Sitting on 11 acres of property, located in the heart of the country’s capital, Kingston, is one of Jamaica’s finest and leading Heritage Sites.
This 127-year-old testimonial was built for Jamaica’s first black millionaire, Gorge Stiebel, the World Famous; Devon House!
Devon House is one of Jamaica’s most celebrated landmarks, due to its rich history and cultural diversity. It’s a Georgian style house that was built on a property once known as Devon Penn.
George Stiebel, the owner of the house, was the child of a German Jew and a Jamaican housekeeper. He was a carpenter, shipper and gun-runner. But he found his fortune in Venezuela after investing in a Gold mine.
This lovely property with its rich history is a lovely “meeting place” for thousands of visitors that come by. Its environment is calm, covered in lush green lawns, high rising palm trees, a water fountain and a beautiful array of flowers which provides an atmosphere that soothes the mind and soul.
It’s the perfect place to take your family and friends. Not to mention the wine and dine! Cobblestones and dinner under a mango tree lit by the stars, is one of the most talked about spots on the property. A wonderful singer and band, impeccable service… What more can you ask for?
Tours
The Mansion offers an “eye filling” tour which takes you through nine exquisite rooms. The Ballroom, Games Room, Dining Room, Palm Hall, Drawing Room, Sewing Room, Young Girl’s Room and Master Bedroom. On your way through, you will be greeted with a wonderful mixture of furniture.
The mansion is furnished with a collection of Jamaican, Caribbean, English and French antiques, and with some Jamaican reproductions. Many dub it as a “step back into the previous era”….. Exciting! The tour guides are well educated and the staff’s customer service is commendable.
Restaurants and Shopping
Devon House hosts a number of shops and dining places which appeal to the likes and interests of both local and international guests. Its number one stop is the Devon House I Scream which is known for its numerous flavours and is household name across Jamaica. Who can resist the delicious taste of ice cream? Who can possibly contest the variety of natural flavours of Devon House I Scream? They offer 27 flavours including Bordeaux Cherry, Rocky River, Strong Back, Devon Stout, Pistachio, Coconut Coffee and Soursop and a whole lot more!
“The Brick Oven” is well known for is bakery and pastries! Its Jamaican patty is to die for! Other famous dining spots include the “Gorge Shoppe”. It offers a combined menu of both local and international cuisine. “Norma’s on the Terrace”, is also found at Devon House. It is labeled as one of the top 60 new restaurants in the world by Conde Nast Travel Magazine (May, 2000).
The list of shopping experiences goes on and on. You can get from liquors to body oils and perfumes and art pieces. The stores await you!
Venue Rental
The mansion is capable of accommodating 250 guests. It can host Weddings, Fashion Shows, Showings, and various meetings from business to private.
Opening Hours
The Devon House Mansion is open for tours Mondays – Saturdays 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Special tour packages can be arranged through the property’s management office outside of the specified operating hours. Large tour groups (30 and over) are encouraged to make advance bookings with the Museum. All tours are estimated to last for a minimum of 20 minutes, and maximum 30 minutes.
What are you waiting for? A world of culture, history, Jamaican food and ice-cream awaits you at the Devon House Mansion.
(photo credits – insidejourneys.com)