IN what appears to be the conclusion of its billion-dollar expansion project, the Chris Blackwell-owned Goldeneye resort will open an additional 26 new beach huts in April.

Operated by Chris Blackwell’s Island Outpost, Goldeneye is a beachfront estate in Oracabessa, St Mary. The estate is the former Jamaican vacation home of Ian Fleming, the British writer and creator of the James Bond classics.

Originally rolled out in 2009, the development plan for the resort was then priced in the region of $4 billion. The first phase of the project included 11 beachfront cottages and a new seaside restaurant, adding to a collection of five original villas built by Blackwell, which ranged from one- to three-bedroom units. The villas were also upgraded.

The latest additions to the property were designed by Jamaican architect Ann Hodges. The new cottages are free-standing, one- to two-bedroom beach huts described in a press release as being of “octagonal design” and including private veranda, oversized louvred windows, high ceilings, custom-designed Jamaican furniture and African fabrics.

The release said the new phase in Blackwell’s expansion of Goldeneye resort includes a new seaside bar, rooftop terrace, pool area, snorkeling cove and bayside beach, grill shack and drink stand.

Older cottages, at starting price of US$900,000 for the one-bedroom units, were placed on the market some three years ago.