Dream House | A riverside reverie retreat in the hills of St Andrew
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As incredible as it may seem, this house exists in a deep river valley at the base of the Blue Mountains.
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The pool house is perfect for lounging in.
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Various covered and open outdoor elevated decks directly overlook the river.
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A sitting room with its stone fireplace, faces the river jungle and Koi fish pond below.
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Part of the house can be seen incredibly on stilts, almost in the river.
Nestled in the cool hills of Maryland, rural St Andrew, the Mammee River, a tributary of the Hope River, wraps around a house perched above its swirling waters. Set in a lush, jungle-like landscape, the site offers countless pleasures, including shaded waterways, cascading waterfalls, and wading pools that invite you to immerse yourself in the cool, flowing currents.
This idyllic residence, crafted from wood, concrete, and stone, opens up to the river through French-style windows and doors that lead to timber and concrete decks. Below, a gazebo and koi fish pond complement the serene setting, and a stone fireplace adds a touch of romantic warmth. The atmosphere is further enriched by vibrant acrylic wall art.
A total of 4,500 square feet of tranquil space is spread across five bedrooms and four bathrooms, some featuring floating basin vanities and fixed glass-panel walk-in rain showers. The home also includes two separate sitting rooms, along with dining and kitchen areas. The pool house, with timber flooring, makes the ideal lounging spot against the stunning backdrop of the gateway to the Blue Mountains.
The most compelling feature of this retreat is the ingenious connection between the architecture and the river valley, drawing occupants intimately into the natural world. The soothing, continuous sounds of flowing water fill every corner of the house, while exotic birds, including woodpeckers and blue herons, contribute their own melodies to the incomparable symphony of nature.
Originally built for a coffee baron in the 1950s, the property was acquired in 2021 and rehabilitated by the present owner, a reggae recording artiste of global reach.
A visit here, courtesy of Marsha Wright, is sure to uplift the mind, heart, and spirit, fostering a sense of emotional fulfilment. This is a dream house, straddling the line between imagination and reality.
Barry Rattray is a dream house designer and builder. Email feedback to barryrattray1@hotmail.com and lifestyle@gleanerjm.com