Real estate developer’s ‘labour of love’ promises to redefine luxury living
Published:Monday | July 1, 2024 | 12:08 AMAinsley Walters/Gleaner Writer
Luxury speaks for itself. Not quite so, says Alex Issa, founder and CEO, Issa Homes, which has three developments under way, each designed to set new benchmarks, transcending the traditional definition of luxury living.
Harmony Retreat and Sierra Luxury Homes in upscale St Andrew, Corporate Area developments described by Issa as “different locations but beautiful in their own way”, along with Cascade Residencies in idyllic Negril, are being eagerly awaited by buyers with a “discerning eye for exclusivity and privacy”, tenets which really define luxury, the developer added.
“That word, luxury, is being used too loosely,” Issa pointed out. “Part of luxury comes from the ability to have peace and quiet without being crowded in a complex, not to overbuild on the land, but keep a lot of green spaces, landscaping and tropical lushness.”
Pointing to Sierra as “a labour of love” in Hermitage, Stony Hill, Issa said the area, with its tropical foliage, is “making a comeback to its glory days of the ’50s and ’60s”.
Gabrielle Gilpin-Hudson, whose brokerage, Nautilus Properties, shares Sierra’s listing with Sotheby’s Jamaica International Realty, detailed the development.
“Sierra is a private four-villa development of stand-alone homes, sharing no walls with neighbours.
There are only three units for sale at approximately 4,000 square feet each consisting of four bedrooms with en-suite bathroom, balconies and patios, powder room, laundry room and staff accommodations (bed and bath),” said the realtor.
Sierra’s other amenities include 24-hour security, back-up generator, covered double carport, outdoor barbecue grill and plunge pool,” Gilpin-Hudson pointed out, adding appliances are included in the listed price – refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer/dryer, and air-conditioning.
Sierra should break ground by the end of summer, eyeing a December 2025 completion, listed price being US$1.95m (subject to escalation).
“Sierra is on a hilltop with a 360-degree view. On one side is the city and Kingston harbour. On the other side is a breathtaking view of the valley. When you go to Sierra, it almost feels like you are in another world,” Issa said.
“No matter where you turn, you’re getting a view from every angle – that’s the very unique feature of Sierra. The climate is cool and refreshing, especially with the heat we are enduring on the flat.”
Stony Hill renaissance
Noting that the road leading to Sierra was recently paved, Issa pointed to a building renaissance in Stony Hill, which is only a 10-minute drive from Manor Park.
“Manor Park is nearby with schools, shopping plazas and access to restaurants. It’s an enjoyable drive to and from, almost magical with the foliage. It’s an experience living up there with general facilities still nearby. It’s the best of both worlds.”
Whereas Sierra, as the mountainous name implies, is set high in the hills of St Andrew, Harmony Retreat is located in the prized Golden Triangle, at the corner of Retreat and Seymour avenues.
Harmony Retreat townhouses are expected to offer approximately 3,500 square feet, three bedrooms, open-plan living with smarthome features.
Meanwhile, Gilpin-Hudson described Cascade Residencies in Negril as Issa Homes’ “most anticipated” development.
Cascade will have 32 luxury two-bedroom apartments, each 1,900 square feet with a study, open-plan concept – living, dining and kitchen.
“One half of the units face the sea, from the other side of the road, while the other will have a nice view of the wetlands,” Issa detailed. “The apartments are all very spacious with big, sliding glass doors on all rooms, so the view is amazing with a lot of ponds and greenery on the property,” he added.