along the Great River overlooking the Caribbean Sea with 24 hour manned security as you enter the community.

 

A friendly, professional staff of six [chef, concierge/butler, housekeeping maids, gardener and night manager] will greet you and help you quickly acclimate to your new home, create personalized menus, arrange tee times at the exclusive White Witch and Cinnamon Hill golf courses and coordinate travel needs to Round Hill, Tryall, Montego Bay and any other island destination you may desire. Custom menus include freshly caught fish & lobster from the local fishermen, famous jerk style barbeque cooked on the homes own jerk drum and the freshest of local fruits and vegetables. The gourmet skilled chef cooks for your delight while the butler makes dining a memorable and entertaining experience with dance lessons included!

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