Places & Spaces Volume 10

VOLUME 10

Nov 2016-Feb 2017 INTERACTIVE PRINT

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Publisher’s Note

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his issue of Places & Spaces that you are reading right now is our 10th edition – and in the magazine world this is kind of a big deal! It marks a special milestone for us, as Places and Spaces is one of our flagship publications, started when we decided to operate our own publishing division three years ago. Today we produce and publish 12 in-house publications – covering a wide range of topics including tourism, sports, food and entertainment. We also produce and publish a number of independent magazines for our clients. It was a bold move for us, and we are proud to be the only full-fledged publishing department operated within a printing company in Jamaica!

Michele Gabay

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It got me thinking about taking that leap of faith, and stepping out of our comfort zone… and in culling together the features for this issue we realized there was an underlying theme, it was that ‘can do spirit’ that we Jamaicans have, whether it’s in business or in our personal lives. For our feature on PHOENIX CENTRAL | 26, Public Relations guru, Jean Lowrie Chin relates how she took that bold step, against all odds, to not only open her own firm, but invest and develop real estate property; we learn how Paul Matalon, LUXURY RESIDENTIAL | 20, made a curious switch from Aeronautical engineering to become the industry leader in luxury residential real estate, while Maurice Gabay, AFFORDABLE HOUSING | 14, tells us how he took on the daunting challenge of not just providing affordable housing but creating ‘liveable communities.’

We share the stories of first-time home owners, young couples making smart decisions, such as Abbi and Krishna Phillips, HOME RENOVATION | 10, who opted to buy a fixer-upper, and Chinelle and Azikiwe Lambert, STYLISH MODULAR HOME | 18 who decided on a starter home with room to grow.

Others in this issue who have made a bold move are life long friends, Tabetha Phillips and Sarah Willis, BLUE RIDGE, A BANQUET OF A VIEW | 30, who both returned home to Jamaica to open a restaurant and lodgings in a remote area of the Blue Mountains.

It has been an inspiring issue as we connect with Jamaicans from all walks of life - we hope you enjoy reading their stories and feel inspired too!

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Michele Gabay Managing Director, MAPCO Printers Limited

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Kevin Barnaby Lorraine Murray George Cummings Angela Ross Jermaine Evan Danella HeatherBarnett Fagan Franchesca Francis Paulette Harvey George Cumming Rhondene Hussey Gianni JanelleFakhourie Pantry Khalil Betty Dabdoub Phillipps Ryan Blake McMedia Graphics McMedia Graphics Nicholas McClure Nicholas McClure George Cumming Rockhill, Silver Sands Estate Donovan Darby Duncans, Trelawny StevePhotography Morrison LAM George Cumming DuVaughn McDonald DuVaugh McDonald Karolle Kimmel MAPCO Printers Limited LAM Photography

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All material in this publication is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. No part of the publication mayPlaces be reproduced or utilised in any Download and Spaces Magazine at form without written approval from MAPCO PRINTERS LTD. www.placesandspacesmag.com The publishers of Places and Spaces accept no liability for the views and/or opinions expressed within this publication. MAPCO PRINTERS LIMITED makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of information presented but accepts no responsibility for errors, ommissions or claims made in any section of this publication. No part of the publication may be reproduced or utilised in any form without written approval from MAPCO PRINTERS LTD.

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Places & Spaces

CONTENTS 10

Features 10

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HOME RENOVATION Chic & Contemporary Fixer-upper in Hope Pastures

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AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN AN UNAFFORDABLE CITY Seville Meadows, Spanish Town

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LUXURY REAL ESTATE Gavia, Ultra-luxe residential town homes in Cherry Gardens

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RESORT REAL ESTATE

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COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Star San Villa – Living among the soaring trees in Portland Phoenix Central, a professional office complex in the City

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A BANQUET OF A VIEW

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COVER STORY

Blue Ridge Weekend Restaurant & Lodgings

49 PLACES & SPACES REALTORS & DEVELOPERS LISTINGS

Airbnb – The eBay of Vacation Rentals

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INTERIORS BY HOME & THINGS

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ON LOCATION WITH PHOTOGRAPHER WARREN BROWN

Fabulous fixtures & faucets for your Bathroom and Kitchen

Where & How we live documented through Photography

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WIHCON

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LANDSCAPING & GARDENS

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HOME DÉCOR

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LEGAL MATTERS

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How to Complete an Incomplete Transfer – Hylton & Hylton, Attorneys-at-Law

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GWP TILE GALLERY

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BE INFORMED

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IN THE COMMUNITY

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Forest Ridge apartment development in Red Hills A Passion for Orchids – Dawn Kerr

Inspired Living Spaces by Ashley Furniture HomeStore

Protect your Home with Homeguard from Guardian General Insurance

A one-stop shop in Montego Bay

The BluePrint Seminar for first-time Home Buyers

Remax Real Estate Expo & Hospital Donation

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Be Inspired • Be Creative • Be Informed • Be Aware

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Be Inspired “We love to cook, so we wanted the kitchen to be the focal point of the house,” says Krishna. Well-designed and functional, it is fitted with dark cedar cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, including a professional stove. There is a centre island and wet bar.

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EWLYWEDS KRISHNA AND ABBI PHILLIPS DID THINGS A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY. “Most young couples get married and then buy a home together, we purchased our home before we got married,” explains Krishna.

Home Renovation Home-owners, Abbi and Krishna Phillips.

Transformation of a Hope Pastures fixer-upper into a chic & contemporary family home.

“We started looking about two years before – on weekends we would drive around Kingston to view properties to see what was on the market, looking at location, price range and styles. We got to understand each other’s preferences. We also put the prefinancing in motion so that when the right opportunity came up we were ready.” The couple became home owners in September 2013, and were married six months later.

“The big decision for us was whether to go with a move-in ready townhouse in a complex, or a stand alone home. We knew we wanted children and would need more space as the family grew – a townhouse would mean moving maybe ten years down the road, and at my age, 42, the prospect of refinancing a mortgage for a larger home didn’t seem practical, so we agreed on a house, ideally a fixer-upper,” he explains.

“The opportunity presented itself suddenly. It was a foreclosure. The risk for us was the type of acquisition. We could only view the house from the outside, we couldn’t go in.

And we had to make a quick decision, we had just two days to put in an offer,” says Abbi.

Painting of Krishna’s mother by Judy Ann MacMillan; almost life-size it takes pride of place on the living room wall.

The house was in Hope Pastures, in one of the very early middle income residential schemes built by the Matalon’s in the 60s, so they had an idea of the basic floor plan and knew that the structure was sound. “But when we first saw it we were a bit deflated. We were both

Abbi and daughter Neriah.

Abbi, what’s the first thing you do when you get home? Kick off my shoes and go hug my little daughter Neriah, she’s my bundle of joy.

The original carport, adjoining the annex was converted to an open courtyard. The architect recommended removing the concrete roof- it was a great idea, not only making an inviting entrance to the kitchen, but providing light and airflow.

What’s your entertaining style? I love beautiful yet informal table settings, fresh flowers, and for my guests to feel at home.

very doubtful. Not being able to see inside, we assumed the worse and agreed that it would have to be a complete renovation.”

But the big draw was that they could modify it exactly how they wanted it to be. So they took the risk and made the purchase. “When we did get to see inside, although it needed a lot of work, we saw that it had tremendous potential. The surprise was the back garden, it was quite big with several fruit trees – mango, gimbaylin, cherry and lime!”

It was an exciting time for the new homeowners: “We dreamt it fully, elaborately… much beyond practicality! But we agreed we could only do what we could afford, and in stages.”

The priority was to do the restructuring, build extensions and a new roof, knock out walls, rewire the electrics and re-do the plumbing.

By reconfiguring the interior they were able to create three bedrooms (including a spacious master bedroom with en suite bathroom and walk-in closet; nursery and guest room); additional bathrooms; a study; utility room; two enclosed courtyards and a wraparound verandah; and a large kitchen, dining area and living room. The adjoining annex was also extended to include a refurbished bedroom/bathroom

What’s your favourite family activity? Entertaining and having family and friends over to enjoy a home cooked meal, usually on the weekends, when we have the time to sit back and relax.

What’s your design style? Contemporary and functional, with a mix of old and new.

The doors in the living room open completely onto the wraparound verandah.

to accommodate a live-in helper; a laundry and workshop/studio. The carport was converted into a two car garage. The front of the house was upgraded, but remained much the same and belies the spacious beautifully renovated interior.

“The next stage for us will be landscaping the garden, building a deck, a play area for the children and perhaps in the future, a pool,” says Krishna.

What was the first step in the renovation?

To hire an architect. Locally-trained architect Michael Lord was recommended to us, and from the onset we got on well. He did a floor plan of the existing space, then worked with his recommendations and what we wanted. He had very practical ideas, and brought into consideration things we hadn’t thought of – airflow and ventilation, where the sun rises, natural light. He raised the roof, introducing skylights, a cupola and plantation-style louvre doors and windows throughout the house to increase airflow and give more light and a tropical feel.

We also hired a contractor, again recommended, and we went to view some of the houses he had worked on in Kingston and Ocho Rios. We were impressed with his attention to detail and style. The craftsmen he employed were highly skilled – all the doors, windows and cabinetry were hand-made in cedar.

Which room is the most luxurious? Our bathroom.

Weekdays run like clock work for us and our mornings are rushed. It’s nice to have a little luxury getting ready for work – double face basins, high end fixtures, rain shower, Jacuzzi bath, marble tiles – we splurged a little!

What are some of your cherished pieces of furniture? I have a beautiful long mahogany sideboard that I inherited from my Nana. I also like antiques and have a few dressers and chairs. But I try not to be too precious about them, in fact I converted one into a vanity stand in the guest bathroom!

What about art? Our most cherished artwork is a life-size painting of Krishna’s mother by well-known Jamaican artist, Judy Ann MacMillan, it’s very special as his mom died when he was a teenager. We have just started collecting work by local artists and have several paintings by Richard Hall.

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KRISHNA’S TIPS for RENOVATING • Start looking early. It takes the stress out of house-hunting if you are rushed to buy. Get to know what you both like.

• No matter how much you budget, it always costs more than you think! And you must have a contingency budget for unexpected issues.

• Work with an architect and contractor. You pay for their expertise and know-how, and can avoid costly mistakes.

But look for the right fit, shop around, seek recommendations and visit properties that they have worked on.

The dining area looks out onto the front verandah.

With a high, vaulted ceiling, the master bedroom is spacious and opens onto a private courtyard.

What was the design concept?

Everything was based on what we like, not resale.

We wanted it open plan with living spaces that flowed into one another. We also liked the idea of bringing the outside in, so the louvred doors on two sides of the living room open completely onto the front verandah; the kitchen opens onto a terraced courtyard; and the master bedroom has its own private enclosed atrium. Security was an important factor – the grille work is very neat and concealed, so you don’t feel as though you are in a prison.

• Be open to suggestions from both the architect and the contractor.

• If you can avoid it, don’t live in the home during the renovation.

• Daydream...but at the end of the day do what’s practical and affordable.

If you can’t afford to do everything at once, do it in stages.

• Do your research and be informed... we learned a lot online, from magazines, and simply talking to other homeowners.

• Most contractors handle the sourcing and purchase of building material and often get a better price. Have them delivered on site and ensure that they are monitored.

• Stick to the plan!

Changes can throw everything off – budgets and deadlines.

