Steppa Villa, Minimalist Tropical Living
Calabash, Jamaica’s biennial three-day literary festival was held this year, May 23-25, placing the spotlight firmly on Treasure Beach, Saint Elizabeth. What many have discovered, SO included, is that decades after the late chef and hotelier Alex Wichterich and advertising guru and one of the region’s leading watercolour artists Patrick Waldemar elevated the narrative around rustic chic, the quest continues.
Enter: Jodi and James Godfrey and Kotch, a small collection of villas.
SO checks into Steppa Villa.
Architect: Samantha Gore
Steppa Villa was designed by Jamaican-born architect Samantha Gore, who spent three decades in Los Angeles before returning to her island roots. Her collaboration with owners James and Jodi Godfrey brought to life a vision of minimalist tropical living that harmonises with Treasure Beach’s natural surroundings.
Homeowners: Jodi and James Godfrey
Kotch, a small collection of villas, was born from James and Jodi’s deep love for Treasure Beach and a desire to share its magic through thoughtful, design-forward stays. What began as their retreat, has evolved into an enclave that reflects their passion for simplicity, natural beauty, and soulful living. From the beginning, they’ve been committed to community tourism — collaborating with local artisans, builders, chefs, and guides to ensure every guest experience supports and uplifts the people who make this place special. Over the years, Kotch has grown beyond just accommodations; it’s become a way of life rooted in connection, creativity, and care.
Design Philosophy
The design of Steppa Villa embodies a simple tropical modern aesthetic on a dramatic beachfront landscape. The villa features organically shaped, adobe-style white concrete walls that meander throughout, creating a calm and airy ambiance in each room. Sculpted white staircases and rounded curved walls allow ocean breezes to flow through the indoor and outdoor spaces. Materials like irregularly cut limestone, red Jamaican clay tiles, and wooden pergolas contribute to the villa’s integration with its vibrant natural surroundings.
The architectural approach emphasises seamless indoor-outdoor living, with louvred doors and windows that let the outside in, reflecting Jamaica’s south coast’s authentic, soul-stirring energy. This design philosophy aligns with the Kotch Collection’s commitment to creating spaces that offer unpretentious luxury, surrounded by nature and pastoral views.
Steppa Villa’s Panorama principal bedroom Corey Hamilton
The Panorama principal bedroom at Steppa is elevated by minimalist design and panoramic sea views. Framed by wide windows on either side, the space features custom built-ins, locally sourced finishes, and a built-in seating nook. Its tiered layout and soft natural light create a serene, gallery-like atmosphere.Corey Hamilton
The Panorama bedroom at Steppa. The room is named for its sweeping views of the sea and surrounding landscape, visible through wide wooden-framed windows and double doors that open onto a private plunge pool terrace.Corey Hamilton
Steppa Villa’s pool area Corey Hamilton
The living room at Steppa opens fully to the sea, blending indoor comfort with the natural beauty of the coastline. Thoughtfully furnished with locally crafted pieces, this space invites relaxation, reading, and long, breezy conversations.Corey Hamilton
Steppa Villa’s living roomCorey Hamilton
The front-facing view of Steppa features a tiered layout leading from the main entry down to the pool deck. Built-in concrete seating with bright cushions adds a playful pop of colour to the clean, minimalist design.Corey Hamilton
The poolside lounge at Steppa opens directly onto the sea, offering uninterrupted views and the soothing sound of waves. With handcrafted Jamaican wooden furniture, a shaded pergola, and sun loungers by the water’s edge, this space is designed for relaxed, coastal living.Corey Hamilton
This is the Vista bedroom at Steppa, named for its expansive sea views. Large windows and doors open to a private balcony, allowing natural light and coastal breezes to fill the space. The room features simple, earthy furnishings that reflect the villa’s quiet elegance.Corey Hamilton
A night time view of Steppa, softly lit to highlight the villa’s natural textures and organic design. The architecture wraps around a central courtyard shaded by a lignum vitae tree, with direct access to bedrooms, lounge areas, and the pool deck — all designed to blur the line between indoor and outdoor living.Corey Hamilton
This wide-angle view shows the Panorama bedroom terrace at Steppa. The multi-level design includes a private plunge pool, built-in bench seating, and a brick sun deck with uninterrupted views of the Caribbean Sea. Just behind the room, the mountains rise, completing the panoramic experience that gives the suite its name.Corey Hamilton
This is the sea view from the principal bedroom at Steppa, known as the Panorama. The room gets its name from the panoramic views it offers — overlooking both the sea and the mountains in the distance.Corey Hamilton
A full view of Steppa’s pool and main outdoor living, where stonework, natural wood, and organic architecture meet. The covered outdoor living area is anchored by a mature acacia tree and handcrafted accents, offering a breezy, shaded space that flows directly into the pool deck and built-in seating lounge.Corey Hamilton
This shows the outdoor living spaces, framed by a mature acacia tree. The design flows seamlessly between indoor and outdoor living, with handcrafted wood doors and woven pendant lights adding warmth to the clean, coastal lines. Corey Hamilton
This is the outdoor living area at Steppa. The wooden sculpture mounted on the wall is a solid wood carving by a local artisan from Treasure Beach. Corey Hamilton
Steppa’s breezy dining nook features a hand-carved tree stump table, woven rattan chairs, and a built-in concrete bench with cheerful yellow cushions. Surrounded by natural textures and open-air flow, it’s an inviting space for casual meals and conversation. Corey Hamilton
The entrance at Steppa Villa opens directly to the sea, framed by tropical blooms and clean-lined architecture.Brie Williams
The breakfast nook at Steppa Villa features built-in seating, a solid wood table, and a mix of natural textures — designed for simple, shared moments.Brie Williams
A view of Steppa from the entrance courtyard, where clean lines, desert-style landscaping, and a striking wooden door set the tone for the villa’s minimalist tropical design. The solar water heater and native plants reflect Kotch’s quiet commitment to sustainability and connection to place.Brie Williams
