Welcome to Devon House Heritage Site, one of Jamaica’s leading national monuments and a symbol of the cultural diversity, which makes this island a unique choice for thousands of visitors. This 127 year old site located in the heart of metropolis Kingston, Jamaica’s capital, offers a striking contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city. The 11-acre property with its lush sprawling lawns provides an ambience that soothes the mind and soul, and offers an enviable shopping experience for both local and overseas visitors. Patrons to Devon House can partake in the fascinating history of the site, which was built by Jamaica’s first black millionaire George Stiebel.
Sitting on 11 lush acres in the capital city, the stately Devon House mansion was the home of Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel. It was built in 1891, on what was originally a 51-acre property.
Visitors to the historical site can go back in time with a tour of the Georgian-style great house. Furnished with a collection of 19th-century antiques from Jamaica and the Caribbean region, the house tells the tale of privileged West Indian society in the Victorian era. The ballroom still has the original English chandelier purchased by Stiebel for the room.
The finely crafted wooden Devon House is even more remarkable given that it was constructed by a man whose background made his climb to success particularly difficult. George Stiebel, the son of a black housekeeper and a German-Jewish merchant, made his fortune from investments in gold mines in Venezuela. He purchased 99 properties in Jamaica, including Devon Pen.
Today, the old stables, kitchen and other buildings on the property host some of Jamaica’s finest restaurants, confectioneries and souvenir shops. Devon House I Scream, makers of Jamaica’s premier brand of ice cream has its flagship store at the location.