Thu | Dec 7, 2023

Waterfront cliff-side cottage in Negril

Published:Sunday | November 19, 2023 | 12:10 AM
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An artistically crafted bathroom, with a small skylight.
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An artistically crafted bathroom, with a small skylight.
The living and dining area leads to the outside seafront terrace.
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The living and dining area leads to the outside seafront terrace.
There’s nothing quite like a tree-shaded terrace, perfect for relaxation.
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There’s nothing quite like a tree-shaded terrace, perfect for relaxation.
A gravity-defying dining gazebo is delicately planted at the brink, surveying scenic water views.
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A gravity-defying dining gazebo is delicately planted at the brink, surveying scenic water views.
A dream living space that boldly dares to defy the conventional.
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A dream living space that boldly dares to defy the conventional.
Barry Rattray
Contributed
Barry Rattray
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Today, let’s escape to a simple, yet powerful environment, with a story that introduces us to this interesting personality. A Jamaican builder and hotelier found this undeveloped place in 1972 on the West End Road in Negril, Westmoreland. The land was previously owned by Dr Taylor, a Jamaican living in Canada.

The current owner of the property expressed a desire to liberate his wife and himself from the shackles of undesirable earthly concerns, such as those of St Andrew’s high society, which nauseated him with their pompous manners. He wished to also reside deep in nature’s embrace, away from the hustle and bustle, and the grind of daily city life, which would allow his family an unrestricted, peaceful and happy existence. The spiritual gentleman has nine children, five of whom he helped deliver at his home here in Negril.

The building which he built and designed truly reflects his vision, personality and philosophies. The architecture lives on-the-edge with cliff-hanger excitement, hovering over the water, capturing the most mind-boggling sunsets one will ever be a witness to in their lifetime.

The cliff-side adventurous landscape with its cove below has been skilfully sculptured by hand to create multi-level relaxation terraces, sundecks, staircases to sea for swimming and snorkelling via access ladders and diving platforms that are all deftly carved from stone. A gravity defying dining gazebo is delicately planted at the brink, surveying scenic water views along with two other thatched roofed gazebos.

The charming rustic cottage is designed for comfort and functionality, featuring fan-cooled bedrooms equipped with dining balconies, enclosed outdoor showers, and indoor rain-shower concrete tubs adorned with coloured glass pieces and glass skylights. The living, dining, and kitchen areas seamlessly connect, creating an inviting open space that extends to shaded viewing terraces.

The floors are a combination of stained concrete and tiles. The sea seemingly swims inside, especially in the bathrooms where bluish tones permeate, evoking a tranquil and oceanic atmosphere.

For a dream living space that boldly dares to defy the conventional, with its artistic appeal, we have no choice, but to include it in the Dream House series.

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