Devon House

This restored home nestles in landscaped grounds on the northwest side of Hope Rd at its junction with Waterloo Rd. A beautiful ochre-and-white house, it was built in 1881 by George Stiebel, a Jamaican wheelwright who hit paydirt in the gold mines of Venezuela. The millionaire rose to become the first black custos of St Andrew. The government bought and restored the building in 1967 to house the National Gallery of Jamaica, which has since moved to its present location downtown. Antique lovers will enjoy the visit, whose highlights include some very ornate porcelain chandeliers. Note the trompe l’oeil of palms in the entrance foyer. Stiebel even incorporated a game room with whist and cribbage tables, a sewing room, and a gambling room discreetly tucked away in the attic. Admission includes a mandatory guided tour. The tree-shaded lawns attract couples on weekends. The former carriage house and courtyard are home to two of Jamaica’s more famous restaurants, Grog Shoppe and Norma’s on the Terrace, and a few quality shops. For Emancipation Day, August 1, Devon House puts on a rousing celebration complete with roots plays, a maypole ritual and, naturally, a booming sound system.