Dream House | Bengal Beach Beauty: A childhood dream restored

A beachfront home is considered worldwide as the most romantic, intriguing and restful place to call home, and this one, occupying part of Bengal Beach, in Rio Bueno, near the border of Trelawny and St Ann, overwhelms with beauty beyond measure.

The story of this beach house begins with its plans being approved and construction being completed in 1969. The current owner, as a little girl, used to play on this property (owned by her mother’s best friend) and ride horses on the beach.

Years later, she and her husband would try in vain to purchase the waterfront home of treasured childhood memories. They are both farmers who raise beef cattle and breed champion thoroughbreds for horse racing. Squatters had also assumed control, sadly reducing the place to a severe state of disrepair. But worse was still to come: a fire had taken its toll, leaving it in ruin.

It was only then that it became available for sale, and in 2006, the lady got the surprise of her life when her husband handed over the title to her as a birthday present. He had bought it without her knowledge. Reconstruction took one year.

Upon arrival, the picture-perfect beachfront lawn stretches to the sandy shoreline, with mountains in full view. You will gravitate to a crystalline swimming pool and a gazebo, both waiting for you to immerse yourselves. Allamanda, plumbago, orchids and palms all thrive well here in the surrounding garden.

An entrance way directs you to porcelain-tiled living and dining rooms, with glass doors opening to a stone-columned chill-out verandah and a trellised patio. The quartz stone counter kitchen, with cedar, floor-to-ceiling-height cabinets, a carport and staff live-in quarters are included.

The five incredibly comfortable bedrooms (with private balconies, patios, and their own bathroom) encourage sleep without delay. The principal bathroom is outfitted with a double-sink vanity and a walk-in rain shower behind fixed glass.

The top floor features a games/TV room with a pool table, its bamboo flooring lending a distinctive touch. A sixth bathroom resides downstairs.

The child-friendly, 5,400-square-foot paradisiacal home, with its carefree vibe on three-quarters-of-an-acre is partially constructed in warm-toned wood. It is fully solar-powered.

This house and its communion with the sea refresh the human spirit. In the words of Plato, the Greek philosopher, “The sea cures all ailments of man”.

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