Tue | Nov 11, 2025

Dream House | Experienced civil engineer’s breathtaking fantasy villa

Published:Sunday | June 23, 2024 | 12:05 AMBarry Rattray - Contributed
Pause
It’s the out-of-this-world location, not the architecture or the interior décor, that makes you fall in love with this villa.
Contributed
It’s the out-of-this-world location, not the architecture or the interior décor, that makes you fall in love with this villa.
A bedroom that has you sleeping with the breaking waves on the shore.
Contributed
A bedroom that has you sleeping with the breaking waves on the shore.
This is living in total bliss, where indoors and outdoors hug each other and never let go.
Contributed
This is living in total bliss, where indoors and outdoors hug each other and never let go.
Your own private, custom-built movie theatre.
Contributed
Your own private, custom-built movie theatre.
Nothing quite beats showering outside in a privately screened area, open to the heavens above.
Contributed
Nothing quite beats showering outside in a privately screened area, open to the heavens above.
1
2
3
4
5

He was born in Spain and pursued civil engineering at the University of Granada. After years of constructing fancy hotels and ultra-luxurious homes in his home country, this 52-year-old would be brought to Jamaica in 2010 to preside over the construction of the AAA Four Diamond, 700-room, Secrets Resort, in Montego Bay.

Construction over, he was torn between staying and living permanently on the island, or returning to Spain. The gentleman saw lucrative business opportunities here, loved sailing our irresistible waters, and, not least of all, was moved by the spirit of the populace. He unequivocally chose to remain, visiting his native country twice yearly.

The civil engineer, with a sense of humour, would go on to set up and own one of the island’s primary construction companies, with clients including many of the leading all-inclusive hotels, e.g. Sandals, Grand Palladium, Hyatt, Azul, and Iberostar. Also, Hospiten Hospital, Coral Cliff Gaming Lounge and deluxe villas.

All this wealth of exposure and experience in building has gifted him with the expertise and commitment to excellence in producing his very own dream villa in Discovery Bay, St Ann.

What is quite obvious with this property on the water, and so many others across the island, from mountain to seafront, is that it’s their out-of-this-world natural location – not the architecture or interior décor, no matter how beautifully executed – that makes you fall instantly in love with the place. Nature is a far superior designer!

The original bungalow house was in horrific condition when purchased four years ago, and, with considerable renovation after one year, its transformative blueprint of 4,000 square feet now brags seafront and garden viewing verandahs and timber decks extending from four bedrooms (one detached), with en suite bathrooms; joining porcelain tiled, off-white, open-plan living, dining, and quartz embellished kitchen areas. A wet bar and powder room serve their purpose, along with a custom-built movie theatre with an 85-inch screen.

A humongous infinity edge pool with an in-pool, lounger tanning shelf, is railed in solid glass, fronting the shoreline! An inseparable wet bar and grill add to the outdoor enchantment.

I repeat this quote, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away” (Maya Angelou). You will encounter many such moments here.

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