Bellefield Great House and Gardens, Montego Bay

Perched amidst the picturesque hills of Granville and offering sweeping views of Montego Bay, the cruise ship terminal, and the sparkling Caribbean Sea, Bellefield Great House has been in the Kerr-Jarrett family since the late 1700s. While the exact origins of Bellefield Great House remain unconfirmed, it is believed to have evolved from a militia post established on the island in the 1600s.

The architecture predates the Georgian period but bears many features typical of plantation homes, later incorporated into the grand Great Houses of the 1700s with a Jamaican Georgian style. With its stone-walled ground floor, wooden-framed upper floor, verandahs, and louvered shutters, Bellefield exudes the charm of a bygone era.

Open to the public for tours, Bellefield Great House offers visitors a captivating journey through time. Well-preserved furnishings and artifacts from the 19th century adorn the interior, offering insights into the lives of its past inhabitants. The sugar mill, once one of the largest on the island, has been transformed into a charming restaurant, adding to the estate's allure.

The property's layout is both intriguing and practical, with the upper living quarters accessible via an exterior staircase leading from the ground floor verandah. Each room boasts openings to the verandah, ensuring ample ventilation and natural light. Artefacts such as corseted frocks and tea boxes provide glimpses into daily life in the 19th century, while accounting ledgers offer insights into the estate's business affairs.

Beyond the house, a meticulously maintained lawn stretches into the distance, shaded by towering trees, including a 300-year-old Guango tree. Various species of plants along the garden perimeter offer privacy, while structures like pergolas and gazebos serve as focal points for entertainment and relaxation.