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A journey that eventually led him to becoming Jamaica's first black millionaire, with honors bestowed by Queen Victoria. A stand-alone tour of Devon House will cost about US$15 for adults and US$13 for children, but you should check with the Devon House Management Office for the current rates. You can include package add-ons with your entrance ticket, like a scoop of ice cream, or various food and drink items like a fresh bottle of coconut water from Coco Raw, or a gourmet patty from Devon House Bakery. These add-ons are included in the various packages that you can purchase to visit Devon House. These packages range from US$19-25 for adults and US$16-23 for children, but the prices are subject to change. That’s not all — those seeking a quick and delicious bite won’t be disappointed either.
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In 1839, they helped to build the new English-German synagogue in Kingston, as the old synagogue had become too small for the growing community. The Schloss brothers, chose Kingston as a destination because they already had family there with established business interests. In 1780, their paternal uncle had traveled from Frankfurt to England to start a business exporting British-made fabrics while their maternal uncle, Sigismund Stiebel, chose to move all the way to Jamaica. The British at that time, were encouraging Jews to go to Jamaica by offering them full rights and British citizenship in the colony. The kitchen is notably missing from the floor plan because it was not part of the main building.
Visit the ice cream shop
The remaining 40 acres was subdivided to form such roadways as the Waterloo and Devon Roads. One of Jamaica’s most celebrated historic landmarks, the Devon House Mansion is the architectural dream of Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel. Having gained his wealth from gold mining in South America, Stiebel was among three wealthy Jamaicans who constructed elaborate homes during the late 19th century at the corner of Trafalgar Road and Hope Road. Devon House officially opened as a public building on January 23, 1968.
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As I stepped onto the always meticulously manicured grounds of Devon House for the umpteenth time, I could feel the weight of history and culture enveloping me. Up until this point, I’d never done the tour that revealed the history behind this beautiful landmark. That’s a darned shame as I’ve been many times as a child and now more so with my munchkin to enjoy what was voted some of the world’s best ice cream. The mansion offers packaged tours such as a tour of the mansion and a sample of the products from the shops on site.
Mahongany Tree Bar
In the mid 17th century, Devon Penn was part of a 600-acre property awarded to Rev. John Zellers, a British minister. Some fifty years after that award, a rectory was constructed, and portions of that rectory are thought to remain as part of the existing Devon House mansion. However, it is the story of George Stiebel that has made Devon House famous.
In between your explorations or when you’re all done, you can head to the Devon House Bakery for a treat. This bakery offers delicious Jamaican patties, cakes, and other international desserts. Other than these, there are lots more options including Coco Raw where you can find smoothies, shaved ice, and more. During the Devon House tour, you’ll be led through nine distinct rooms, each with its own unique charm and significance. The restoration was truly in-depth with the carefully crafted reproductions adding to the allure. After all that exploring and eating, it’s time for a coffee or tea break.
Today, the the former buildings and lawns on the 11 acres that were retained have been repurposed as part of the general redevelopment. The tennis court and the race track are now portions of the parking lot. Additionally, George Stiebel who was a lover of horses and frequently attended horse races, built a racecouse to the back of the property and hired a trainer to train the horses. If you want to visit Devon House but will be staying a good distance away from this location, a combination tour can be a good idea. Options include a tour that also goes to the Bob Marley Museum or other popular locations in this area. By visiting multiple locations as part of a single tour, you can save time and money and have a more fun-filled day overall.
George Stiebel’s success shattered societal norms, and the mansion he built served as a symbol of black entrepreneurship and resilience. The house was again sold in 1928 to Cecil Lindo a businessman and after his death in 1960, his wife moved out leaving the house vacant. Theresa who was in England must have been devasted by the news of losing her son and her husband in the space of a week. Her grief amplified with each mile that separated her from Jamaica and her inability to attend either funeral. Both Richard and Douglas were also buried at the St Andrew Parish Church cemetery in Half Way Tree. For 10 years, George and Magdalen, their daughter Theresa, and her husband Richard Hill Jackson, who had become the mayor of Kingston, lived like Jamaican royalty in the newly built residence.
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The Island Guide
Today, the property sits on 11 acres -- one-fifth of its original size. The remaining forty acres or so, were carved off and developed when the property was sold for the first time in 1923. It was this division that facilitated the development of roads such as Devon Road and Waterloo Aveneue, along with the structures that now exists in the vicinity. Sigismund, following in Jewish tradition, took full responsibility and cared for his son, moving him from his mother's quarters into the main house where he was grown under the care and discipline of his father. The bond and trust between the two grew with his father later setting him up in business. George's successes later in life suggest that he was a natural entrepreneur, a quick study and a self starter, so this seed money was just what he needed to begin his journey towards wealth.
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The history of this space and how it came to be is part of the reason it is one of the most talked-about local landmarks in Jamaica. The tours available at Devon House are a great way to get more familiar with its history. There is a lot to be discovered about this property even from the time before the house was built. Devon House is a beautifully restored mansion located in the heart of Kingston.
This popular landmark can be found on the corner of Hope Road and Trafalgar Road. In times past, this area was known as the Millionaire’s Corner as two other millionaires resided on this street next to Devon House. These other houses have since been demolished to make way for other development projects. If you plan on staying outside of Kingston or won’t be renting a car while in Jamaica, then a full-day tour can be a good option. Tour packages with this company cost around $131.25 USD starting from Montego Bay and $100 USD starting from Ocho Rios.
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