Folly Ruins: The Mitchell mansion at Folly Point near Port Antonio in Portland which was built at the turn of the 20th century. It is said that the structure began to crumble because seawater was used in its construction.

Gareth Davis, Contributor

The seventh annual Portland Jerk Festival will take place at the Folly Ruins in picturesque Portland this year. But do you remember why Folly got its name? Many stories have been told about Folly in Port Antonio, and how it got its name. The Folly mansion, for instance, was built in 1905 by an American millionaire, Alfred Mitchell, for his wife as a gift.

The popular myth suggests that the Folly mansion was built by Mitchell to impress his sweetheart, to convince her to move to Jamaica permanently with him. However, upon its completion, itwas realised that the cement used for the construction was mixed with seawater rather than fresh water.

It is believed that when the lady finally arrived in Portland, to view the spectacle, it was already crumbling. The story also said she reportedly exclaimed, "what folly!" She promptly went back to America, and never returned. It is believed that the Folly mansion was left to crumble.

Roman villa structure

But according to the real story, the mansion was built by Mitchell, for himself and his wife, Annie Tiffany, the Tiffany heiress. It had the design of a grand Roman villa structure with 60 rooms spread over two storeys.

The mansion was furnished with all sorts of the modern conveniences, including a wind-powered generator, which pumped seawater into an indoor swimming pool. The facility also had its own power station and supply, along with a water reservoir.

A variety of animals were kept as pets by the couple, including peacocks and monkeys. But as fate would have it, Mitchell died in 1911, leaving Annie, who remained at the mansion until the outbreak of World War I, when she returned to America.

Abandoned, the mansion, over time, it deteoriated and what remained was vandalised by the local people. The Folly Ruins, as it is now known, still manages to attract visitors. Even today, musicians, photographers and models use the site for fashion shoots, filming music videos, and relaxation.

Also in recent times the ruins have been used by honeymooners, as well as persons engaged in illicit sexual activities. Today it continues to be an alluring destination for those who prefer peace and tranquillity.