Dream House | Hidden Hanover estate full of wonder

Neuroscientists have discovered for some time that the positive experience of being surprised has one of the greatest impacts on human emotion, appealing to the unexpected. Many of the houses in this architectural series have confounded us with sheer wonder and joy, and the one featured today puts us in that physiological state of freezing momentarily, eyes wide open and jaw dropped. But this place may just possibly be the surprise of surprises.

Its hidden location is in one of Jamaica’s most desirable and exclusive secured residential communities, 12 miles west of Montego Bay, in the parish of Hanover. The vast 2,200-acre, world-class property is mostly hillside, with its own private sandy beach, fronting one and a half miles of sea, and the Flint River – fed by mountain springs – flowing through.

Recapturing the past, we realise it was also the site of a coastal fort built for protection against pirates and Spanish or French invaders. The rich historic value continues with the lands once occupied by the Taino Indians, part of which served as their burial ground.

Now we come to the Old-World charm of a residence built in 2013, with both single and double-floor entry on a sloping lot. It is easily one of the more splendacious houses to host us. Here, you are in the lap of luxury, everywhere you turn. Elaborate, plush interior decoration (including engrossing wall art), accentuated by curated antique masterpieces and other locally sculpted furniture.

The superior finishes include lofty mahogany-beamed ceilings, decorative woodwork, and travertine (natural stone) tiled floors. French doors fold away completely to verandahs, open terraces, and balconies overlooking the sea and gorgeous lawn vistas. Bathroom marble vanities, claw-foot tubs, glass-door showers, and, believe it or not, copper vanity basins, make their presence felt, along with granite countertops in the one-of-a-kind island kitchen.

The mega-size spatial arrangement features six bedrooms with walk-in closets and en suite chandelier bathrooms. Sumptuous living and dining zones, an entertainment room with an attached bathroom, and a wet bar add to the conveniences. The property is also equipped with solar power and a generator.

The large, pleasure-giving saltwater pool is heated to your comfort level and surrounded by a spacious lounging deck. Another surprising characteristic of the residence is that it is also a bird-friendly habitat, with the flying creatures adding colour and melody to the environment.

“Surprise is the greatest gift which life can grant us.”

– Boris Pasternak, Russian-Soviet poet and composer

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