“I also like antiques and have collected a few dressers and chairs. But I try not to be too precious about them, in fact I converted an old mahogany dressing table into a vanity stand fitted with a vessel bowl in the guest bathroom!”

You are both professional engineers, did this come into play?

Yes. We have a small utility room, it’s the hub of the house with all the electrical panels and wiring, Internet and cable, as well as a generator that trips in automatically if there is a power cut. We also pre-wired the house for solar power.

What were some of the must-haves?

We both love to cook so the kitchen was the priority.

We wanted it to be the focal point, a spacious and functional work area that was open to the dining area and living room. It’s three times the original size.

What were some of the challenges?

A major set back, in terms of time and cost, was the flooring. The original house had several different levels and we wanted it to be all one level. This wasn’t taken into account in the initial survey, so we had to recast the entire floor, over 3000sq ft.

Any disappointments?

Due to the flooring, the renovation went over schedule, so we had to move in before it was finished. We had no kitchen, and an incomplete bathroom, and of course we had the inconvenience of workmen in and out. “It’s the same house, but lighter and better. It’s much more spacious.

It’s a wonderful place to come home to!” says Krishna.

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Be Aware T

HE NEED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN the city is real and urgent. As home ownership is becoming increasingly out of reach for low to middle income working households, public and private developers are being challenged to come up with new solutions.

For some, the urban vision has been to ‘densify’- packing people in to every square kilometre in what have been described as small concrete boxes.

These ill-planned schemes and inferior buildings, are poorly maintained and soon become urban slums.

But as expectations for housing have changed, there are some developers, such as MJC Master Builders Limited, who recognize that it’s not just a roof over one’s head, but an opportunity to create liveable communities offering a better quality of life. These developments provide functional, well-designed houses, in various styles to suit income levels. The units allow breathing space, with driveways and gardens. The houses are built to code, and offer the homeowner the opportunity to expand and add-on rooms. They are outfitted with premium elements such as energy efficient windows and designer kitchen cabinetry; some are even pre-wired for air-conditioning. Consideration is given to community needs, and many are centrally located to bus routes.

More schemes are designed as gated communities providing security, and are landscaped, with leisure areas such as parks and play areas for children.

But the big plus is these residential developments are affordable…

Aerial view of Seville Meadows III in St. Catherine

Places & Spaces

Affordable

Housing in an

Unaffordable City

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A completed unit at Seville Meadows in St. Catherine.

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growing population is always in need of affordable housing solutions. With the average cost of construction in the region of J$15,000 per square foot, not many Jamaicans are able to design and construct their ‘dream’ home, while others do not have the patience or persistence to see the project through from inception to moving in. The demand for affordable housing has increased in recent years as the spending power of buyers has not been able to catch up with the ever-increasing cost of home ownership which, is mostly triggered by the devaluing Jamaican dollar and an economy still in recovery from recession.

The construction industry has been revolutionized by the proliferation of Industrial Building Systems, an engineered method of producing structures and their components in an efficient and cost effective way. This construction trend is referred to as modular, pre-manufactured building. The use of system building is common in many residential and commercial applications. Modular concrete construction is fairly flexible due to the wide range of design parameters allowed by its ability to be assembled. Construction companies use these specific casts, in the form of huge reinforced concrete slabs to assemble various types of buildings, both residential and commercial.

These moulds take into consideration all the aspects of typical block-and-steel construction, such as wall thickness, ratio of component mixture, durability and structure with the use of ribbed-thin technology – high early strength concrete, conventional reinforcing steel bars and close welded mesh. These aluminium moulds are erected with piping for the incorporation of services such as electricity and telephone, which can be rendered

with cement mortar without compromising the structural integrity of the unit. After the floor slab is cast and allowed to cure, workmen assemble the aluminium formwork.

The formwork is oiled to allow for a smooth finish and separation from the concrete once hardened. Steel is also place between these metal props to provide structural reinforcement. Window and door openings are left as open spaces in the mould, and local suppliers manufacture windows, doors and cabinetry.

Plumbing pipes and electrical conduits are usually located in the panels and the installation of sanitary ware takes place after the formwork is removed. Painting is done after the structure is complete. The aluminium moulds allow for the smooth rendering of concrete to give a high quality finish.

and MJC Master Builders Limited, founded by Maurice Gabay.

MJC Master Builders Limited has already developed and delivered Seville Meadows I and II and is in the process of finishing III. All these developments are located in St. Catherine on St. Johns Road. The project began in April 2014, and delivered the first set of units in October of the same year. The development occupies one hundred acres. The standard one-bedroom unit was priced J$5,000,000, while the two bedroom sold for J$8,000,000.

Maurice points out that the project started when the exchange rate was J$94.95: US$1.00. Despite a rapid devaluation (currently J$128.84: US $1.00) costs of the units have not escalated much. The one and two bedroom units currently sell for J$5.5M and

In the early 1950s, West Indies Home Contractors (WIHCON) pioneered the mass housing solution with the introduction of the Mona Heights housing scheme, located across from the Royal Botanical Gardens, Hope. This provided approximately 680 three bedroom homes. Other notable players in the industry are Ashtrom Building Systems

J$8.5M respectively.

Using form work, each unit takes approximately one month to be constructed, from foundation to handing over of a unit to the prospective home owner. The homes are situated on lots of an average size of 4,000 square feet and provide ample space for ex-

Places & Spaces

pansion. The units are fairly spacious, as the one bedroom is 600 square feet, and the two bedroom is over 1,200 square feet. The development is within a gated community, giving residents an added sense of security. A large green area is designated as a community park, and there is a reserve water supply at Seville Meadows III. A commercial space and police post will be constructed on vacant lands towards the entrance of this development. Maurice explained that the covenants of the development do not allow for any expansion to take place towards the front of the unit, preserving consistency along the façade of the roadways in the development.

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After the slab floor is cast and cured, the aluminium steel formwork is assembled. Plumbing pipes and electrical conduits are located in the wall panels.

The slab roof is accented with decra-tiles.

Founder of MJC Master Builders Limited, Maurice Gabay, on site at the Seville Meadows development in St. Catherine.

Modular or pre-manufactured is a popular construction trend in the affordable housing industry. Concrete moulds are mass produced in the factory and assembled on site. They are cost effective as they take fewer man hours to construct and there is less wastage of material. Built to code and within budget, they can be assembled, outfitted and finished within four weeks to hand over to the new homeowner.

Even though the homes are marketed as ‘affordable housing solutions,’ each finished unit comes with designer kitchen cabinetry and granite counter tops from Exotic Stone Creations and energy efficient windows from Architectural Windows and Doors Limited. These units also have a reinforced concrete slab roof, accented with mansard roofing covered with a clay finish decra-tile.

The doors are sourced locally from TankWeld Limited. The bedrooms are equipped

with piping for air-conditioners. The price point of these homes attract many single applicants of the National Housing Trust to this development.

MJC Master Builders Limited was established in 2007 by Maurice Gabay and partners, after seeing the need to provide quality, affordable housing. Maurice brings a wealth of knowledge to the Company after spending many years in the construction

industry in Canada, the United States and Jamaica. He further explains that walking around his developments and interacting with home owners brings him great pleasure, and he is strongly involved in the community knowing most of the occupants by their first name. Over five hundred cast units have been delivered so far, and another fifteen hundred are due to start by the end of 2017.

By Ryan Blake. Photos by Warren Brown.

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HERE WERE A FEW ‘MUST-HAVES’ on the Lamberts checklist for buying their first home: ”We wanted a starter-home with space and the option to expand,” explained Azikiwe. “That’s what appealed to us most with Seville III. At that time my wife, Chinelle was based in Montego Bay, so I went to look at the schematic, and selected our unit pre-construction. We also liked the idea that there were choices and addons – for example all are detached units and some allow you to purchase additional land space, so we did that, adding extra land at the back. There was also a choice between the basic and finished unit – we went with the basic as we wanted to decorate ourselves.

“It’s a slab roof so we can add a second floor, as well as extend to the back, (but not to the sides). And we will still have space for a garden.

Another plus is that the driveway is long enough to park two cars. An important consideration was security, and it is a gated community.”

Currently the scheme is still in construction phase, and only some units are completed and occupied, mostly by couples, some with young families. The Lamberts are looking forward to the completion of the scheme, scheduled for late 2017, when the common areas will be landscaped and the community amenities will be in place. “It will be handed over to the citizen’s association and we will start to see a residential neighbourhood develop. For now, we pay a flat rate for water and security,” he says.

Stylish

Modular Home with room to grow Seville Meadows III

The only downside is the hour-long commute to and from Kingston – Chinelle works with a building society downtown, and Azikiwe owns a petroleum service company. “But we drive one car to work, and we use the two toll roads, Portmore and Spanish Town, and that is J$680 per day. Or sometimes we use the Marcus Garvey to Spanish Town bypass.

Purchasing the basic unit, the Lamberts were able to decorate themselves, selecting their choice of kitchen cabinets, counter-top and fixtures.

They also built a small island in the kitchen.

ABOVE: Seville Meadows in Spanish Town, a place to call home for Chinelle and Azikiwe Lambert.

LEFT: The bathroom is stylish and functional with a built-in floor to ceiling cupboard.

A combination of purples and blues gives a contemporary flair to the bedroom

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Be Aware

Luxury Residential

Townhouses & Apartments

PETER MATALON

T

It’s a curious career switch from aeronautical studies to real estate, how did that happen?

O COME HOME TO A SERENE, BEAUTIFULLY CONCEIVED HOME IS IMPORTANT, and sophisticated units with high-end customization and impressive amenities are coveted by today’s discerning buyer of luxury homes. Among the handful of real estate developers of ultra-luxe homes is Peter Matalon of Matalon Homes who is regarded as an industry leader in crafting stunning, turn key, residential complexes. It’s a male-dominated industry, and other prominent players include Realmac Construction, Islandwide Construction and Geon.

We see these residential enclaves emerging mainly in Kingston and Montego Bay. These developments cater to the financial elite comprising young professionals, company executives, as well as older home owners seeking to downsize. The majority of buyers of these units are local, although there is a small percentage of foreign purchasers. Most units are owner occupied, and some are purchased solely as investments and are rented out. The demand is for both apartments and townhouses, and the luxury market price tag starts at around J$28M for a one-bedroom apartment, a two-bedroom apartment goes for over J$30M, and townhouses range from J$35M upwards.

After the successful completion of the townhouse developments Eleven and CoCo Palm in the upscale neighbourhoods of Millsborough and Waterworks in Kingston, Peter Matalon turned his attention to an empty piece of land, which was once a playing field for Hillel Academy. Located in Cherry Gardens, this would become the site for his next project, Gavia.

The concept behind Gavia, (named after a mountain in the Italian Alps) was to provide a mix of luxury apartments and townhouses. Gavia is built on three-and-a-half acres of land and accommodates sixteen townhouses and two four-storey apartment blocks in a gated, beautifully landscaped residential community.

The townhouses, each spaciously sized at 2,900 square feet, include three bedroom/three bathroom units with open-plan living, dining and kitchen, as well as laundry room and helper’s quarters. Each apartment building consists of eleven two bedroom/ two bathroom apartments of 1700 square feet, as well as two penthouse apartments comprising 3,400 square feet each. As with the other residential projects, the amenities also include a swimming pool and a club house.

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER MATALON HOMES

It’s a long story, but in a nutshell: On graduating from Embry Riddle University with a degree in Aeronautical Studies, I had a job offer pending at McDonnell Douglas aircraft manufacturers in Georgia.

