Devon House Jamaica is Jamaica’s premier heritage site and should definitely be on your list of things to do in Kingston.
Devon House is the former home of George Stiebel, described as Jamaica’s first black millionaire.
He worked as a carpenter and a shipwright and made his fortune mining gold in Venezuela.
Upon his return, he bought 99 properties, one of which was Devon Penn. Devon House was commissioned in 1881 and was built on the foundations of the Rectory of the St. Andrew Parish Church of Devon Penn.
The Tour
Devon House Jamaica is an 11-acre property located in the centre of Kingston. Fortunately it’s around 5 minutes from the Bob Marley Museum. So it’s quite easy to combine both tours. The tour takes you on a brief journey through time.
The tour begins in the Palm Hall where you get your first glimpse of what life was like over a 100 years ago. You then proceed to the Living, Dining Room and Games room areas.
The rooms are furnished with a collection of Jamaican, Caribbean, English and French antiques and Jamaican reproductions.
The Upper floor of the great house consists of the Master bedroom, Sewing Room, The children’s room and the Grand Ballroom.
The master bedroom consists of traditional Jamaican wooden furniture. The four poster canopy bed is the highlight. The room also has a smaller bed that is called a trundle bed.
The sewing room has the original sewing machine used in the 18th century. The yellow couch in the background is called the fainting couch.
The name for the couch is self-explanatory. Apparently sometimes the women’s corsets were so tight that the fainting couch was required.
This children’s bedroom has a miniature four post bed. Note the matching doll bed at the side.
The main ballroom is the highlight of the great house. The ceilings are done in Wedgewood and feature cherubs. Note the beautiful crystal chandelier.
The Broadwood piano is the highlight of the room. This is the same type of piano used by the German composer Ludwig Van Beethoven.
Stores in Courtyard
There are quite a few stores in the courtyard adjacent to Devon House. If you need to withdraw cash there is a Jamaica National ATM on premises.
REVE: They have a great assortment of professional handmade Jamaican jewellery at reasonable prices. For the women reading this have a look at their handcrafted wooden earrings and other jewellery pieces.
For the men out there why not picks up some jewellery for your special someone.
They also sell clothing from Jamaican and Caribbean designers, Sandals, Bags and Natural Skin and Haircare products. Special mention to their True Shades line of natural makeup.
Starfish Oils: Is a line of aromatherapy products with a Jamaican twist. You can buy scented candles such as the Blue Mountain Coffee candle, which makes a unique gift. You can also purchase body oils and soaps.
Things Jamaica: Is the premier store for all thing Jamaican. You can purchase Ceramic items, handmade soap, art items, t-shirts, Jamaican books, coffee, sauces. Jamaican fudge and more!
Elaines Elegance: Has a wide variety of Rasta Clothing. The store also has some beautiful crochet items such as dresses, table cloths, and scarfs.
Ms. T’s Treasures: Has a wide variety of Jamaican items such as t-shirts, sauces , books, key rings, postcards etc. All with a Jamaican flair. Our favourite item the Jamaican Cookbooks “Do it in the Kitchen”.
Chocolate Dreams: Is a luxury Jamaican chocolate company. Enjoy such unique flavours as guava and tamarind infused chocolate.
Devon House Ice Cream: Devon house Ice cream is a household name. Enjoy such unique flavours as Coconut, Guava and Rum and Raisin.
Mothers: Mothers is a household name in Jamaica. Enjoy some great Jamaican pastries such as Sweet Potato Pudding and Cornmeal pudding.
The highlight is their Jamaican patties. Enjoy Lobster, Shrimp, Beef, Chicken, Pork and Fish Patties.
Opening Hours
Heritage Tour Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (last tour at 4:00 pm), Friday, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm (last tour 3:30 pm)
Property Opening and Closing Hours: Daily, 9:30 am to 10:00 pm
Devon House Jamaica Contact Information
Phone Number – 876-929-6602, 876-926-0815
Email – [email protected]
Website – www.devonhousejamaica.com
Price of Tour
Adults
Ice cream Lovers Fee – US $10.00 (free ice cream courtesy of Devon House Ice cream)
Patty Lovers Fee – US $13.00 (free patty compliments of Devon House Bakery)
Children
Ice cream Lovers Fee – US $5.00 (free ice cream courtesy of Devon House Ice cream)
Patty Lovers Fee – US $8.00 (free Patty compliments of Devon House Bakery)
Do you want information on attractions, travel deals and events in Jamaica?
Join Our mailing list!
