European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - February 04, 1993, Darmstadt, Hesse The Washington Post Mychol Ducille a View of an upstairs bedroom above where Anne Palmer portrait at right reportedly killed one of her husbands. The reception room right at the Greenwood great House near Montero Bay. Poinciana and Hibiscus to the largest of Jamaica s remaining great houses. Built during an age of unmatched elegance and brutality Greenwood retains much of that atmosphere. Hung beside the Home s Back Entrance Are ancient leather fire buckets and hoses meager Protection against rebellious slaves. Nearby a 6-foot-Long steel Man trap one of Many that had been placed in the Woods above Greenwood Speaks of the measures used to intimidate prospective runaways. As at Rose Hall visitors to Greenwood nowadays Are met by Friendly women in 18th-Century-style dresses who Lead them on detailed Tours of the breathtaking House. Because Greenwood was used for entertainment it contains Many period musical instruments All of which can still be played. Among the antique instruments demonstrated by a guide Are two 170-year-old Polyphone music boxes used for dances and a barrel Organ that clans out a bicycle built for two and other victorian Era songs. Hearing the music while gazing around the spacious dining room a charming Alcove containing Regency hand painted wallpaper with Gold Laurel wreaths on Royal Blue a polished mahogany floor and Wedgwood China specially made for the Barrett family it is easy to imagine crinoline ladies and gentlemen in the finest evening attire Waltzing about the from Greenwood s upper veranda 70 feet of mahogany and Cedar boards the View of 200 years ago was one filled with sugar Cane Fields that stretched nearly the Washington Post Scott Doggett a mile to the Beach where a processing Plant refined the Cane and boats could easily reach the finished product for Export. Today the Fields Are gone replaced by Hillside Homes but the Ocean View is As pleasing As Ever and on a Clear Day you can see Cuba 80 Miles to the North. Continuing East on the Scenic coastal Road that glances the driveways to Rose Hall and Greenwood you soon come to the town of Falmouth an architectural showpiece of 18th and 19th-Century buildings. About 50 Miles farther East past the bustling tourist Center of Ocho Rios is the popular Prospect Plantation owned from 1936 to 1981 by sir Harold Mitchell who enjoyed a powerful political career in England and befriended a great Many notable people Winston Churchill Pierre Trudeau Henry Kissinger Noel Coward and Ian Fleming Are a few of the celebrities who have stayed at the Home located amid rolling Hills five Miles East of Ocho Rios. Although Prospect great Home is off limits to the general Public sir Harold s widow still lives there the Plantation a working agricultural property and guided Tours Are available of the immense grounds on horseback or by Jitney. Either Way guides Lead enjoyable Tours that focus on Jamaica s varied crops and the roles these crops have played in the Island s history. Among the highlights of the Tours is a Stop at a Vantage Point from which visitors can see the site of Columbus first View of the Island a place he called Golden head because of the flow of the Sun s rays on the As viewed from the sea. Travellers tips when visiting Jamaica tourists Don t have to spend All their time sitting by the Island s Beautiful beaches. Among the interesting Sites to see Are Jamaica s historic great houses lavishly restored Plantation Homes built in the 18th and 19th centuries. Rose Hall great House is about to Miles East of Montero Bay on the Queen s drive. Tours Are $10. Information 809 953-2323. Greenwood great House is about 15 Miles East of Montero Bay on the main coast Road. Tours Are $8. Information 809 997-5030. Prospect Plantation is a few Miles East of Ocho Rios. The Jitney tour is $10 for adults free to children 12 and under. Information 809 974-2058. Richmond Hill which overlooks Montero Bay dates Back to the 1790s, when it was owned by the scottish clan of Dewar s scotch whisky. Today the great House serves As one of the area s better hotels and affords glorious Sunset views of the Bay. The 20-room hotel is famed for its romantic Terrace restaurant and visitors can stroll through stately drawing rooms. . Box 362, Montero Bay Jamaica 809 952-3859. A double room ranges rom $115 to $350 a night. Devon House built in 1881 for Jamaica s first Black millionaire George Stiebel is Kingston s architectural showpiece. The Home resembles a classic 19th-Century american Plantation House and is filled with Caribbean French and English Antiques. It is a must see for architecture buffs who make it to Jamaica s capital. Although not a True great House Stiebel made his i millions through Gold not crops Devon House i nevertheless a great House and Well Worth a visit. Devon House is at Hope and Waterloo roads in Kingston. Tours Are $2. Information 809 929-7029. Lillefield newly restored and located amid a working Coffee Plantation in the tiny Mountain Hamlet of Bamboo near St. Ann s Bay is open to the Public for touring and overnight accommodations. The great House owned by a former minister of culture contains original furniture As Well As period pieces. Lillefield great House . Box 20, Bamboo St. Ann s Bay Jamaica 809 929-2326 or for bookings 809 974-2239 or 809 974-2593. Room rates Are $75 per person per night including meals. King s House in Kingston is the official resident of Queen Elizabeth is representative to Jamaica and the condition of the House reflects the stature of its inhabitant. Parts of the residence the grand ballroom Anco other prominent rooms Are available for Public viewing and the fruit Trees and Flower gardens on the estate Are fastidiously maintained. King s House is on Hope Road in Kingston. Tours Are free. Information 809 927-7107. For More information Contact the Jamaica tourist Board 801 second ave., 20th floor new York by 10017, 212 608-7650 or 1 -800-847-4279. Scott Doggett the great houses Are a Nice alternative for visitor who get tired of lounging on beaches like Frenchman s Cove above. Fth Rury 4, 1993 Stripe Magazine