I applied for my U.S. residency, but it was taking longer than expected so I took a job managing the casting yard at WIHCON (West Indies Home Contractors), our family owned construction business. I really enjoyed construction and being back in Jamaica. Shortly after, I met my wife and decided to stay. I spent almost 20 years in the affordable housing construction business, building Eltham, Greater Portmore, and numerous other projects. In 2004 I started Matalon Homes with two partners and focused on developing Luxury Homes.

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The luxurious penthouse apartment at Gavia, invites you to kick back, relax and stay awhile...

How long did it take to build Gavia, from ground-breaking to handing over the key to new home-owners?

24 months.

How are units sold?

We sell the majority preconstruction, from plans.

Are they all sold at that stage?

No not all, however we were fortunate to sell the majority of them prior to commencing construction and the balance during the construction phase.

Who is your go-to Architect for Luxury Homes?

Douglas Stiebel at Stiebel and Company designs all our developments. Dougie and his team have been a great partner in assisting us to conceive and

develop elegant, efficient and sustainable developments. Equally important to the design phase is the interaction during construction and this is where Dougie and his team really shine. Their response to issues/design changes etc., is exemplary to say the least.

goes into choosing paint schemes, sanitary ware, tiles, cabinets etc.

Occasionally I get help with certain items. At Gavia, Lisa Stiebel helped by short listing a range of products for me to select from. Almost everything is sourced locally.

Landscaping?

Landscaping is an extremely important part of our final product and we leave this to our very able and trusted landscape designer Linda Paisley. Creating lush tropical gardens within our development is certainly an art which she has perfected.

Which is your favourite development?

Gavia - our developments keep improving as we go along and I think Gavia is by far our best to date.

Many were very curious as they could not picture what the final development would look and feel like and I think they were pleasantly surprised. I think we got it right.

Interior Design?

The majority of the interior finishes I choose myself. Much thought

Other Projects?

We just completed The Welwyn and are currently constructing

Pordoi in Cherry Gardens, very close to Gavia.

What were some of the challenges?

Balancing the price point and unit size, while providing quality finishes is always challenging. The right mix of all three elements is essential to producing an exceptional and sustainable development.

Where is the luxury market heading?

While there are some who may say the luxury market is saturated and slowing down, I believe there will always be a demand for quality luxurious residential real estate.

They always say, invest in quality real estate and you can’t go wrong.

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Places & Spaces

What do your clients look for in a luxury home?

Location in prime residential areas; A polished, contemporary look with elegant, clean lines; Generous and comfortable living spaces that flow together; Open and airy with lots of natural light, large windows and high ceilings; Flawless finishes, quality material and stylish fittings; Functional areas, such as the kitchen, that are uncluttered with lots of cupboard space, and all modern conveniences and appliances factored into the design. Although the preferred look is very open plan with few walls, a new trend is for art-friendly walls, for displaying large art. Amenities such as a club house, pool, state-of-the-art gym, and landscaped gardens are standard requirements. And of course privacy and security are key factors.

In order to achieve privacy, each unit is staggered, with an orientation that is slightly angled to prevent persons having a direct line of sight into their neighbour’s home. The development, designed by the architectural firm Stiebel and Company, focused on providing a modern Caribbean vernacular style with lots of green space throughout the complex. The town houses have few interior walls, to provide the occupant with a spacious feel. In keeping with the principles of modern Caribbean architecture, the town homes are lit by natural light, and are well ventilated with expansive patios to the front and rear of the unit, offering areas for private outdoor entertainment on both the upper and ground floors.

The apartments are also spacious and make the most of natural light, and each has its own patio located off the living room. The apartments have secured parking for occupants in the basement and provide direct access via elevator to the units. Each apartment block was designed to have the patio not facing the neighbouring block to ensure privacy.

The penthouse units also maximize natural light and ventilation by providing four covered patios for its occupants.

Complementing the feel of luxury, porcelain tiles and wooden mouldings were used throughout the project. Both the town houses and apartments feature custom-designed kitchen and bathroom cabinetry with quartz counter-tops and are fitted with luxurious fixtures. An interesting feature of this development is the provision of two guest suites, located in each apartment block. Owners can book these suites from the management office as a ‘spare’ room if one has an overflow of visitors. This is also beneficial for offering guests privacy while visiting.

By Ryan Blake. Photos by Warren Brown.

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Places & Spaces

Be Informed RESORT REAL ESTATE

The floor in one of the lounges is beautifully decorated with a mosaic seascape designed by artist Dawn Scott

STAR SAN VILLA Living among the soaring trees, overlooking the Caribbean Sea

S

TAR SAN VILLA SITS ABOVE IT ALL, nestled in lush tropical surroundings. “It’s like living among the trees,” explains owner, Norman McDonald, who purchased the property in 2000, falling under the spell of it’s elevation and dramatic mountain backdrop. “We have a clear view looking over to the famous Blue Lagoon and the sea – both just a short, two-minute walk away.”

“I always loved Portland, it’s part of my soul. As a teenager I spent a lot of time here – I learned to water ski in the Blue Lagoon, and we would go bird-shooting in the Rio Grande Valley. So when this property came up for sale, I just had to buy it.”

The owners opted for a modern design with clean lines.

“My daughter and her husband are both architects, so the plan was to modify and renovate – it was originally two floor with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. We ended up doing some major structural changes and basically rebuilt the house, making it much bigger than planned. Now it’s

three floors, with 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, with spacious living and dining areas on two floors, as well as three kitchens, laundry rooms and staff quarters.

We wanted to pull the outdoors in to create a home that was completely at ease within its natural surroundings.

We installed huge glass sliding doors to let in the light and cool breeze. We also added some special features - there are four balconies, each with a spectacular view – one I call ‘Balcony of Dreams’ which faces the sea, and another is ‘Balcony of Tranquility’ which overlooks the soaring trees and the lagoon.

Most of the cabinetry and woodwork was done by a furniture company I own, and we used a variety of local wood - all the railings are made from purple heart. We also commissioned artist Dawn Scott to create a seascape in mosaic tiles on the floor in one of the living rooms, it spans almost 500 sq.

Places & Spaces

25

LEFT: Another lounge opens onto a spacious patio overlooking the treetops.

All her masons who worked on the project were from St. Mary. And we did lots of landscaping and created a lovely garden.”

Now that the children are grown up, Norman and his wife have decided to downsize. “It will be hard to let it go. It really is our dream home and we spent many happy times here with family and friends.”

For a prospective buyer, what would the key selling points be?

“It’s well constructed, if you wanted to add another floor, you could. It sits high above sea level, and is off the road. It’s very private. It is actually configured as two self contained units, each with three bedrooms, and three bathrooms. Each unit has its own dining room, lounge and kitchen. There are two locations that could accommodate a pool. It can be used as a family resort home, or rented out as an income earner.

Although great things are happening in Portland it will never be over-developed and will always have that authentic ambience. It’s a wonderful place for nature lovers and watersport enthusiasts, and there are many attractions including Nonsuch Caves, Reach Falls and Monkey Island.

One of the four balconies on property, with a spectacular view of the sea.

Each of the six bedrooms is different in design and decor.

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Places & Spaces

Be Informed COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

PHOENIX CENTRAL

The work stations at ProComm Night shot of the building

J

EAN LOWRIE-CHIN, FOUNDER OF PROCOMM IS VERY ANIMATED ABOUT HER PAST – when she speaks of how she started investing in real estate. “My Dad was a chartered accountant. He always gave us, his four children, educational toys, and we especially loved to play monopoly.”

If you have never played monopoly, her account of how it works will have you rushing out to buy the game as soon as you hear it. With a sparkle in her eye, she tells of buying properties, ‘building’ houses and hotels to get higher rentals and paying taxes; it was only natural that this would become part of her real life.

The needs of her public relations firm are what she says pushed her into bringing the game to real life, but to any onlooker, it is obvious that she plays to win.

It was 1978, people were emigrating in droves. The country was in political and social turmoil. Jean decided that she would open a business because of her passionate love for Jamaica. “It is truly a special place, nowhere else in the world enjoys the racial harmony that you can find here. Everybody thought I was crazy, they told me I should leave. Why was I opening a business?”

The reception area

Jean Lowrie Chin, CEO of ProComm and husband Hubie on the roof top of Phoenix Central.

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Phoenix central is a smart, newly constructed, four-storey professional office complex. Home to public relations firm PROComm, the building accommodates sixteen offices, a cafe and a pharmacy.

In 1979, she decided to bank on Jamaica, opening PROComm in Suite 106 at The Jamaica Pegasus in exchange for public relations services to the hotel. The following year her business had expanded so much that they had outgrown the suite, so she had to take an additional room. Within three years, they needed more room, but there was no space available.

PROComm needed a new home and so she purchased 6 Kingsway, close to Devon House.

The owners had migrated and the old house required quite a bit of work, but growing up, Jean had seen her mother transform a “ramshackle shop in Savanna-la-mar,” and called her in to work her magic on this new home for PROComm. The transformed property was home and office for a few years, and later had three other tenants.

request that would not have been met with compromise. Besides that, the elevator needed handle bars for the frail to be able to hold on. Jean also wanted a mirror to do a quick check as she is always rushing to various meetings.

The Chins decided on many energy-saving features in order to do their little part to help Jamaica reduce her carbon footprint. Skylights line the entire corridor on the top floor. They are so wide and all encompassing, that no artificial light is required during daylight hours. They plan to cover the parking area with solar panels, this will offset the energy usage in the common areas of the building. The roof top is completely finished as an entertainment area and includes restrooms and other amenities necessary for having events. “The Phoenix Central Strata Corporation plans to make it available for rent for pop-up events and functions.” The panoramic view of the hills from that roof top, is one that jolts you back to Jamaica, in all her glory, in all her beauty. It is a jolt, because as you walk through the building you are struck by its modernity, attention to detail, and functionality. This building could hold its own anywhere in the world.

“I have always been a saver” explained Jean, “and I started a real estate account, saving the rentals from the Kingsway property until I was able, with the assistance of my mother, to purchase an old duplex house at 2 Phoenix Avenue, located off Hope Road, in 1988.” Through the ventures of being a landlord is how she says, “we learned of compound The floor in one of the the joy lounges is beautifully decorated with a mosaic seascape designed

by Jean artist Dawn interest.” The plan was to move her offices to Phoenix Avenue but as ButScott you know, besides the roof top view, there is one other distinct eleputs it, “I was so busy going beyond the call of duty to build the wealth ment that reminds you that Phoenix Central is firmly planted in Jamaica, of a former client, that I kept postponing my own plans.” This is why we that would be the old mango tree in front of the building. “I fought for that should always remember the saying, “Are you sitting on a whale, fishing for mango tree” says Jean, “the recommendation to remove it came several minnows?” times throughout the construction process and I refused. Eventually they It was in 2013 that Jean and her husband Hubie, an engineer by profession, made the bold move to form PRO-COMM Developments Ltd (PRODEV) and develop the Phoenix property, which had been leased out all those years. She said they felt that the atmosphere of pessimism in Jamaica after the signing of the IMF Agreement, was also a motivator.

They called in Bryan Morris of Plexus Architects, who is also her former Calabar student. The Chins saw it as a blessing when the very first computer-aided rendering of the building was done in Convent of Mercy - Alpha school colours, Jean’s alma mater. “Sister Bernadette always said ‘think big,’” says Jean of her late principal and mentor. “I think she had something to do with those colours - blue and yellow - they have made it through to the actual building that stands on Phoenix Avenue today.”

