Dream House | Nautical haven at Bengal Bay

“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or watch – we are going back from whence we came.” (John F. Kennedy, former United States president).

Water is indeed the quintessence of life!

Here we are, my friends, at a nautical home that leaves you with a sense of belonging – that need to emotionally bond with, and be accepted by, its physical space, and what abuts it. The interplay of architecture and water at this address sails one away by the tide of wellness, happiness and composure.

Bengal Bay, where it is located, is naturally established with fine, sun-kissed sand, along with black, white and red mangroves. This is on the fringe of the Rio Bueno River, in Discovery Bay, St Ann, where the house happily sits. The secret is now out!

The 5,500–square–foot villa in a gated community is intentionally designed for you to enter its front door via the porte cochere, and stare unobstructedly with gripping interest, all the way through to the sitting and entertainment terrace on the opposite side of the house – leading to the pool deck, lawn and the beach. An outdoor shower and barbecue grill complement the outside. The balmy, perennial, sea breeze bathes refreshingly the porcelain–tiled interiors. We gladly come across four bedrooms (with private patios) and four quartz countertops, outdoor - indoor shower bathrooms, and a powder room. Living, dining, and a quartz countertop island–style kitchen is included.

Driftwood, seagrass and sea shells amazingly detail the endearing, cream-coloured inner spaces. Handsome-looking furniture was passionately crafted by local tradesmen who gave their best.

The residence, paying homage to the Caribbean waters lapping gently on its shore, took two-and-a-half years to build, with a start date of 2019.

Gizelle Smith, and her civil engineer son, Jeremy, brought the design of their home into the light of day. Gizelle met her husband, Bobby, quite by chance, and in that first meeting, no interest, no sparks flew for either of them. She would see him again, riding past her on his motorcycle, and yes, this time, she was without a doubt shot by Cupid’s arrow. They are happily married, 40 years now, and own and operate an asphalt, aggregate and lime core business in Mandeville.

Next week, without fail … the dream house ride continues unabated.

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