Dream House | An Atlantis-inspired escape on Jamaica’s western coast

Mythology has been an intrinsic part of architecture for thousands of years. The design of this waterfront home, visible to most of us primarily by boat, was inspired by the legend of the comic book and movie superhero Aquaman and the lost underwater kingdom of Atlantis.

The seascape is an intensely visual and physical experience, with its flat, rocky, multi-level shoreline, terraced edges, and stone steps that lead down to two rock pools for swimming. A large circular hot tub, embedded in the rockery, a double firepit, and an outdoor shower are positioned directly by the seafront.

Perched at a slightly higher level for lounging is an artificial white sand beach and an adjacent wooden deck. The marine playground continues, highlighting two coastal swimming pools to dive into. The heated, 50-foot infinity-edge main pool has an exercise lap lane and its own built-in regenerative spa.

The aquatic theme, with its symbolism and motifs, permeates the interior atmosphere. The colours, patterns, and textures of the sea present themselves in the overall décor, with some areas feeling submerged underwater.

Masterpieces by some of the island’s finest elevate the home’s aesthetic. The constant sights and sounds of water continue throughout the space, including a double cascading waterfall at the portico entrance to this air-conditioned home in western Jamaica.

The 8,500-square-foot house, with east and west wings, includes four wood-floored bedrooms, each with a private patio, while the principal bedroom (reserved for Aquaman) is equipped with a beverage station. The four bathrooms are mostly a conflation of indoor-outdoor walk-in rain showers, soaking tubs, and twin basins in granite vanities.

The home also includes formal and informal vaulted ceiling living and dining rooms, a games hall accompanied by a fancy wet bar, and a media centre, all opening out to a wide verandah with its breakfast nook. Added to that is a gym and massage room with bathroom facilities, a movie den, and an office.

People and marine life coexist peacefully here, creating a truly wondrous environment. In the words of Loren Eiseley, American anthropologist and philosopher, “If there is magic on the planet, it is contained in water.”

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