The building came with many must-haves and the Chins used an all-star team to make it happen. PROComm sponsors and runs a charitable organization, Caribbean Community of Retired Persons, and its office is based on the premises. Most of the members or beneficiaries of the organization are elderly. As a result, wheelchair-size elevators were a

built the parking lot around it. I was resolute that there should be a balance between contemporary design and lush nature. The property would represent harmony.”

Harmony has been achieved in several ways. The first was through the all-star cast that was used to achieve all the milestones to bring the complex to life. Hugo Matthews of Plexus Architects designed the property, Berkley & Spence of Protech/Synergy were the Quantity Surveyors, Marvin Campbell was the Structural Engineer, Donovan Vassell served as Head of Construction, while Roberto Clivio and Mark Chin (who recently passed away) of Islandwide Construction made this their pet project for the duration. Peter Mais was the attorney on the project, with the assistance of his wife Shirley. Jean’s sister, Sandra Lowrie, was invaluable in the administration of the project, writing detailed minutes – “She numbered those minutes so I can tell you that we had 57 internal meetings, right up to the day before the official opening of the building. Our daughter Anita Chin was back and forth, liaising with the various contractors – she is now General Manager of PRODEV, while our son, Noel, is Property Manager for our units and our other investments,” noted Jean.

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Places & Spaces

“Even though we looked at the blueprints, it was hard to visualise the space...when we actually saw it going up we were blown-away by the size!”

“Keith Senior from Jamaica National willingly offered advice in the most thorough, clear, and consistent manner. All risks were clearly explained and communicated in a professional manner. Anya Levy was the Realtor on this project who assisted in selling all the units that were necessary to be sold before the opening of the building and covering over 90% of the debt that had been incurred in constructing the building,” explained Jean. “There are sixteen office units. We sold ten (pre-construction) and decided to keep the remaining six and lease some. Unit owners include members of the medical, legal, engineering and IT professions. A cafe and pharmacy are also planned for the ground floor.”

The ProComm office is located on the fourth floor, and includes a spacious open plan work area with eight work stations, a meeting room and private offices. There is also a large conference room that can be rented out for seminars and training and can accommodate 100 persons, theatre style. “In fact we plan to further diversify by hosting workshops in public relations and protocol.”

There is adequate, well-planned parking. The walk-through gate to the Andrews Memorial compound is for the mutual convenience of both properties.

The Church uses some of the parking on Saturdays while doctors at Phoenix Central and their patients have easy access to the hospital’s facilities.

The Chin family at the ground-breaking of Phoenix Central: (left to right) husband Hubie, daughter Anita, son Noel and Jean.

From initial conversation to move in, this project took only 14 months. The cost was J$280 million. Anyone who has ever ventured into any sort of real estate project from pre-construction, knows that to achieve so much in so little time, takes harmony. When asked how this was achieved, Jean puts it in a nutshell: “The power of positivity. Plus planning. Be trustworthy if you want others to be trustworthy. Our tag line at PROComm is ‘Follow through sets us apart.’ So we have to live by that. And we are blessed. We prayed a lot.”

By Gianni Fakhourie. Photos by LAM Photography.

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HUGO MATTHEWS LEAD ARCHITECT Hugo Matthews was on the Plexus Architects’ team that designed and constructed Phoenix Central. As the lead architect on the project he knows the building from the ground up: “It was a great project to work on. The client wanted a beautiful building and gave us creative license to come up with a professional and functional design.

“The position of the building is slightly angled to accommodate views of the mountains on three sides, and every office is different in size. Natural light was a key factor in the design. We used a lot of glass, floor to ceiling, bringing the outside in to create a very open feel. We also installed shaders - they serve a dual purpose, to reduce the glare from the sun and protect the building during a hurricane.

A dramatic feature is the wing on the corner of the building. It is fitted with huge panes of glass stretching from the first to second floor, giving the impression that it is floating – it also gives a tremendous amount of light to the stairwell. And we installed skylights, which run the entire length of the corridor on the top floor. For the exterior we gave it a very contemporary look using textured finishes, a standout effect is the cladding on the ground floor, using a silver automotive finish. We set up solar cells on the roof, and there are two underground concrete water tanks below the courtyard. There is also a generator.

Hugo graduated from UTech in 2009 with a Masters in Architecture. He was one of the first employees on the Highway 2000 project, he worked there for fours years in the design department and was on the team that designed the first leg of the highway. “While working at Plexus, one of the best architectural firms in Jamaica, with wonderful projects to speak of (such as the new Ministry of Justice office complex and Musgrave suites), the principal Architect Brian Morris afforded me the opportunity to design my first major commercial building, 129 PRO a multi-storey, office complex on Hope Road.” In 2015 Hugo joined architectural firm, Virtuoso, with his partner Euhon Darling.

Currently the team is working on a supermarket in Manchester, as well as several commercial and residential projects in Kingston and islandwide.

One of the sixteen units at Phoenix Central is owned

by Gastroenterologist, Dr. Michael Mills.

MULTI-USE UNITS At Phoenix Central there are sixteen units. Ten are sold and six are leased. Already moved in are owners Ernest and Ianthe Smith who have their engineering and environmental company there, and well-known gastroenterologist Dr. Michael Mills has set up a state-of-the-art facility in a large unit. The interior of Dr. Mills office was designed by lead architect Hugo Matthews: “ We wanted to create a warm and inviting space, not really typical of a doctor’s office. We went with a soft, muted colour scheme in earthy tones, complemented by stone and mosaic tiles and a wood panelled reception area.” There will be five doctors renting offices on the first floor including an oncologist who is installing a computerised medical facility with four chemotherapy cubicles. The space is designed

by Zen Designs. There will also be a dentist’s office.

Located on the ground floor at Phoenix Central, Cafe Nita is a small coffee shop with a difference. The Coffee baristas are recruits from Deaf C.A.N., a non-profit organization that trains deaf people for the working world.

The Cafe will offer its house brew as well as teas, soups, sandwiches, smoothies as well as cakes and pastries. With limited seating inside, there will be alfresco dining, as well as catering for the graband-go customers.

Cafe Nita will be operated by Jean Lowrie Chin’s daughter, Anita, who is a trained Cordon Bleu chef with a Masters in Business Management. Consulting on all things food will be renowned master chef, Colin Hylton.

Artist’s rendering, in papier-mâché, of the old house on Kings Way where ProComm owned its first office.

The former home of PROComm located at 6 Kings Way, beside Devon House, will be demolished to build the Chin’s next real estate venture. “First we want to build back up resources” explains Jean, “then we plan to construct an assisted living complex for the elderly. It will be the first of its kind in Jamaica.” Comprising four storeys, each unit will be available for lease. Self-contained suites will have a large specially designed bathroom, and a kitchenette.

Amenities will include a nurse’s station, as well as a café. It will have Wi-Fi and cable, and there will be provision for parking at the rear of the building. “We will be sad to see the old house go - this is where ProComm grew up and we have wonderful memories. We plan to keep the lawn in the front and the trees, and maintain the garden so that the elderly residents can enjoy the space.”

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Places & Spaces

A Banquet of a View

BLUE RIDGE

A Weekend Restaurant in the Mountains

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Aerial view, overlooking Blue Ridge restaurant (foreground) and Content Gap. The five-acre property is surrounded by a cluster of privately-owned weekend cottages, and there are scattered farmlands cultivating coffee and vegetables along the hillsides, as well as dense forests of pine trees. In the far distance (top right) is Blue Mountain Peak, rising majestically to 7,200ft. A glimpse of the sprawling city of Kingston and the sea can also be seen (top left).

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Nibble-sized nuggets of chicken breast dipped in a lightly seasoned batter and deep-fried, on a bed of popcorn... presided over by a pair of curious chipmunks!

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ESTLED IN THE FOG AT WHAT JAMAICANS WOULD CALL, “BACK A GOD,” SITS BLUE RIDGE RESTAURANT. One thing is for certain, when you arrive, not only are you relieved, but you feel like you went on a road trip to visit your long lost relatives. You are greeted with warmth and friendly, smiling faces. Tabetha who runs front of house, will make sure that you’re seated somewhere that’s not only suitable to your liking, but also has an unencumbered view of the mountains.

Unencumbered by man-made structures, of course, because the only things that may obstruct your full view are the clouds, or the thick mountain mist. Yes, you really are that high up.

While you are soaking in the view of the mountains, or the clouds, both equally beautiful, Sarah is busy running the back-of-house to get all the food prepared and served in a timely manner.

Regulars to Blue Ridge like to have wine while they decide what they would like to eat. If you are not such a wine person, specially crafted cocktails are available and they have an array of coffee offerings that can be had spiked or virgin. It gets quite chilly up there, so the spiked coffee comes in handy to keep you warm - try the Blue Ridge Coffee with rum cream and whipped cream, or the Bella Vita with amaretto liqueur! The Blue Hot Chocolate is an absolute must for anyone visiting. Yes, it’s actually blue, and it is one of tastiest hot chocolates you will ever have, anywhere. I have no idea what they put in it, or what makes it blue, and they’re not telling...but when back on the flats, you will find yourself wondering if an hour’s drive is really too much to treat yourself to one.

The Blue Hot Chocolate is an absolute must for anyone visiting. Yes, it’s actually blue, and it is one of tastiest hot chocolates you will ever have, anywhere.

The appetizers are creative twists on typical pre-game fare. The popcorn chicken, is not popcorn chicken in the sense that you find it elsewhere, at Blue Ridge, it is in the literal sense. You get popcorn, and chicken. Nibble size nuggets of chicken breast, dipped in a lightly seasoned batter, spiced with a hint of coffee, served atop an overflowing bucket of fresh popcorn, so it’s two snacks in one. You can also find a quesadilla on the menu, pretty typical right? Except it’s not. It’s made with plantain and cheese and spices and served with homemade salsa. The mix of flavours between the sweet ripe plantain and the spice of the salsa along with the savoury cheese just makes you wonder how something, seemingly so simple, could be so absolutely good. After having that, you immediately start planning your next trip to Blue Ridge and your meal hasn’t even come yet!

The entrée list is quite extensive. International gourmet is the order of the day. You can choose something exotic like guava glazed pork chops, or crab-stuffed chicken breast; garlic cream linguine; homemade macaroni and cheese; grilled Brazilian steak topped with chimichurri sauce; vegetarian pot pie; even tortilla pizza.

I don’t know which will mesmerize you more, the food, or the presentation. Each dish is served on a tray with its own special decoration theme and figurine. Ranging from kitschy to playful you may be surprised to see an ornate and bejeweled elephant or Buddha alongside your dish, or colourful butterflies and parrots, tall-standing giraffes, storks and cranes, or chipmunks. (continued on page 34)

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A timber-built cottage at Blue Ridge

Co-owners of Blue Ridge, Sarah Willers (left), and Tabetha Phillips (right) with her two children, Nathanael and Elizabeth.

Enchanting Cottages at Blue Ridge The perfect getaway There are only two guest cottages, and they are delightful. A steep, narrow stone stairway leads down to the units, each tucked away in the lush vegetation. Completely private, it’s the perfect getaway to take real time out from city life.

Guests can relax and unwind and enjoy Nature at its best - even the intermittent Wi-Fi is a signal to slow down. Breakfast is included, and lunch and dinner are pre-ordered from the restaurant menu.

Both are timber-framed structures with pitch roofs. There is a spacious studio with en suite bathroom, and a one bedroom with a small living area. Furnishings are Bohemian-style and comfortable.

