Devon House is an opulent mansion filled with fine antiques and furnishings from England, France and the Caribbean. The mansion was once the home of millionaire George Stiebel. Within the grounds are gardens, shops, restaurants and one of the most renowned ice cream parlours in Jamaica.
The mansion was built in 1881 and is a testimony to Steibel’s success. Once a school drop-out and then a shipwreck survivor, Stiebel became a gold tycoon and Jamaica’s first black millionaire. Today, Devon House and the 4.5-hectare (11-acre) property is one of Kingston’s most esteemed cultural monuments.
Stroll through the property along green lawns, relax under the shade of palm trees and admire the colonial-style architecture of the mansion. Inside, see rooms filled with ornate furnishings and elegant antiques. In the Grand Ballroom, look up at the ceiling. Cherubs are etched around a rare porcelain chandelier, which is believed to have been made in Germany in the 18th century. Walk though Palm Hall where the bright colours of the Caribbean stand out in the panel paintings of flowers and butterflies. In the dining room an impressive Chippendale table fills the room.
In the courtyard are shops and restaurants. Find locally made arts and crafts, relax over a casual lunch or take a seat on the terrace and enjoy an evening meal while admiring the gardens. The restaurants at Devon House courtyard offer a number of options, from a fine dining meal to a small pastry with coffee. Don’t miss the famous natural ice cream from the I-Scream shop, where you can choose from 30 different island fruit flavours.
Devon House is located on “Millionaires Corner” in central Kingston, on the intersection of Hope Road and Trafalgar Road. Entry to the house is free. Take a guided tour for a small fee. The house is closed on Sundays.
