Rose Hall residence restores its luxury appeal  

Not all dream houses that make a statement are ones we would want to call home. However, this one, with its appreciable curb appeal, harmonises traditional styling with modernist ideals. 

This house is one of timeless elegance, warm and welcoming, offering a true sense of belonging. It features commanding shingle hip roofs, arched openings, decorative mouldings around the windows, and glass-railed balconies off the living, dining, and sleeping areas. 

Free-flowing interior spaces with premium fixtures and fittings incorporate travertine and porcelain floor tiles and cherry hardwood floors. The island kitchen counters and the bathroom double vessel sink vanities are of granite. The huge 10-foot his-and-her walk-in rain showers accompany free-standing soaking tubs. 

Encompassing all of 8,000 square feet of inspirational sea, mountain, and golf course views, the space accommodates four bedrooms, all en suite, and a powder room. The basement unexpectedly parades a gym and a games room with a pool table. 

The outdoors on a sloping half-acre lot unfolds with a shimmering pool and its sun shelf offering a shallow lounging section. The elevated glass-railed pool deck is served by a gazebo-style grill and bar station. 

The residence, in a gated neighbourhood with a private beach club, is happily ensconced in the hills of Rose Hall, St James. Construction was executed in three years, beginning in 2018. 

Tragedy would befall this lovely home last year when Hurricane Melissa unleashed its wrath on it, causing widespread devastation. Taking an emotional toll on its owners, the house took months of restoration to bring it back to its past prominence. 

We thank Shanna, an executive marketeer, and her husband, Andre Thompson, involved in accounting and finance, for inviting us in. Born and raised on the island, the couple attended Georgia State University in Atlanta, USA.  

Destiny would bring them together at a party, with Andre smitten by her beauty, and Shanna, by his charm. They and their children are now back home in Jamaica, realising a dream of returning to build their country. 

Barry Rattray is a dream house designer and builder. Email feedback to barryrattray1@hotmail.com and lifestyle@gleanerjm.com