Both cottages have small patios looking out across sweeping views of the mountains and the deep valleys below.

“Very often diners will come and just decide to stay over, rather than take the long drive back to town,” explains Tabetha. “We also have another small studio that we are thinking of converting.” The cottages were built by Sarah’s father, David Willers, who also built the restaurant deck and the new bar.

Other buildings include the service area and upstairs office, and the kitchen annex. Also on the property is the Willers’ family home.

L

IFE-LONG BEST FRIENDS, SARAH WILLERS AND TABETHA PHILLIPS, started Blue Ridge one year ago when their plans to return home to Jamaica overlapped, and they decided to do something together. “I came back for health reasons,” explains Tabetha, who arrived home in a wheelchair, seeking naturopathic treatment for a debilitating illness. After many years of living in San José in California, Tabetha also saw the move as an opportunity for her young children to get to experience living in Jamaica. For Sarah the decision was prompted by the passing of her mother, and her desire to return home to be with her father who still lives at the family home. A restaurant seemed like the perfect venture, pulling on both their skills – Sarah as a trained chef, and Tabetha’s experience in management and the food industry.

The menu? It changes often to keep it interesting for our customers, many of whom are regulars. We also challenge our team to come up with their own creations and we offer a good selection of dishes for children.

The dining experience? We figure if we lure you up on the bad roads we should make it special for you, and not just the menu, but the presentation. So we have interesting tableware including colourful ramekins, unusually shaped dipping bowls, polka dot tins for French fries; and then we create themes to decorate the serving trays - miniature flags for international dishes; cute figurines. We may even place a toy fire engine, with siren blaring, to announce the arrival of a particular dessert! It’s unexpected and playful, and makes for a fun dining experience - the customers, adults and children, are thrilled by it.

The colour blue: We have an obsession with all things blue! So the name is a poetic take on the blue of the mountains and the sky; and then we also have our signature drink, the blue hot chocolate...

Our neighbours: We are all very close. Several of the homes are weekend cottages, owned by Kingstonians.

Room with a view: Both cottages have balconies with sweeping views of the mountains.

Our next step: To look at branding our own house coffee, body scrubs and introduce our sauces under the Blue Ridge label, starting with our popular creamy cilantro sauce and homemade barbecue sauce.

The drive up: Takes us thirty minutes from Papine, we know the roads!

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(continued from page 32)

If dinner didn’t entertain you enough, dessert comes with all the flair, or should it be flares?

Whether you order the Thai donuts (served with two very tasty sauces – cream and chocolate), or you have the homemade Oreo cheesecake, or the crème brulee, they make much of the dessert and will even serve the Thai donuts with actual fire sparklers. If you like to take pictures of food, or of anything unusual, you should be ready before they get to your table. The sparklers are real and are already lit, so there won’t be enough time for you to get the camera and take the photo by the time the sparkles fizzle out, and you really, really don’t want to miss the spectacle!

While you are savouring dessert, Tabetha will come around and ask how you enjoyed your meal, and if you need anything else. She will also engage in friendly chat with you and give you the opportunity to ask her any questions you might have about the property, or the restaurant. She will proudly tell you about the mostly organic ingredients used to prepare your meal that came from the farm and various gardens only a few feet away from where you sit. She will explain to you that the restaurant is open only on weekends or with reservations only during the week. Groups and events require reservations, and even for those just wanting to visit, reservations are recommended. She will tell you to take your time and spend as long as you like.

(ABOVE RIGHT): Trained in Culinary Arts at Johnson and Wales University in the U.S., Chef Sarah Willis, owned her own restaurant in Miami before returning home to Jamaica to open Blue Ridge. (TOP LEFT): All the furniture in the restaurant and cottages are made by local carpenters in the area, as well as the re-purposed rum barrel chairs at the entrance of the restaurant. (BOTTOM LEFT): Blue Ridge is a working farm owned by the Willis family. It sits on five acres and grows coffee, vegetables, herbs and fruits including pineapples, peaches, banana and otaheite apples.

The restaurant is a destination, offering casual open-air dining on the deck. The view of the mountains is spectacular, and at night, dinner is served by candlelight. There is also a picnic table for children.

My guess is that you will want to sit and take it all in just a little bit longer, and that’s fine. Maybe have another Blue Hot Chocolate before you decide to head back down into the hustle and bustle of the city. If you want any organic lettuce, or herbs, or even bananas, they have them available for purchase. It can’t get any fresher than buying it at the source, so take the opportunity. Don’t feel like going home? They thought of that too, they have cottages and rooms available for booking, so you can make a weekend of it if there is space available. Enjoy!

Photos by Warren Brown & LAM Photography.

If you decide to use Google Maps to find Blue Ridge you might drive in circles for a little bit as the service hasn’t seemed to update the coordinates of certain roads off-the-beaten-track. It’s best to call them for directions, which they deliver step-by-step, without fail. It’s a grand debate as to whether it really takes forty minutes to get up there, or really an hour. The former has my vote.

Gianni Fakhourie, Foodie writer with a fashion flair.

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Places & Spaces

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B

ASICALLY HOME SHARING, AIRBNB IS SO HOT RIGHT NOW. Connecting hosts and travellers globally via the internet, it is the eBay of vacation rentals. A multimillion U.S. dollar business, it offers 2,500,000 accommodation listings, in 31 cities, in 192 countries worldwide.

It took a while for the Caribbean to become an Airbnb player, with the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe and Jamaica emerging as the dominant players. Cuba joined Airbnb last year and it is already the favourite Airbnb Caribbean destination. This year there are 25,000 Caribbean listings, with 1500 in Jamaica. The majority are located in Kingston and Portmore, as well as Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, Port Antonio, Treasure Beach and Mandeville.

Cuba is the newest Airbnb host in the Caribbean, and the fastest growing. Although Cubans have been hosting guests in their homes, ‘casa particulares’ for decades, Airbnb has opened the doors to thousands more.

There are currently 4,000 Airbnb casas in 40 different cities in Cuba.

The average earning is US$250 per booking. Among the major attractions are the nine UNESCO heritage sites in Cuba (there are 22 in the Caribbean, and Jamaica has one, the Blue and John Crow Mountains).

Offerings range from basic lodgings to high end villas. In the mix are interesting stay options: log cabins and cottages high in the Blue Mountains; coastal villas and beach houses; historic buildings; urban townhouses and apartments; rural farmsteads as well as camping sites. Nightly rates range from US$10, for basically a pitched tent on the beach or a hammock, to over US$4,000 for a beachfront mansion.

Jamaican Airbnb hosts cater not just to tourists and backpackers but Jamaicans vacationing back home, as well as business travellers.

The Marketplace for Spaces The initial concept for Airbnb was two-fold: to enhance the travel experience for travellers by offering basic, affordable, shared living space from which the host could earn an income. The traveller was encouraged to connect and engage with locals to experience an ‘authentic’ stay. Today the Airbnb inventory Includes some of the most exotic, off-the-grid places to stay including million dollar estates, private islands, castles, and even yachts.

Humble Beginnings The Airbnb story is fascinating. The timing was right, and it was a perfect example of turning a problem into an opportunity. It was started by three thirty-something university students living in San Francisco. Near broke and trying to make ends meet, they came up with the idea of renting out air beds and providing breakfast to people who were looking for short term lodgings while attending an industrial design conference in the city. Soon realizing that this was a unique networking oppportunity they developed a business model whereby people could earn an income from shared space in their homes by hosting paying guests at affordable rates. They developed a website and Airbnb began its incubation. Initially they focused on high profile events, when traditional accommodation, such as hotels and motels, would be booked out and lodgings would be scarce. By 2010, fifteen employees were working out of the small apartment. Airbnb led the way for the next generation of multi-million dollar startups and its founders became billionaires.

Branching outside the United States to ramp up growth and aggressively target the international market, the Company opened offices in19 cities with headquarters in Paris, Milan, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Moscow, Sao Paulo, Hamburg, Berlin, London and Dublin. In 2012 the focus turned to the Pacific region and Australia became a huge market (second to the United States), and an office was opened in Sydney.

The Asian market soon opened up, and Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong became popular destinations.

Shell House in Mexico

EXOTIC & BIZARRE Airbnb locations AROUND THE WORLD

Airbnb offerings are phenomenal. Ten years ago it started with a simple airbed thrown down on a host’s living room floor, but today it includes some of the most luxurious and bizarre properties in exotic locations around the world. The inventory includes 4,000 castles, 2,800 private islands, and 9,000 boats. Among the most unusual offerings are: a ski lift, suspended 100ft. over the French Alps and a private jet refitted as a luxury master suite.

If you truly want to live like a local, travellers can choose from a traditional yurt in Mongolia, a hanok in Korea, a tepee in Colorado, or an igloo in an ice village crafted every year in Austria.

Or you can stay at any number of historic homes and heritage sites from great houses to windmills, water towers, and light houses.

Architecturally there are places that defy the imagination – sleep under the stars in a clear-walled bubble house, or an underwater aquarium in France. There is also the famous giant seashell house in Mexico, the cube house in Amsterdam, even a mushroom-shaped cabin in the Redwoods in California, and a dog-shaped house in rural Idaho. Some places have unusual decorative elements such as an artist’s mirror house in Pittsburg and a house constructed from recycled bottles in Brazil. There are also refitted container homes and school buses, as well as mobile homes and caravans.

Nature lovers can opt for a thatch house in a tropical jungle, a remote cabin in a canyon, as well as a tree house in the woods (the most requested Airbnb is a tree cottage connected by rope bridges located in Atlanta). Water lovers have a choice of house boats and yachts as well as over-water bungalows in the Pacific. Those seeking celebrity, can stay where Hollywood stars, famous authors, artists and musicians have stayed, including a gingerbread house in Hawaii frequented by famed guitarist Jimi Hendrix, and the former home of actress Elizabeth Taylor.

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With several new rounds of private funding, plus mergers and aquisitions the Company grew rapidly and is currently valued at over US430 million, making it the second highest valued start-up in the U.S., after Uber, the ride-sharing service.

Financial analysts predict a staggering growth of Airbnb by 2020 with 500 million bookings a day; and by 2025 earnings are expected to exceed US1billion.

With hospitality at its core, the Airbnb culture has captured the millennial market. Described as one of the ‘coolest’ companies, the business model is sophisticated, welldesigned and user-friendly. Even though there have been many competitors such as Crash Padder and Accolei out of Germany, Airbnb has surpassed all.

HOW IT WORKS The business model is clever. Airbnb does not own property. It’s a near zero margin cost – it can add another room to inventory at almost no cost, and have it up and running immediately. Compare that to a hotel, which needs time and money to build or refurbish a guest room to add to inventory.

As an online marketplace it receives revenue from a service fee (6-12%) on each booking; it also earns 3% for each guest booking through credit card processing.

The whole process is facilitated by internet technology, the host has total control, monitored through Airbnb. Hosts register a user profile to build an online reputation.

Photos of accommodation offered are uploaded and the host sets a price for night, weekly, monthly and seasonal stays. All amenities are listed, as well as house rules. The online payment is processed within 24 hours (inclusive of a security deposit and cleaning fee).

There is a private message system between host and guest and at the end of each stay the host and the guest are required to write reviews on each other, to build validity and references. Airbnb has a monitoring system to evaluate the service and facilities provided by the host. It’s a five star rating system, and super hosts are credited for cleanliness of the accommodation, providing accuracy of information and value, as well as responsiveness and commitment.

