Dream House | Doctor’s childhood fantasy materialises

He was born in unprivileged circumstances, in a place known as Red Ground, Negril, Westmoreland. As a young boy, he played football on the famous beach with friends and picked coconuts, breadfruit and naseberries. But he had a dream, a dream so large and seemingly realistic that he could almost touch it.

He held onto this cherished hope dearly and took it with him when he migrated to the United States to join his mother at the age of 15. The youngster wanted to build his house of wishes, right on Negril’s legendary seven-mile beach – that was then!

Today, Dr Denville Myrie, a trauma surgeon and neurocritical care specialist, has finally realised his long-held imagined fantasy amazingly materialise right on the very same seven-mile beachfront. To buy a three–quarters of an acre property in 2017 and build a house in 2019 on the extremely valuable stretch of seafront on Norman Manley Boulevard, lined mostly with hotels of noted names, sizes and luxuries, is one of significant achievement. He has also given back with his annual help to schoolchildren in the Red Ground community.

His dear wife, Courtney, is a nurse and has been happily married to him for five years. This is the good doctor’s second marriage, and he has seven children.

Let’s take a look at the influential object of his childhood reverie, which has now manifested itself in adulthood. It is a magnificent, 12,800 square foot, 10 bedroom, 10 1/2 bathroom modern–designed mansion, with envious sea views from every room, with their own private balconies. Roof skylights strategically placed welcomes in the natural sunlight. The rooftop terrace has the last say where views are concerned.

Floors are of beautiful porcelain tiles imported from Spain. Kitchen cabinets are of the dark walnut finish, with countertops in durable quartz material. Bathroom basin cabinetry exposes granite counters.

The outdoors come alive with LED-illuminated swimming pool against the white sand, showing off its sun shelf (flat, shallow area in the confines of the same pool), where one can lounge on chairs. Built–in water jets also massage and invigorate you into total relaxation. The separate water fountain stands guard at the front entrance, with its mesmerising coloured night-light display.

Put in the passion and the work, and dreams do come true! Just ask Dr Myrie.

Barry Rattray is a dream house designer and builder. Email feedback to barry-rattray@hotmail.com and lifestyle@gleanerjm.com.