DEVON HOUSE
A visit to Kingston, arguably the Caribbean’s most vibrant metropolis, would never be complete without a visit to one of the most famous and iconic heritage houses in the Western Hemisphere: Devon House. Located in the heart of Jamaica’s capital city and cultural district, Devon House is one of the few remaining green spaces in Kingston and also has the distinction of being named the country’s first gastronomy centre. Commissioned in 1881, the house was built by the country’s first black millionaire George Stiebel who rose from being a carpenter to becoming one of the country’s richest men following his success in gold mining during a stint in South America.
The Georgian-style mansion was the original home of Jamaica’s National Gallery of Art in 1968 before being opened officially as a museum in 1974 and showcases many original antique furniture and accessories throughout its interior reminiscent of 19th century affluence. The property's manicured lawns and interior courtyard are now home to over 20 craft and souvenir shops, restaurants, a bar, a bakery, a play area for children and the world-renowned signature ice cream shop. Devon House is a multiple recipient of the Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor in addition to being selected as the 4th Best Place in the World to enjoy ice cream by National Geographic’s “Food Journeys of a Lifetime'' publication.
Devon House is open daily and tours of the mansion are conducted from Sundays to Fridays and is located 10 minutes by car from our hotel. Visit them at www.devonhouseja.com and on Facebook @DevonHouseJamaica and Instagram @DevonHouseJa