Without a doubt the home-sharing empire has emerged as a new accommodation sector, and has had a profound impact on the travel industry creating new sources of supply, with ripple effects throughout the economy. It has been described as the most disruptive innovative business, and critics say it has destabilized the hotel industry. Others see Airbnb as the great equalizer, democracing tourism and opening it up to the wider public.

It dwarfs the biggest hotel chains in the number of rooms rented and some hoteliers are getting nervous. As more people try Airbnb and enjoy the experience, it is felt that they are unlikely to stay at a traditional hotel in the future.

Hoteliers also complain that Airbnb undercuts hotel prices, and it is not regulated or contributing to taxes. However many feel that it only affects the smaller hotels and guest houses, and that there will always be guests who prefer the hotel experience.

There are claims that it is creating a shortage of affordable housing for rental in the major cities. It has become a big issue particularly for condos, and several apartment associations cite that subletting rooms for use as an Airbnb is a breach of tenancy, and are prohibiting it in their buildings.

There has also been a lot of negative feedback from the tourism sector, and destinations in Europe, such as Florence and Venice, are saying that sites are becoming too overcrowded with Airbnb tourists. In its defence Airbnb say that its impact is positive as it is turning surplus housing into an economic asset and diversifying tourism. Their statistics show that Airbnb guests stay longer, (on average 5.5 days compared to 3.5 days at a hotel), and they also spend more, supporting local businesses.

Despite offering a 24-hour customer service, Airbnb has not gone without its own internal problems. There have been nightmare stories of all sorts of violations from guests trashing homes, to throwing out of control parties. There have been reports of privacy issues and identity theft, and critics say the system is easily gamed by scammers. Airbnb has also been accused of racial discrimination against Blacks and refusing to rent to the LGBT community.

As Airbnb works on solving these issues, business is booming for some operators who have branched out, offering a variety of services. For some, Airbnb is a full time job, and there are mega-operators who own several properties with multiple

ANYONE CAN HOST Airbnb is not for everyone, but anyone can host, and more and more homeowners are trying it out. Most hosts claim that the extra income helps to support their families and pay day-to-day living expenses – mortgage repayments and utilities bills; school fees and university tuition; to finance home repairs. Even retirees are earning a pension-ofsorts by renting out their spare rooms. A big attraction is that hosts earn foreign exchange, and many super hosts have back-toback bookings.

But Airbnb is still a gamble and requires commitment and extra management. There is a much higher turnover compared to a regular rental. Everything is done online and there is a lot of back and forth between host and guest. It is described as a ‘hotel of one’ and expectations are high, particularly for the middle to upper-end properties.

The set-up cost can be expensive as the accommodation must be fully furnished and equipped with everything needed in a properly functioning home, including bed linen, towels, crockery, pots and pans; kitchen appliances from a washing machine to a blender; plus, consumables such as paper towels, right down to the small things, such as a plunger!

Some hosts provide disposables including bathroom toiletries and welcoming baskets of fruits, snacks and beverages. Others may even provide a local mobile and airport pick-up.

Airbnb was contracted to provide 20,000 rooms for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

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Airbnb is also tapping into the travel guide business, providing curated city and neighbourhood guides for travellers with information on places to go, nightlife, events, dining and other activities.

listings. There are now Airbnb management companies, such as ‘Beyond Stays,’ as well as independent Airbnb managers who handle the day-to-day operations of several properties. They provide concierge service, airport pick-up, transportation, and even arrange tours. An App has also been developed specifically for Airbnb properties, with security features controlled remotely.

A growing segment in the Airbnb market is business travel and extended stays. Company employees can charge accommodation directly to Airbnb and even receive coupons and gift cards on future stays.

The requirements for a business traveller host are more detailed and specific: the property must be in a convenient and central location, and amenities must include lap-top friendly work stations, internet, smoke detectors, essentials such as irons and blow dryers, and no pets are allowed on the property. In some instances large villas and multi-unit condos are used to host large corporate groups and retreats. Airbnb is also tapping into the travel guide business, providing curated city and neighbourhood guides for travellers with information on nightlife, events, dining and other activities. Some Airbnb hosts cater to niche markets and offerings are centred around activities such cultural events; food and cooking, including farm stays; health and fitness, such as yoga retreats; even music, providing studio recording facilities. Airbud and Breakfast, is a novel, independent spin-off of Airbnb, offering ganja-friendly stays, which are now popular in Columbia, Uruguay and Jamaica.

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The majority of exclusive listings are located on Jamaica’s North Coast, stretching from Ocho Rios to Montego Bay and Negril.

In Jamaica In Jamaica there are over 1500 Airbnb offerings of accommodation across the island, ranging from a rented tent on a beach to multi-million dollar luxury villas...

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F YOU SCROLL THROUGH AIRBNB ONLINE LISTINGS OF ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE IN JAMAICA YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED…YOU MAY EVEN BE SURPRISED. There’s something for everyone, and in the midst of hundreds of run-of-the mill options there are some real gems. These range from a basic ‘board’ house in the country to spectacular cliffside cottages and ultra-luxe villas on their own private beach. Some owners are on premises, while others live off property. Staff, including helpers, cooks and housekeepers are sometimes provided.

There is an extensive listing of high-end luxury properties in the most fabulous locations along the north coast of the island stretching from Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, onto Negril. These homes rent for mega bucks, ranging from US1000 a night to the US4,500. At the top of the list is Rio Chico, located just outside Ocho Rios. A resort mansion on fourteen acres of beachfront with a large freshwater pool, private beach cove, open air chapel and tennis courts. The house amenities include a gym, stateof-the-art entertainment room and business centre.

There are also several exclusive one-of-a-kind properties on the world-renowned Tryall estate in Hanover. On the border of St. Ann is Prospect Estate with a string of beachfront villas, including Frankfort, which is housed in a refurbished fort. It has hosted many celebrities including Winston Churchill and Pierre Trudeau.

Treasure Beach has an interesting mix of luxury retreats, and the architecture and décor are all quite different, from Moroccan-themed to island style. Here you can also rent a luxury tent on a gated beach front property. Robin’s Bay in St. Mary is off-the-beaten-track

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Lodgings at an old estate in Westmoreland

The entrance to MoBay Kotch, hostel-style accommodation in an old Georgian townhouse in Montego Bay

Multi-occupancy room in Robin’s Bay

Historic Fort

and there are several rustic options, including rooms in an old 17th century stone pirate’s fort with outdoor showers. There are also some great places in Negril, the most interesting are in the West End on the cliffs. In Portland, Long Bay is a perfect getaway, and travellers here can experience authentic Jamaican country home life. For Nature lovers and those looking for a laid back lifestyle there is much to choose from, including farm stays and some hosts pair lifestyles such as ‘ital vegan and music’ at their guest houses. There is even a Rasta village offering communal living.

There are many cultural offerings – if you want to take in a seminar on ganja cultivation as part of your stay, and have an inclination towards ‘conspiracy awakening and happenings’ you can stay at a cottage in the remote hills outside of Kingston. The Blue Mountains have a special appeal to visitors and there are several options including weekend homes at Greenwich just beyond Newcastle. In Irish Town there’s Rafjam’s, deep in the valley with its wooden cabins and a river on property; or the chic and contemporary Blue Mountain View. Dustry Farm further down is an interesting spot, owned and operated by two self-acclaimed 1960s hippies who offer nature walks and hiking tours.

Heritage sites and historic homes are becoming popular. There’s Heritage Gardens in the mountains, a centuries-old residence with impressive multi-levelled gardens and a stream running through it; Blue Hole in Westmoreland, is a beautifully restored and furnished great house and plantation property, with its own ‘blue hole.’ In St. Ann there’s Geddes, an estate house of architectural interest; and there’s also Annadale, a working plantation and cattle farm, offering stays in the austere-looking estate house built in the 1760’s. New to the inventory is MoBay Kotch, a restored Georgian-style red brick townhouse located in the heart of downtown Montego Bay, it offers a hostel-style bnb with bunk beds and a communal kitchen facility, with a soon to be opened art gallery adjoining.

There are hundreds of Airbnb properties in Kingston, Hellshire and Portmore and include mostly modern apartments, townhouses and

houses. There is even a 30-room apartment complex that caters to large groups and events such as retreats, weddings, family reunions and even funeral groups.

Often mixing business with pleasure, travellers to Kingston include returning residents, locals from out-of-town as well as overseas visitors.

Some are here to attend seminars or visit the universities, or take care of personal business such as visa applications at the various embassies.

Many, particularly independent travellers, like to take the opportunity to use Kingston as a base and ’bnb-hop’ to explore the island.

Some Airbnb hosts have several properties in Kingston and around the island. Operating as a Airbnb manager has become a lucrative side business particularly for tech savvy professionals who handle all the on-line bookings.There are also a few companies that offer guided tours through Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Negril, organizing Airbnb stays along the way for their customers.

Heritage Gardens on an 18th century coffee estate provides rooms in a spacious wooden cabin.

Historic buildings are gaining popularity as Airbnb stays - options include great houses, old stone forts and 18th Century wood cabins.

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Be Creative

Fabulous Fixtures & Faucets for your VANITIES Discover how to make a lasting impression in your bathroom with the quality and modern style of your vanity. Home & Things features a wide variety of vanities that gives you stunning style and functionality, while saving you money.

From traditional and rustic to contemporary styles, the vanities feature solid wood construction, slow close doors, safety shut draws, and mirrors.

Select Your Style…

The dimensions of your space will usually determine whether you go with a single or double vanity set and whether it’s mounted on a wall, free standing, or a corner piece.

Just remember not to crowd your bathroom, as you need room for movement.

Select Your Feature…

You can never have enough storage, especially in the bathroom. It’s best to maximize this by either having open shelving or pull out drawers that conveniently store everyday essentials. And if you really want to maximize your space, choose a vessel sink that allows for the drawers underneath to remain spacious enough for the storage of soaps, guest towels, etc.

Select Your Finish…

Colour can make all the difference in your space. If your background is light in colour (meaning paint, tiles, counter-top) then a darker choice wood is a better selection. This adds a nice contrast, which allows for your vanity to stand out even more.

Bathroom & Kitchen Upgrade

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FAUCETS Now that you’ve selected your vanity, it’s now time to add that finishing touch by customizing it with a top brand faucet. Your faucet can make a bold statement or be a quiet conversation piece. Home & Things features top brands and a wide variety of faucets to choose from.

For over a decade, Home & Things has been the official distributor of American Standard - unparalleled quality and design that takes performance of your faucet to a whole new level. You can also shop for other top brands like Moen that pair inspiration with innovation to give you advanced technology in the home.

Select Your Style…

Adding the right style faucet will enhance your vanity or kitchen cabinets and bring out their beauty and features even more. Consider use, finish, and functionality as well, when choosing your faucet. For your kitchen get the perfect look with a ‘pull-down’ that gives you a spray that you can manoeuvre with extended reach or a ‘pull-out’ that offers angled sprayers that save space. If you do a lot of entertaining, then perhaps you should go for a ‘prep faucet’ that’s perfect for behind a bar or island.

Select Your Feature…

If your household is kid-friendly, you might want to go with a motion-sensor option. Imagine, one tap and your faucet is on or with just the wave of your hand, water appears? A faucet with a built in filter can also come in handy and is a good choice for a healthy lifestyle.

Select Your Finish…

Colour will always enhance your space. At Home & Things you will find the widest variety of finishes for your faucets to suit your style; ranging from a chrome or satin nickel look to a bronze finish.

