Uncover the History of Devon House Jamaica
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As part of this tour, you’ll hop on a boat to the intersection of the Martha Brae River and the ocean. Some people choose to get into the glowing waters to experience this phenomenon from a closer perspective while others are perfectly satisfied taking things in from their comfy seat as part of a guided boat tour. The Blue Hole in Ocho Rios is one of Jamaica’s most spectacular attractions. This natural site is located in the mountains and just a glimpse of it feels like coming face to face with a true paradise. At Blue Hole, Jamaica, you’ll find freshwater pools, refreshing waterfalls, and rugged nature trails. It might take some walking before you get to the attractions here, but it’ll all be worth it if you’re looking for a nature-oriented experience.
Stiebel Returns to Jamaica from Venezuela
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Drawing in numerous visitors each day, the tour's centerpiece is the meticulously preserved historic house, enriched with a blend of original elements and thoughtfully crafted recreations. Devon House is a famous mansion in Kingston, Jamaica that dates back to 1881. This property was once the home of Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Steibel. Over the years Devon House has been transformed into an interactive tour experience that includes restaurants, shopping, and even an ice cream shop. The tour attracts dozens of visitors daily, with the main draw being the house itself. Many elements of the original home have been preserved while some additional recreations have been added to the mix.
History of Devon House
This was a totally intentional choice by conceptualizers who, in 2017, made a conscious decision for Devon House to be a gastronomy center. In addition to touring the mansion, visitors can also enjoy some of Jamaica’s best ice cream at Devon House I Scream, located on the property. With flavors ranging from traditional rum and raisin to unique creations like guava and passionfruit, Devon House I Scream is a must-visit for any ice cream lover. The tree-shaded lawns of Devon House are very popular with Kingstonians. The popular former carriage house and courtyard are home to several shops – including Devon House I-Scream (tours include a free scoop).
Grog Shoppe Restaurant
The next owner of the Mansion was Cecil Lindo a smart and savvy businessman with investments in the alcohol industry. When he died in 1960, his wife Agnes moved to New York, leaving the mansion empty. So in swift judgement, he placed a restriction on the property under the National Trust Act which ceased the demolition of the mansion. The National Trust became the proprietors and began an extensive and careful restoration process which was led by a well-known English Architect Tom Concannon, with matter of urgency.
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Born in the 1820s to a Jamaican housekeeper and a German Jew, George Siebel’s mixed ancestry brought him harsh treatment from his schoolmates. He left the classroom at the age of 14 to become a carpenter’s apprentice. At 19, Stiebel was instrumental in reconstructing the famous Ferry Inn, located between Kingston and Spanish Town, and in the 1840s, the young visionary entered the world of business.
Mahongany Tree Bar
The servants’ quarters were located in the space now used as the property’s commercial complex. With the help of his father, he purchased a ship and began transporting cargo between North and South America. Eventually, he added two more ships and expanded his business dealings to the West Indies. Caught in the Revolution that gripped Cuba during this time, Stiebel became involved with the lucrative business of gun trading and eventually landed in trouble with the law.
Stiebel’s legacy lives on with the beautifully maintained Devon House, which was declared a national monument in 1990 by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust. Edward Seaga, who was then Minister of Development and Welfare with responsibility for cultural affairs, and later Prime Minister of Jamaica. It's hard to set foot on these sunny shores and not break out in smiles and just a feeling of pure joy. These feel-good vibes can be amplified if you plan the right tours on the island and visit places like Devon House. Attractions like this are not only beautiful to see but they can also help provide some insight into the history of Jamaica and its people.
He only limited his real estate purchases because of a law stating that it was illegal to own 100 properties. In the heart of Kingston, Devon House has seamlessly merged its historical legacy with modern amenities, creating an enticing blend of past and present. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a food lover, or simply seeking a peaceful oasis in the midst of the city, Devon House offers a diverse range of attractions that cater to all tastes and preferences. As I explored these contemporary offerings, I couldn’t help but appreciate how this historic estate has managed to remain relevant and vibrant over the years, making it a quintessential Jamaican experience.
Here you can find things like small-batch ackee butter, oxtail dip, local cured meats and chocolates at The Commissary, breezy cotton creations at Gimi Cool Cottons, and creatively designed sandals from D’Nex Step. There’s much more to explore in the Artisan Village near the entrance to the Devon House grounds. Designated as a gastronomy centre in 2017, the Devon House grounds are full of amazing eateries offering up everything from classic Jamaican dishes to a taste of Italy and France. Our bevy of unique shops is stocked with the finest locally-made jewellery, crafts and other artisan products.
Heartbroken and in his 70s, George Siebel died in 1896 leaving behind his daughter, his remaining grand children and his beloved Devon House. He was buried with his in the churchyard of the Half Way Tree Parish Church. Curiously, this was also the time when El Callao, the gold mine, was on the cusp to depletion. In 1879, he closed the transaction to purchase Devon Pen consisting of 53 acres from the Church of England. In 1881, George commissioned Charles P. Lazarus to build his dream house, a palatial residence he called Devon House, on the foundation that was the church rectory. It is worthwhile noting that this was the period when the El Callao mine was seeing exponential growth in production and its dividends, with George growing wealthier each year.
Devon House was officially opened on January 23, 1968 and became an official National Monument by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust in 1990. Apart from its historical and cultural richness, it was deemed Jamaica’s first gastronomy centre by the Honourable Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism in 2017. Saved from the brink of destruction in 1965, the Devon House Mansion is the jewel in the crown of the Devon House Heritage Site grounds.
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