Dream House | Precipitous West End cottage offers thrills, comfort

The daring design works of man and the natural marvels of the Almighty have secretly unified to create this dream cottage in West End, Negril.

The hand-built, octagonal, cliff-changing structure from cedar wood, is perilously lodged right on top of Sandy Beach Grottos, with the hellacious scenery of coves and a lagoon for your swimming and snorkelling pleasure. A spiral staircase descends to the sea through one of the caves, while various purpose-built, precipitous cliff-side levels, cherish sun tanning decks. A separate kidney-shaped pool rewards with the option of fresh-water swimming.

Fear and its close companion thrill, are part of the extreme emotional experience as you familiarise yourself with the layout. The adventuresome sleeping loft areas up in the pyramid roof, hovers over the uncluttered living and dining section, incorporating a cedar built kitchen. The unusual triangular-shaped bathroom upstairs and the cutstone and timber walled ground floor one (including the outdoor open-air shower), allow for your daily rituals.

The potential threat continues, as you cautiously approach the wraparound balcony hanging dangerously over the boundless expanse of sea and the frothy wave action below. Sit back ‘at the edge of your seat’, while leisurely taking it all in with your favourite beverage.

The landscaped yard on 2½ acres, planted in hibiscus, pine and coconut trees, is decorated with statues with differing symbolic meanings.

My friends, the cottage is know as Zeus – in Greek mythology, the king of the gods, eulogised as ‘optimus maximus’ or the ‘best and the greatest!’ It’s owner, an American with four children, came to Jamaica as a hippie in 1972, as he sought to escape a fast-paced life. With his long hair and controversial beliefs, he says he was rounded up back then with others and detained by the police.

Yes, a sense of dread overcomes you here with your heart-rate racing faster, but it is this frenzied atmosphere that simultaneously excites you with the appeal to return, time and time again.

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