Dream House | A pondside gem in Treasure Beach
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This house sits by the breathtaking Great Pedro Pond, with the picturesque Santa Cruz Mountains as a backdrop. Photo - Contributed
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This house sits by the breathtaking Great Pedro Pond, with the picturesque Santa Cruz Mountains as a backdrop. Photo - Contributed
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The comfort of a 50-foot verandah overlooking the wetlands. Photo - Contributed
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A bedroom without clutter, designed to create a peaceful sleeping environment. Photo - Contributed
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The pool overlooking the pond features a built-in lounging platform. Photo - Contributed
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A contemporary bathroom setting. Photo - Contributed
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Ian Banks enjoying his home. Photo - Contributed
Ian Banks, a former commercial farmer and the current general manager of Prospect Estate in St Mary, met his wife, Ked, 15 years ago in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth.
Some eight years later, while driving through the Old Wharf area of Treasure Beach, they stumbled upon an underdeveloped, overgrown plot of land with a ‘For Sale’ sign on it. Without a second thought, they purchased it because Mrs Banks “felt the spirit of the property speaking to her”.
The Banks spent seven months bringing the home to life, completing construction in 2020. The house embodies simplicity, far removed from bold lines and extravagant ornamentation, with modest wood furnishings and no clutter. All elements were deliberately conceived and executed, demonstrating the profound beauty of simplicity.
The house sits by the breathtaking Great Pedro Pond, with the Santa Cruz Mountains as a picturesque backdrop. Built of concrete and clad entirely in wood, the house has a rustic appearance, with cut-stone work wrapping its entire base.
The truly stunning home is on a sloping three-quarter-acre, with the grounds groomed to perfection. An infinity-edge swimming pool overlooking the pond, complete with a built-in shallow platform for chaise loungers (known as a sun shelf), is an enticing feature. The beach is a short walk away for frolicking and swimming.
The interior is tranquil and relaxing, a sentiment shared by first-time visitors and the owners alike. The agreeable 1,700-square-foot space includes three restful bedrooms and three bathrooms, combining the living and dining areas with a kitchen featuring a mahogany island – all leading out to the 50-foot wetland-viewing verandah, sitting atop a concealed 14,000-gallon water tank.
Ceramic tiles run throughout, complemented by high ceilings and walls painted a warm, soft off-white, with hints of peach-pink and yellow.
The trouble with homes in such idyllic settings? Invited guests find every excuse not to leave!
Barry Rattray is a dream house designer and builder. Email feedback to barryrattray1@hotmail.com and lifestyle@gleanerjm.com.