Devon House

Michael Thompson

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

LOCATED in Kingston Jamaica, Devon House is one of Jamaica's most celebrated landmarks on the Island for centuries. Built in the 19th century, the Mansion is the architectural dream of Jamaica's first black millionaire, George Stiebel.

Stiebel's legacy lives on with the beautifully maintained Devon House, which was declared a national monument in 1990 by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust. It is a great place for families and friends to meet and socialise over lunch or dinner. There is so much to this property and it's not only a favourite for the working class, but also for business functions, weddings and other events.

In addition to the main building, there are outer buildings, which are older than the main structure containing some of the finest ovens and other brick works of the period. Officially opened on January 23, 1968, this national monument has grown on the hearts of many a Jamaican. At the heart of the mansion is its museum, which displays its great design and architecture. George Stiebel, Jamaica's first black millionaire, had it built around 1881 and resided there until he died in 1896.

The mansion is also known for its art, crafts, great food and not to mention the world-class Devon House ice-cream. The arts and crafts make good gifts for those who want to share the culture of Jamaica. Its transformed environs of the historic house museum, park, refreshment and shopping complex is aimed at helping render the restoration and preservation af a self-sustainable enterprise. Devon House stands a proud symbol of Jamaica's past.