A cautionary piece of advice: We must try to exercise utmost self-control and not allow ourselves to get carried away by behaviour unbecoming of invited guests. Let’s produce no deafening shrieks or unexpected profanity as our kind hosts escort us around this fabulous residence – a paradigm of architectural delight. Yes, this may be difficult to achieve for some of us, with such a good-looking house and the fact that architecture does affect our human behaviour.
We can’t help but notice the absence of furniture, but that’s understandable because the house was just purchased. But we have a golden opportunity to embrace and appreciate the architectural features that stare back at us without the distraction of furnishings.
Revel in dwelling space spanning all of 10,800 square feet. The floors are a mixture of imported classy marble, mahogany wood and ceramic (with tile inlays). The staircase is completely crafted out of mahogany. Wood mouldings accentuate all the earth–tone painted areas. Wainscoting (wooden wall panelling) define some spaces. We see two separate wet bars, a built–in fireplace in the formal living room, and hypnotising water–fountain feature under the stairs. Another fountain is located in a coy fish pond under a bridge, linking the back patio to a manicured lawn. We observed further: custom–fitted windows and doors imported from Australia, granite basin counters in Jacuzzi bathrooms, and a cherry oak, deluxe island kitchen also featuring granite countertops.
We are enamoured by the six spacious bedrooms and five ritzy bathrooms, and yet another room for office / gym. We cannot deny the absolute splendour of the elevated, arched stone porch with its shockingly beautiful double front doors! A double car garage with automated doors is parked at the side of the building.
The driveway is dramatised with interlocking concrete pavers, while the triple–roof gazebo adds that indubitable visual appeal to the overall image.
The dream house with its major curb appeal may have just switched hands, but still remains in the family. They just can’t relinquish it!
The overjoyed new owners have popular retail stores across the island. This is now theirs to enjoy as much as the previous owners did with their frequent entertaining.
As we say goodbye, we are mindful that we behaved admirably in controlling our emotions in the face of such blatant architectural provocation, with all the impressive attributes this house has to offer.
Barry Rattray is a dream house designer and builder. Email feedback to barry-rattray@hotmail.com and lifestyle@gleanerjm.com
