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As part of this tour, you’ll hop on a boat to the intersection of the Martha Brae River and the ocean. Some people choose to get into the glowing waters to experience this phenomenon from a closer perspective while others are perfectly satisfied taking things in from their comfy seat as part of a guided boat tour. The Blue Hole in Ocho Rios is one of Jamaica’s most spectacular attractions. This natural site is located in the mountains and just a glimpse of it feels like coming face to face with a true paradise. At Blue Hole, Jamaica, you’ll find freshwater pools, refreshing waterfalls, and rugged nature trails. It might take some walking before you get to the attractions here, but it’ll all be worth it if you’re looking for a nature-oriented experience.
A Unique Experience Awaits
This was a totally intentional choice by conceptualizers who, in 2017, made a conscious decision for Devon House to be a gastronomy center. In addition to touring the mansion, visitors can also enjoy some of Jamaica’s best ice cream at Devon House I Scream, located on the property. With flavors ranging from traditional rum and raisin to unique creations like guava and passionfruit, Devon House I Scream is a must-visit for any ice cream lover. The tree-shaded lawns of Devon House are very popular with Kingstonians. The popular former carriage house and courtyard are home to several shops – including Devon House I-Scream (tours include a free scoop).
Historical Charm, Culinary Delights & Plenty Of Shopping At Devon House In Jamaica!
Devon House was officially opened on January 23, 1968 and became an official National Monument by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust in 1990. Apart from its historical and cultural richness, it was deemed Jamaica’s first gastronomy centre by the Honourable Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism in 2017. Saved from the brink of destruction in 1965, the Devon House Mansion is the jewel in the crown of the Devon House Heritage Site grounds.
Grog Shoppe Restaurant
Having searched diligently for him, his father eventually found him working in a carpenter's yard. Incensed and frustrated, his father decided to apprentice the young man to a shipbuilder where he could learn the trade of a carpenter. At the end of his apprenticeship, he was to be given employment in his father's business. This would have been around 1835, a couple years after George's cousins, the Schloss brothers, had landed in Jamaica. It's not clear how long George's stint working there lasted but by 19, he was involved with the reconstruction of the Ferry Inn on Spanish Town road, a well known landmark between Kingston and Spanish Town.
Restaurants & Shops
Here you can find things like small-batch ackee butter, oxtail dip, local cured meats and chocolates at The Commissary, breezy cotton creations at Gimi Cool Cottons, and creatively designed sandals from D’Nex Step. There’s much more to explore in the Artisan Village near the entrance to the Devon House grounds. Designated as a gastronomy centre in 2017, the Devon House grounds are full of amazing eateries offering up everything from classic Jamaican dishes to a taste of Italy and France. Our bevy of unique shops is stocked with the finest locally-made jewellery, crafts and other artisan products.
George Stiebel
Born in the 1820s to a Jamaican housekeeper and a German Jew, George Siebel’s mixed ancestry brought him harsh treatment from his schoolmates. He left the classroom at the age of 14 to become a carpenter’s apprentice. At 19, Stiebel was instrumental in reconstructing the famous Ferry Inn, located between Kingston and Spanish Town, and in the 1840s, the young visionary entered the world of business.
Devon House Heritage Site
The purpose of visiting Devon House is to experience its historic ambiance and learn what makes it stand out. Inside the various rooms, you’ll notice that there's a mix of Jamaican and French antiques and some reproductions throughout the space. Take lots of pictures and ask questions along the way as your guide shares insightful tidbits about the house, as well as interesting facts about Jamaica.
Devon House Bakery
It is also unclear how long George remained in Venezuela but there are clues to make an estimate. We know he still had his ships and was actively trading in 1861 when he was briefly imprisoned in Santo Domingo, so it is a reasonable assumption that his time in Venezuela would have been no more than years. They were to set up a family business with trade links in Kingston, Bogota, Frankfurt, Manchester and London. They, like other Jews, served in the militia as proof that they had become devoted Englishmen.
Cultural Events and Festivals
Bigger Devon House I’Scream shop coming Business - Jamaica Gleaner
Bigger Devon House I’Scream shop coming Business.
Posted: Wed, 22 Jun 2016 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Using the Island Rituals line of products, made here in Jamaica, it’s a luxurious experience. You can indulge in a hot and cold stone massage, scalp, and neck massage and more. 600 acres of glebe were awarded to Reverend Zellers by King Charles II, of which Devon Penn was a part.
Cozy up to a cup of authentic Blue Mountain Coffee at Lemongrass Tea Room. There’s a small outdoor space in front of the café that’s a great place to kick back when the weather isn’t too hot. You can also take your coffee and sit on one of the many benches under the shade of sheltering trees.
This beautiful house overlooks the bustling grounds with fine eateries, eclectic shops, and a relaxing, lush park. In the following sections, I will take you on a comprehensive tour of Devon House, sharing my first-hand experiences and insights. You’ll learn its historical origins, uncover the cultural significance it holds for Jamaica, and explore the vibrant present-day attractions that grace its sprawling estate. From its colonial past to its role in contemporary Jamaican culture, Devon House is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
Devon House went through a series of buying, selling, subdividing and constructing to become the national treasure it is today. King Charles II awarded 600 acres of glebe (a piece of land belonging to a clergyman that provided income) to Rev Zellers, the glebe included the area ‘Devon Penn’. A Rectory (Church of England owned by a rector) was built on the Devon Penn by the St. Andrew Parish Church and was occupied by the Church’s rectors for the next 128 years. The rectory was then sold to Jamaica’s first black millionaire George Stiebel who built the Devon House Mansion. Stiebel then sold this mansion to Reginald Melhado, but only sold 11 of the 51 acres of the land, subdividing the remaining 40 acres to form the roadways Waterloo Road and Devon Road.
It was located to the back of the house in a separate building, as was the custom of the day. This was a common feature of the plantation houses of the era; a safety measure to mitigate the risk of fire in the main bulding, as well as reduce the heat. The inside is adorned with genuine antique pieces, authentic and reproduced Jamaican, British and French furnishings, as well as photos of the Stiebel family and distinguished visitors such the Royal family.
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