Photos by Marlene McPherson
LEFT: Jimmy's house. RIGHT: A close-up of another section of the house.

Marlene McPherson, Outlook Writer

Jimmy Palmer's residence is away from the noise of vehicular traffic, located in Retreat, St. Thomas. This treasure of his is nestled between tall palm trees of over 40 years old and nature's generous offerings of indigenous plants, carefully manicured gardens overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

The undulating land gives different views and the setting is one of grandeur, greenery and the work of an inspired architect.

To enter his residence one must travel along asphalted road but after that stretch, be greeted by the gracefully laid-out lawn with its palm trees of various sizes.

The front lawn sits on all of 3/4 acres of land with the white house to be seen in the background. To the rear, the house appears to be in the centre of activities - the entire area boosting a tapestry of restful shades of green with a number of tropical crops like ackees, mangoes, breadfruit, avocado (pear), oranges, plums to name a few.

No wall, fences

Unlike many homes there is no wall or fences to detract from the scene. The maintenance of the lawns is closely monitored; every two weeks it is cut and the edges trimmed. This chore takes three days to be completed as the lawn is several times the size of the average lawns. During periods of drought provisions are made to use rain water from the tank.

Apart from this area used for wedding ceremonies, food production and its aesthetic beauty, Jimmy uses it as an exercise area.

"Without the lawn, I would not be living, most mornings I walk around the house and the lawn 15 times," he said.

The split-level house has six bedrooms and boasts marble walls and fixtures. The high ceiling is made of polymerised dressed pinewood which is polished on a yearly basis. It has a 20-foot sliding door and the louvre windows made from glass allow light and nature's picturesque view inside. Jimmy used a monochromatic theme that seems to enliven the dark furniture pieces.

Jimmy Palmer's purchase of this treasure in 1978 brings out aspect of his personality. He believes in freedom and space, order and beauty.