Dream House | Living it up along the coast

A waterfront house is considered worldwide as the most romantic, intriguing and restful place to call home. The curative interplay of water and architecture promotes immeasurable physical and psychological benefits, which is why we pay far more for a house by the water or a hotel room with an ocean view.

Our gracious hosts warmly invite us to their coastal home, where we can revel in its bewitching offerings. Meet June Anderson, a prominent, former Atlanta realtor and her husband, Horace, a trained accountant and one of the most accomplished restaurateurs in Atlanta at the time. After 35 years in America, they both retired and returned to Jamaica to reside in a quiet area known as South Sea Park in Whitehouse, Westmoreland – a very exclusive enclave, with some of the most elaborate homes surprisingly springing up.

Come, walk with me my friends and be knocked off your feet, as living-dining room directs you to a sizeable back verandah, then straight to water. When I say water, I mean water is everywhere! One side of the verandah presents itself as a rarely seen, residential swimming pool with its in-pool, shallow, lounge chair area. A swim-up sitting pool area allows you to have your favourite drink while inside the water at a counter. On the other side is positioned an attached, multi-sided gazebo for dining and relaxation. A fish pond hugs the area and lovebirds from a cage serenade you. Grand steps then take you down to green lawns.

It is here, in all its infinite glory, where water kisses the sky and dolphins play, that the world’s largest swimming pool is to be found, literally in the couples’ very backyard – the sea. At the rocky water’s edge, a weathered trellised pavilion allows meditation.

Back inside the house, with its full glass windows (some with remote-controlled blinds) and doors, there are three air-conditioned bedrooms, encouraging endless repose, along with three bathrooms. The master bedroom boasts an entire wall of mirrored clothes closets, reflecting the wooden tile floors. Its bathroom has separate his and hers sections, vessel glass basin vanities, spacious shower and hidden toilet. The kitchen (with cedar cabinetry) stands as an example to most ... with its double glass-roof skylights radiating the sun’s gift. Island granite counter joins another, with dining stools. There is also an office with its own full bathroom. The colour tones throughout are very light.

Sitting on a quarter-acre, the single-storey, modern designed residence was built 40 years ago, with considerable improvements undertaken two years ago. It is simplicity in its compelling architectural composition.

We thank our hosts for this most rewarding visit through an oasis of serenity.

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