DREAM HOUSE | Former battle site hosts healing modern mansion

This dream mansion finds itself in an affluent, historical locale that was, in times past, the bloody scene of ‘The Battle of Rio Nuevo’ between the English and Spanish forces, as they fought mercilessly to commandeer the island in 1658.

This home’s owner, David James, has fiercely fought his own battles of life over death, encountering and braving trials and tribulations. He grew up in the sometimes volatile area of Maxfield Avenue in Kingston, habitually hearing the barking of guns, with many a young friend at the time taking the wrong road to an early demise.

He started out painting buildings before entering construction project management. He migrated to New York, USA, continuing his painting, before becoming a gas company technician. He got injured on the job and was absent from work for many months. During the interlude, tragedy reared its ugly head, with him being hit by a bus; an incident that would change the trajectory of his life forever!

James’ alarming injuries would ultimately require him suffering five major spinal surgeries in four years. For a long period, he could not walk, just crawl. His doctors advised he would never be the same again. The incessant pain also plaguing him would never, ever stop. They suggested he return home to the healing processes of the island’s natural environment, for his acute trauma recovery. He came home in 2019 and built his house, with construction lasting one year.

Today, James miraculously walks without a stick, four miles religiously every morning, forever bathing in the seawater nearby or immersing himself in rivers. He soaks up the sunshine, breathes in the fresh air while taking in the countryside’s natural scenery – but the pain remains.

The nature of the functional, 11,072-square-foot, modern architectural design, with large scenic glass windows, large outdoor seaview terraces and balconies offering sheer space for physical movement, promotes wellness. Avail yourself of the seven bedrooms with en suite bathrooms enhanced with glass walls and granite. The two powder rooms; two living rooms, upstairs and downstairs; dining room, and the beautiful, large, quartz-infused kitchen with pass-through eating counter, all interconnect for a congruous living arrangement. Floors are of porcelain and the walls are painted in shades of nature’s white.

A double staircase at the front adds aesthetic intrigue, with separate automated door garages reached by double-gated entrance driveways.

James’ girlfriend, Alicia, has been by his side, with special mention of dear friend Latoya Ralph, a cosmetologist, without whose loyal construction assistance this magnificent project would not have reached anywhere. Address: Rio Nuevo Battle Site, St Mary.

Barry Rattray is a dream house designer and builder. Email feedback to barryrattray1@hotmail.com and lifestyle@gleanerjm.com.