Dream House | Morelands Estate’s gem a blend of tradition and style

It’s easily one of the most photographed residences in the entire area. Cars cannot just drive past. The design is not one of today’s modernistic-styled houses, resembling some exciting, puzzling, space-age creation. No, it is more of a popular, traditional look, with all the commensurate fittings and fixtures of a contemporary house. Here, you instantly see and feel the familiarity and warmth of home – where you want to belong.

The single-storey building sings the high praises of its myriad features: commanding, high-pitched, multi-gable roofs (modern-looking homes are generally fitted with flat roofs) instead. Pronounced, recessed, arched windows and doors. Front and rear defining sections are prettily dressed in natural slate stone. From ancient times, this building material application has been favoured for its distinguishing colour, texture and pattern.

The immaculate front lawn is traversed by double driveway entrances from the main road. This, in the upscale community of Morelands Estate, Mandeville, Manchester, gated with 24-hour security and all the other appurtenances.

The outdoors also entertains and delights with a back verandah and swimming pool shooting its fountain water playfully into the air. A private clubhouse with an outdoor kitchen, an outside shower, a powder room, and an in-ground spa with massaging, and hydrotherapy jets. A cascading garden waterfall also pleases the eyes, among a separate one-bedroom guest house all occupying three-quarter acres of land.

Adjust your eyes to what you are about to view on the inside. It will most assuredly bedazzle you! A villa not afraid of popping colour! Every room psychologically affects human emotions, creating their own lively mood and atmosphere in the tropics.

All three tray-ceiling bedrooms are blessed with an en suite bathroom. The principal bedroom suite has its own sitting area; with its granite bathroom also having a rarely seen sitting section. Step down into the living room, part rounded in shape, and gape at the spectacular, orange wood-coloured, chef’s kitchen parading its granite counter dining space. A family room plays its part.

We are impressed by the likes of a lounge, sporting a signature wet bar, a hair salon, and a well-equipped fitness centre.

The villa with jatoba hardwood and ceramic tile floors, took three years to build, 15 years ago. Its owners are the husband and wife operators of a very successful islandwide courier and logistics provider.

Wow. What a house!

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