It’s easy to fall in love with a faucet, but here’s an important thing to remember…’think sink’ and choose a faucet that matches the style of your sink and works with the number of holes in your sink. An integrated, self-rimming, under-mount or vessel sink can add or take away storage space. So, ensure that all your fixtures and faucets work well together to give you the right look and feel, in the right space.

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Where & How We Live Documented Through

Photography

Warren Brown Photographer

Palisadoes Road, Kingston

Port Royal, Kingston

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ARREN BROWN DESCRIBES HIMSELF AS ‘TELLING STORIES OF PEOPLE AND PLACES’. Through his photography and videos, his work has taken him around the world to far off places exploring and documenting his discoveries. The idea for such a project came out of his Master’s degree course work in Intercultural & International Communication with Royal Roads University in British Columbia. His research and work have taken him as far as the Pacific, travelling extensively through Australia and India, as well as Europe. Warren now spends his time working for clients in Jamaica and Canada.

He has exhibited work of his travels in Toronto, and most recently in the 2014 Biennial at the National Gallery of Jamaica.

In 2014 Warren had the desire to return to Jamaica. “It was a dream to drive around and explore the island through the lens.” After a few assignments in real estate and architecture, he got hooked on this genre of photography. “It was all very new to me, and different in many ways to what I had been doing, but it was interesting and a lot of fun. It enabled me to explore Jamaica further and go to places I would not normally visit. I got to see and experience different aspects of how we live.”

What have been some of the challenges?

Initially, my biggest challenge was learning the language of my client and not misrepresenting the property. I had to understand the photo story they wanted to tell and create the right shots that would help sell the house. An on-going challenge I find now is the prepping and styling of a property, or lack of… Many times you arrive at a location and expect everything to be staged and ready. But very often that’s not the case: the pool is not clean, the lawn is full of leaves, clothes are hanging on the line… and the owner will dismiss it saying ‘oh you can just Photoshop it out!’ I try to explain that ‘real’ is the operative word in real estate: you have to be honest.

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The most interesting locations?

I have fallen in love with so many properties, from the simple to the grand. There is a wonderful fixer-upper beach house in Long Bay that is very special and has captured my imagination; One of the most beautiful homes I’ve seen is Villa Landru in the hills above Montego Bay. It is well designed inside and out, the kind of place you want the people in your life to just see and experience even once!

Do you do drone/aerial photography?

It is an asset in real estate photography and a lot of clients want it, along with video and virtual tours. It is a unique selling tool, as it gives a perspective that one would not normally see. But you have to be aware that very often things show up that you didn’t expect Spur Tree in Manchester

Reggae Falls in St. Thomas

Drone photography is an asset in real estate and a lot of clients want it, along with video and virtual tours. It’s a unique selling tool, as it gives a perspective that one would not normally see.

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with aerial shots – a client may be surprised that perhaps the roof looks very shabby, or the surrounding land is overgrown.

Off-the-beaten-track adventures?

There have been many. Even when you Google the location you can end up driving for hours trying to find a place. I remember going to a small settlement in the remote hills of Manchester, I had to get directions to find my way back out as it was that remote! Every shoot is different and you just have to be prepared for the unexpected.

What observations have you made about how we live?

Homes come in all shapes and sizes. I am afforded the rare opportunity to get an insight into so many. Owners let you in to their personal space, and you get to reflect on their life. It’s very different behind the walls, and each is a new story – you learn a lot. Everyone tries to live well.

Jamaicans take a great deal of pride in their homes, and you can see where resources are available to fix-up and maintain a home as well as when circumstances just don’t allow for it. For a hot tropical island, I find many people don’t take advantage of letting the breeze flow through their house - windows and doors are locked (although I do understand it is a privacy and security issue); We also don’t use our yards as much for outdoor living, even though some gardens are really well-kept. Furnishings can be interesting, quite often you see oversize living room sofa sets in a very small space, or a huge king size bed in a tiny bedroom.

Your typical day?

I may spend a few hours driving to location, two hours shooting interior rooms, another hour in the sun doing different angles of the exterior.

Sometimes a night shot is required. It’s a fast turnaround, usually the client wants it right away, so it’s back to office for processing.

Your perfect house?

TOP: Long Bay, Portland BOTTOM LEFT: Devon House, Kingston BOTTOM RIGHT: Villa Landru, Montego Bay

Although I love to be near the water, I prefer the mountains, ideally with an ocean view. I like to be able to look through my windows and see trees; I like airy, open rooms. I like modern and contemporary design, with clean lines; I like my garden orderly and uncluttered.

Realtors’ & Developers’ Listings

JMD $50 Million

SANDHURST TOWNHOUSE COMPLEX Small gated complex of 8 Townhouse units is situated in the must sort after Kingston 6 neighborhood. As such, the location makes it easy to get to hospital, schools, church, major business and shopping districts.

Head Office Shop #25, Red Hills Mall, 105 Red Hills Road, Kingston 19

Phone: (876) 755-1611/924-3535

AGENT: Tony Daley (876) 446-5238 Email: daleyisreal@yahoo.com

Email: codlinrealty2015@gmail.com • info@jamaicanproperties.com Web: www.jamaicanpropertiesja.com • www.jamaicanproperties.com

SYDENHAM VILLAS

JMD $14 Million

PID# 1786

Located in Sydenham Villas just outside of Spanish Town and only 30 minutes from Washington Boulevard. This is a 2-family 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms house, with living, dining, kitchen.

Property has income potential as one side can be rented.

AGENT: Denton Jones (876) 853-2188 Email: dentonjones13@yahoo.com

JMD $55 million

CHERRY GARDENS

PID #759

This well built tri-level 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms house totaling 5,000 sq. ft. with self contained one bedroom flat on approximately ¼ acre lot with well maintained grounds, located in Cherry Gardens which commands a panoramic view of the city of Kingston.

AGENT: Tony Daley (876) 446-5238 Email: daleyisreal@yahoo.com

ROCHESTER AVENUE KGN 8

JMD $76 million DUNROBIN AVENUE

PID# 806

Commercial property in prime commercial district. There are two buildings on little over half acre of land. One of the buildings has upstairs and downstairs and is currently being used as a residence. This building has 6 bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living and dining, verandah and carport. The other building was solely used for commercial purposes. It has a large warehouse type shed, lots of rooms that can be used as offices, 2 bathrooms and a kitchen.

AGENT: Leighton Wisdom Tel: (876) 353-1483 / 802-2850 Email: leighwisdom67@gmail.com

PID# 809

Situated in the quiet Constant Spring Gardens community this newly built apartment complex provides easy access to the major shopping and banking facilities along Constant Spring Road.

JMD $14.75 million AGENT: Tony Daley (876) 446-5238 Email: daleyisreal@yahoo.com

There are three blocks comprising one and two bedroom apartments complete with high-end finishes to include solid surface counter tops, porcelain wall and floor tiles, hard-wood cabinetry through, with faucets to complement. Each unit carries in-house laundry room, an open floor plan for the living dining and kitchen. All units are fitted with water heater, back-up water supply with pump and pressure tank, inverter energy saving air-condition unit to the bedroom.

This gated community carries electronic gate, 24 Hrs. securities which is supported by camera-surveillance system, back-up lighting for the common area. There is intercom connection between the guard-house and each apartment.

Price starts at- $ 14,750,000.00 - $17,500,000.00

JMD $14 million BELMONT ROAD off Windward Rd.

MLS#-18770

Great opportunity to own a multi-family property with two houses on the lot. House 1 - Has 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, living room, dining area, kitchen, verandah and laundry area. House 2 - Two family house with two one bedroom units with each having 1 bedroom, living room, dining room, kitchen, verandah and wash area at back. This property has a short commute to downtown, Harbour View, New Kingston and Airport.

AGENT: Leighton Wisdom Tel: (876) 353-1483 / 802-2850 Email: leighwisdom67@gmail.com

JMD $26 million

JMD $49 million

JMD $35 million PENARTH CLOSE, MANCHESTER

MLS # 15154

FOR SALE: This is a charming home in a middle income residential area. It has two flats. Upper level: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living, dining, sitting and laundry. Lower level: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, living, dining, kitchen. Both have separate entrance and driveway.

AGENT: Roydell Williams Tel: (876) 869-9266 Email: roydellw@gmail.com

OLD STONY HILL ROAD

PID #1868

FOR SALE: This 2 acres of prime residential development land is located on Old Stony Hill Road near Villa Ronai. An older type house in need of repairs is on the property. This structure can be demolished in order to fully utilize the land space.

AGENT: Charmane Codlin Tel: (876) 260-1346, Office: 755-1611 Email: hcodlin@gmail.com

AGUILAR ROAD, KGN. 9

PID #784

Located in the cool hills of Stony Hill, less than 10 minutes from Manor Park is this family home with wonderful views of the mountains, city and Harbour.

This is a large 3-storey house with 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, powder room, living / dining room, kitchen, bar area, upstairs formal dining room, wraparound balcony, laundry and helpers quarters.

The house has cut-stone marble, ceramic, terrazzo tiles and hardwood floors. The main bedrooms are on the 2nd and 3rd floors. The master bedroom is 19 ft x 15 ft. Three of the bedrooms have full en-suite bathrooms. The house is set on a 15,042 sq ft lot with large garden area, shrubbery and established fruit trees. There is a large concrete water tank.

AGENT: Sharon Tulloch Tel: 876-848-6626, 378-9524 Email: sharon.tulloch@yahoo.com

JMD $22 million CONSTANT SPRING GROVE

JMD $13 million MLS-19069

FOR SALE: Centrally located in Constant Spring Grove

SURBITON ROAD

5 Bed(s) 3 Bath(s)

FOR SALE: This is a large 3rd floor apartment with loft. There are 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living / dining, and kitchen. The master bedroom and bathroom are upstairs in the loft. There is air-conditioning in the apartment. Electric stove only please.

is this comfortable 2-family single storey home. This is a older type 5 bedrooms home. The large side has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large living, dining room, TV area, kitchen, verandah and carport. The small side is self-contained and has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, living area and kitchen. The property is currently tenanted.

AGENT: Charmane Codlin Tel: (876) 260-1346, Office: 755-1611 Email: codlinrealty2015@gmail.com

PID #1837

AGENT: Charmane Codlin Tel: (876) 260-1346, Office: 755-1611 Email: hcodlin@gmail.com

JMD $16.5 million HELLSHIRE HEIGHTS

PID# 814

Two storey house in Hellshire Heights, Portmore, St Catherine. This is a 2 family house of 2500 s quare feet. Ground Floor: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, living, dining, kitchen, carport and laundry. First Floor: 80% completed 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom with living, dining and kitchen

AGENT: Leroy Johnson Tel: 798-1638 Email: leroy.lejohn@gmail.com

JMD $40 million

JMD $32 million CLARENDON PARK

MLS #15978

FOR SALE: Large commercial 2 storey building with 4,000 sq. ft. of floor space in close proximity to Juici Patty Headquarters. This is a great investment as this property is on 3 acres of well-fruited land

AGENT: Charmane Codlin Tel: (876) 260-1346, Office: 755-1611 Email: hcodlin@gmail.com

EAST KINGS HOUSE CIRCLE

PID #784

This is an older type 2-storey family home. There are 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, downstairs powder room, living room / dining room, kitchen, carport, front porch, laundry room and includes the helpers room and bathroom.

