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DREAM HOUSE

Dream House | This Negril tropical oasis invites you to sit back and relax

Published:Sunday | August 27, 2023 | 12:07 AMBarry Rattray - Contributor
Tropical architecture that vividly absorbs all your attention.
Tropical architecture that vividly absorbs all your attention.
A sleep-inducing room with the balcony overlooking the beach.
A sleep-inducing room with the balcony overlooking the beach.
The striking and relaxed interior design exhibits Jamaican craftsmanship.
The striking and relaxed interior design exhibits Jamaican craftsmanship.
What an environment to soak your troubles away!
What an environment to soak your troubles away!
A captivating beachfront, like no other on the island.
A captivating beachfront, like no other on the island.
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Architectural enthusiasts, if you are seeking tropical architecture that vividly absorbs all your attention; interiors that calmly enfolds you in the most enticing of relaxed settings; and gardens that are a tropical oasis of pure pleasure, with 300 feet of private white sand beach, look no further!

This residential entity escaping societal distress, concealed by profuse greenery, with all its creature comforts, can be found on Norman Manley Boulevard, Negril, along its legendary seven-mile beach.

The four-acre piece of land fell into the hands of Randy McKay from Chicago, United States, over 20 years ago, with his building a few units on it. A marine overseas in the Vietnam War conflict, he returned home and studied clinical psychology. But the road to life led him instead to become a world-famous accomplished trader, and a savvy investor in the financial markets.

Ten years ago, successful hotelier, clothing retailer and housing developer, Lee Issa, purchased the property. He would lose his heart to Negril from the 1970s.

We unlock the door to the oohs and aahs of this villa of five king-size bedded, sleep-inducing rooms that de-stress you with your own soaking tub. The private balcony welcomes beach scenery. En suite bathrooms of double-basin vanities, add a touch of luxury with his and her shower facilities.

The well-ventilated open living, dining and kitchen areas bring in the outdoors with sunshine. A covered terrace encourages outdoor entertainment, and a powder room and billiards area is an added feature.

Lee’s wife, Jane, was responsible for the uncluttered interior design, exhibiting Jamaican wood-crafted furniture and artwork.

Floors are mostly of a decorative coating made from cement, along with porcelain tiles. The kitchen counter surface come alive with quartz stone. Walls aglow in pure white, inside and out.

Outside holds you pleasantly captive with a swimming pool/fountain, spa tub, gazebo, and the beach. What an ensemble!

We are many times the sum of our own spatial ambience.

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