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In between your explorations or when you’re all done, you can head to the Devon House Bakery for a treat. This bakery offers delicious Jamaican patties, cakes, and other international desserts. Other than these, there are lots more options including Coco Raw where you can find smoothies, shaved ice, and more. During the Devon House tour, you’ll be led through nine distinct rooms, each with its own unique charm and significance. The restoration was truly in-depth with the carefully crafted reproductions adding to the allure. After all that exploring and eating, it’s time for a coffee or tea break.
The House Tour
The best time of year to visit Jamaica is between the months of mid-December to mid-April. This time of year is considered peak-season for travel to this destination and can be quite a busy time to go. Many visitors prefer traveling during the peak season as the weather tends to be more consistently sunny (hello, beach time!) and there can be more activities to do on the island as well. During peak season, it is not uncommon to find resort and flight deals. Many other islands in the Caribbean consider mid-December to mid-April to be the high season as well. This is one of the only tours available at night on this island and for this reason, you may find that the whole experience has a unique feel.
Historical Charm, Culinary Delights & Plenty Of Shopping At Devon House In Jamaica!
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The mansion is the architectural dream of Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel who gained much of his wealth from gold mining in South America. You can enjoy a tour of the mansion, shop at the gift shops, and feast on any of the delightful cuisine on offering. Devon House is a famed mansion located in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, that dates back to 1881. Over time, Devon House has evolved into an engaging and interactive tour, featuring restaurants, shopping, and a delightful ice cream shop.
ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS
Today, the the former buildings and lawns on the 11 acres that were retained have been repurposed as part of the general redevelopment. The tennis court and the race track are now portions of the parking lot. Additionally, George Stiebel who was a lover of horses and frequently attended horse races, built a racecouse to the back of the property and hired a trainer to train the horses. If you want to visit Devon House but will be staying a good distance away from this location, a combination tour can be a good idea. Options include a tour that also goes to the Bob Marley Museum or other popular locations in this area. By visiting multiple locations as part of a single tour, you can save time and money and have a more fun-filled day overall.
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Devon House Heritage Site
Today, the property sits on 11 acres -- one-fifth of its original size. The remaining forty acres or so, were carved off and developed when the property was sold for the first time in 1923. It was this division that facilitated the development of roads such as Devon Road and Waterloo Aveneue, along with the structures that now exists in the vicinity. Sigismund, following in Jewish tradition, took full responsibility and cared for his son, moving him from his mother's quarters into the main house where he was grown under the care and discipline of his father. The bond and trust between the two grew with his father later setting him up in business. George's successes later in life suggest that he was a natural entrepreneur, a quick study and a self starter, so this seed money was just what he needed to begin his journey towards wealth.
Quite a lot of fascination still exists regarding the 19th-century mansion that is Devon House, as well as George Stiebel, the man who created it. Stiebel worked as a carpenter and trader and is said to have acquired his wealth from gold mining in Venezuela. Devon House, located in Kingston, Jamaica, was first called Devon Penn before Stiebel purchased it from the St. Andrew Parish Church upon his return from Venezuela.
Nearby Kingston attractions
The remaining 40 acres was subdivided to form such roadways as the Waterloo and Devon Roads. One of Jamaica’s most celebrated historic landmarks, the Devon House Mansion is the architectural dream of Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel. Having gained his wealth from gold mining in South America, Stiebel was among three wealthy Jamaicans who constructed elaborate homes during the late 19th century at the corner of Trafalgar Road and Hope Road. Devon House officially opened as a public building on January 23, 1968.
Visit the ice cream shop
Devon House was the brainchild of George Stiebel, a man whose life story is as fascinating as the mansion he built. Born to a Jamaican housemaid and a German-Jewish merchant in 1820, Stiebel’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming Jamaica’s first black millionaire is nothing short of remarkable. He amassed his wealth through various entrepreneurial ventures, including shipping, real estate, and a gold mine in Venezuela. It sits on approximately 11-acres of land about half a mile east of Half-Way Tree Clock Tower in the heart of the business district of Kingston. The Bob Marley Museum is located on the same road about 1 mile further east, making it convenient to visit both properties on the same day without being rushed.
The mansion was left vacant, and whispers of demolition plans started to surface. In 1965, the National Trust issued an order that prevented the demolition from taking place. The Blue Mountains is a notable landmark in Jamaica being that it is the tallest peak on the island (1,500 ft)! It is possible to get up close to these mountains while in Jamaica and you can do so by simply taking a drive in this area or going on a hiking or biking tour. Either option is bound to be a good experience as the Blue Mountains are incredibly scenic.
He built Devon House on the fountains of an old rectory on land he acquired from the church of England. It won’t be hard to find Devon House while in Jamaica, especially if you’ll be staying near the capital. If you will be staying outside of Kingston and will not be renting a car while in Jamaica, a full-day trip can be the ideal choice.
I wholeheartedly encourage you to embark on your own journey of discovery and experience the magic of this iconic destination for yourself. There are other locations at Devon House that offer spa and beauty products as well, which can all make for the perfect gift. Given the multitude of shops, activities, and attractions available at Devon House, it’s recommended that you allocate sufficient time to explore the property without feeling rushed. Consider planning a half-day or even a full-day visit, depending on the activities you plan to engage in while there. Visitors to Devon House not only get to immerse themselves in its rich historical background but also have the opportunity to indulge in a diverse culinary experience.
This popular landmark can be found on the corner of Hope Road and Trafalgar Road. In times past, this area was known as the Millionaire’s Corner as two other millionaires resided on this street next to Devon House. These other houses have since been demolished to make way for other development projects. If you plan on staying outside of Kingston or won’t be renting a car while in Jamaica, then a full-day tour can be a good option. Tour packages with this company cost around $131.25 USD starting from Montego Bay and $100 USD starting from Ocho Rios.
Antique lovers will enjoy the guided tour, highlights of which include some very ornate porcelain chandeliers and fascinating paintings and photographs. Note the trompe l'oeil of palms in the entrance foyer and the roundabout chairs, designed to accommodate a man wearing a sword. Amid the grand surroundings, Stiebel even managed to discreetly tuck a gambling room away in the attic. There are loads of options for places to stay in Jamaica but by far the most popular choice tends to be the all-inclusive resorts. Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts have several properties located in Jamaica. Sandals Jamaica includes six resort locations including Montego Bay, Royal Caribbean, Negril, Ochi, South Coast, and Royal Plantation, while Beaches Resorts has two properties in Ocho Rios and Negril.
The history of this space and how it came to be is part of the reason it is one of the most talked-about local landmarks in Jamaica. The tours available at Devon House are a great way to get more familiar with its history. There is a lot to be discovered about this property even from the time before the house was built. Devon House is a beautifully restored mansion located in the heart of Kingston.
George Stiebel was named Chairman of the Board of Directors and Antonio Liccioni later bacame the President of the company. Not much is known about the event that led to the loss of George's ships, but it was the reason why he ended up in Venezuela, a fate that ultimately set him on the course to wealth. With a young family in Jamaica to support, Stiebel stayed in Venezuela, determined to recoup his lost fortune. George eventually met Antonio Liccioni, a Corsican trader and mule train operator from Ciudad Bolivar. He quickly turned one ship into three and expanded to trading between other islands.
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