Spacious villa provides heights of freedom, comfort
THIS IS without a doubt, an ultra-luxurious residence. No, we are not talking about high-end finishes, top-of-the-line fixtures and fittings, or premium amenities. Those are all palpably present, but, that’s not why I categorise it as ultra-luxurious. It really appertains to space, so considerable in its extent, as to overwhelm you with the freedom and comfort it provides.
The teak wood floor, five bedrooms (with the primary being of 400-square-feet), unfold with mainly en-suite bathrooms. The primary having the benefit of a walk-in shower; a mega outdoor garden rain shower area; double basins in a granite counter; your private toilet room; and a free-standing whirlpool spa tub. A powder room is at hand.
The humongous great room (living and dining area), encompassing all of 1,500 square feet, is enclosed by 50 continuous feet of sliding glass doors. It eagerly greets in awe, the capacious 3,000-square-foot recreation verandah off the rooms, served by a bar, with scenic views of a heated, infinity-edge swimming pool, a circular whirlpool spa within the pool, and the azure sea. A music library, an island kitchen, and a butler-serving room, add to the facilities.
Ah, the space. Enormous 30-foot ceilings throughout dwarf you with their mind-boggling height. A sweeping interior corridor (with miniature roof skylights inviting sunlight), runs past the bedrooms, alongside a walled-in, open-air, indoor water garden, heightened by beach sand and white stones. Yes, believe it!
The two-acre site enjoys an exalted position on a rolling hillside in a gated enclave, flanking the Great River, as it borders the parishes of St James and Hanover. Outdoor play activities await with swings, a 15-foot slide, basketball net, and a rock climbing wall. A barbecue grill and fire-pit adds a sizzling touch to the grounds. The luxury of space continues with an entirely separate house for staff.
The McDonalds, from Canada, bought the site in 2009, taking oneand-a-half years to build the house. During this time, they terminated the services of the contractor for procrastination and moved into the muddy unfinished structure with their children. With tenacity of purpose, they finished it.
Michele, an elementary school teacher, is the grand-daughter of the late Paul Geddes, O.J., former heir and co-managing director of Desnoes and Geddes Ltd., brewers of Red Stripe beer. She migrated to Canada in the 1970s, marrying Glen, a Canadian stock broker and raising six children.
The tropical villa reflects the atmosphere of her Jamaican heritage, unifying her family, while allowing them to be on the Rock four times a year.
Space, maybe, is the benchmark by which all other luxury house features are judged. Certainly in this case, it is.