AGENT: Sharon Tulloch Tel: 876-848-6626, 378-9524 Email: sharon.tulloch@yahoo.com

JMD $12.5 million LADY MUSGRAVE ROAD

PID#780

Located on Lady Musgrave Road, in Lady Musgrave Court, Kingston 5. This is a ground Floor apartment of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with living/dining and kitchen. The apartment is 790 square feet. Maintenance is $7,900 per month which includes water.

AGENT: Leroy Johnson Tel: 798-1638 Email: leroy.lejohn@gmail.com

MELDAM

More Service.

Visit us online www.meldamrealty.com

Plantation Village, Runaway Bay, St. Ann Price: US$378,000 3 bed 3 bath MLS 19564

The Belvedere, Upton, Ocho Rios Price: US$986,000 5 Bed 7 Bath MLS 19570

This beautifully designed 3 bed 3 bath home sitting on a well kept 1/3 acre fruited, gardened lot in a highly desirable area, a prime gated community. The property enjoys the sea view of the Jamaica North Coast. Lots of Beaches and amenities to choose from in close proximity.

This manicured property stretches over 2 acres.

Located in the cool hills above Ocho Rios, St. Ann just five minutes from one of Jamaica's leading golf courses. The well-built mansion is a fantastic investment.

REALTY

Less Hassle

Liberty Hill Great House, St. Ann Price: US$1,189,000 8 Bed 6 Bath MLS 17213

Silver Sands Villa 5bed/5bath Price: US$720,000

An old Pimento Plantation which features a historical house with 5900 sq.ft set on 25 acres. The property's main Great House was built in 1740 is equipped with 4 private en-suites with bathrooms.

Of the 4, three of these bedrooms are equipped with air conditioning units and ceiling fans. There is also an additional house attached to the Great House with 1500 sq.ft consisting of 3 bedrooms with a combined square footage of 7400.

Large vacation property located less than five minutes walking time from the white sand private beach. Ideal for the entire family to enjoy the peacefulness of the luxurious gated community.

ASK Property Services 2 Phoenix Avenue, Kingston, Jamaica Tel: (876) 906-7640

ABOUT US At ASK Property Services we pride ourselves in giving quality

Antoinette Knight-Gonsalves

customer service and endeavour to ensure our clients are

Broker

satisfied with every experience, as we know that every

770-7814

transaction represents the most important purchase, sale or rental. We guide our clients throughout the process, provide occasional updates on the status of their transactions and work with them to ensure a smooth transition from start to completion.

We have among our team of Realtors, over 15 years of experience in the Jamaican Real Estate Market and we commit to all

Josephine McGann Realtor Assoc.

359-3885

our clients a 100% effort in finding the proper solution to their Real Estate needs. We deliver professional service, establish honest and open relationship with our clients, while building

Jacqueline

those relationships one by one.

Realtor Assoc.

We robustly market our properties and work acidiously to move

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or find properties for our clients. “ Our client’s success is our success!” Call one of our experienced professionals today –

For All Your Real Estate Needs!

www.askpropertyservices.com KINGSTON

Mona MLS# 19330 2 Bed, 2 ½ bath 1,000 sq. ft. brand new apartment located near Liguanea. With private patio and high end customs finishes, these units are suitable for Expatriates or small families. The complex has a pool with a club house and is gated for added security.

For Rent - US$1,200.00 For Sale - J$24,500,000.00 up

Ocean Mall MLS#19994 For Sale: 3 Bed 3Bath Condo centrally located in the business hub of Kingston. The Ocean Towers complex is gated with 24 hours’ security.

Relax at home, while taking in the panoramic view of the Ocean across from the Kingston waterfront.

Price. US$208,000.00

Manor Park For Sale: 2 bed, 2 ½ bath spacious apartment with in unit laundry located in the highly sought after Kingston 8 area in a gated complex.

Price J$30,000,000.00

ST. ANN Upton For Sale: 1 ¼ acres residential lot just outside Ocho Rios and within walking distance to the Sandals Golf Course, waiting for the right owner. Call for details and make this property yours.

Price: US$125,000.00

ST. MARY

Nashville For Sale: Three 2 bed, 1 bath row houses and six serviced lots in a small, quiet and intimate subdivision. Suitable for an investor in eco-tourism or persons looking for a secluded getaway in a quiet neighborhood. Being sold separately or together.

Nashville Palms. A jewel in the lush hills of Highgate!

ST. ANDREW (Swain View Estate)

Red Hills MLS# 18762 For Sale: Approx. ¼ acres of land located in the hills of Swain Spring, Swain View Estate, a gated complex, is a fairly new development boasting 11 lots with views of the city of Kingston as well as mountain views. It slopes gently below road level and contains rocks in its foundation. Several other lots are available and may be viewed by appointment only.

21 Millsborough Avenue Kingston 8, Jamaica

COMING SOON! Contact us for more details

Bloomfield Estate

Mandeville, Jamaica

21 Sullivan Avenue

Kingston 8, Jamaica

NOW SELLING! Move in February 2017

Mortgage financing available from

Large modern studios in a contemporary four storey building, with only six apartments on each floor. Two floor plans to choose from, 550 and 600 square feet, starts as low as $11.5 million.

The apartments are designed with separate living and sleeping areas. Some features include:

(876) 633-6964-6 sales@provenreit.com

• Porcelain tiles • In-unit laundry • Full-size kitchen with solid surface counters • French balconies

• Pre-wired for: - Air conditioner - Cable, internet & telephone - Security system for remote monitoring

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES FOR SALE AND RENT

STUDIOS, 2 & 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS AND CONDOS

STARTING AT $13.7 MILLION

Welcome to Luxurious Living Model unit open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

3 Stanley Terrace, St. Andrew

Directions: At the foot of Red Hills, take the 1st right onto Mayfair; and 2nd right onto Stanley Terrace

15 Haining Road, Kingston 5 (876) 754-7008 - (876) 906-8697 - (876) 784-8328

www.wihcon.com

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Be Aware

Forest Ridge Apartment and Condo Development

W

EST INDIES HOME CONTRACTORS LIMITED (WIHCON) announced Forest Ridge Apartment and Condo development in March, 2015. Forest Ridge development is nestled at the foot of Red Hills and offers a breath-taking view of Kingston and St. Andrew. With a desirable location, just minutes away from some of Kingston’s finest shopping and dining attractions, you’ll discover that Forest Ridge provides you convenience to all that the area has to offer.

Take a moment to consider the Forest Ridge lifestyle – one that offers affordable luxury with a selection of studios, two bedroom apartments and two and three bedroom condos.

Forest Ridge development consists of a total of 67 units and will offer first class amenities including 24 hour security, a club house with infinity pool, an equipped gym, water storage system, rain water harvesting system for landscaping, open gazebos and stand-by generator for the common areas.

The apartment block will have 29 studios ranging in size from approximately 635sq. ft. – 800sq. ft. & 14 two-bedroom apartments each approximately 950sq. ft. The development will also include 12 three-bedroom condos each approximately 1675 sq. ft. and 12 two-bedroom condos each approximately 1012 sq. ft.

Forest Ridge development has been designed to meet the needs of young couples who are establishing a family home; upwardly mobile young single professionals; investors seeking to invest in real estate; and persons downsizing their family home within the Kingston and St. Andrew area. The architects, Plexus Limited have sought to incorporate a modern approach to what might be considered a traditional look by integrating shed roofs, arches, textures and bands.

Potential purchasers will have the option to choose from a variety of functional floor plans that will each include high quality interior fixtures and finishes.

Forest Ridge development is projected to be completed by November 2016, and with units priced between approximately $13.7 million and $36.8 million this beautifully landscaped development with modern amenities will announce your arrival home.

Please feel free to contact us at any time to make an appointment to talk with one of our sales representatives, to tour the development or to ask any additional questions you may have regarding this development. Our contacts numbers are (876) 754-7008, (876) 906-8697 or visit our website: www.wihcon.com or www.facebook. com/wihcon for more details.

Don’t postpone your future at Forest Ridge, luxury you deserve…. Call us today!

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Dawn Kerr, The Orchid Lady

A Passion for Semiterete Vanda Charles Goodfellow

ORCHIDS Dendrobium Caesar Pink

“I

HAVE ALWAYS LOVED PLANTS!” exclaims Dawn Kerr. The romance started with roses, but then she was introduced to orchids. “I got loose and wanted to learn all about them. I remember going to Agro Grace to buy orchid plants. Standing in a long line from 6:30 a.m., waiting for them to open at 8:00 a.m., then pushing and grabbing at the plants along with other orchid buyers. There was no time to browse and admire the plants, or inspect them and make your selection carefully.

“I thought that customers spend a lot of money on orchids, and should be able enjoy the experience and shop leisurely and in comfort. So I decided to go into the orchid business.” Dawn did research on line, importing her first shipment from Thailand in 2008. “I got shafted on my

Brilliant orange Mokara

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Treasured as the rarest and most exotic of plants, the orchid is the champagne equivalent in the plant world.

first transaction, but it didn’t stop me, I moved beyond that.”

Today she air freights all her orchids from Thailand: “They are shipped fresh on a Wednesday, arrive in London the next day, and by Friday they are in Kingston. They are carefully packaged – sometimes the shipping costs are more than the plants, but they arrive in excellent condition.” Dawn imports both seedlings and mature plants. They come in a variety of gorgeous colours, the most popular is the Semiterete Vanda, but I also import the Mokara and Dendrobium. They bloom month after month, year after year.”

Sunshine yellow Mokara

“When they first arrive I have to nurse them and give them a little TLC – some sugar water to help them recover from the shock and replenish their energy. I soak them in some 20/20/20 or SuperThrive, and treat them with a fungicide.

Some orchid lovers want instant gratification so they prefer the mature plants which I plant out in pots filled with stones and charcoal; and others prefer to do their own planting.

“Once I let my customers know the shipment is here, they are excited and are at the gate immediately. I can’t even offer them a cup of coffee! They want to see the plants right away. I have a small, loyal clientele of lovely customers, just as passionate as I am. Some are buyers who buy for resale, others are plant lovers who purchase for their gardens.

“Most orchid lovers share their passion – we visit each others’ gardens and exchange tips on caring for the plants.

We can be very jealous (in a good way) if we see other plants doing better than ours, and we will cry living eye water if our plants die! There is an Orchid Society with over 200 members, and we learn how to take care of the plants, and participate in workshops. There is also the Orchid Show held every Spring at Hope Gardens. Growing and maintaining orchids can be costly as the fungicides and insecticides are expensive chemicals.”

Semiterete Hilo Rosa

Just looking over her beautiful garden, filled with orchids and other blooming plants you have to ask Dawn how many people help her, “Me one,” she says. “People who want lovely plants can’t leave it to a gardener, you have to get your hands dirty too. The sweetest part of the story is I became a slave to the plants.” Although she has a full time job working as a Customer Relations Manager at a company in Kingston, Dawn says her work day starts long before. Every morning,

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two hours before she heads off to work, she is in her garden watering and tending to her plants. “I walk the garden to put me in a good mood before I go to work, and when I am at my desk I think about my plants. I take care of my orchids in the morning, and then in the evenings when I get home that’s when I tend to my desert roses. I grow them in pots on the roof, so my sons set up the ladder for me every evening and I climb up. I have a lot of customers who buy my desert roses. On weekends I do spraying, feeding and grooming. It’s like having a pet. You pay attention and provide for their needs – the more you put in, the more you receive.”

Treasured as the rarest and most exotic of plants, the orchid is considered the champagne equivalent in the plant world. Cultivated for thousands of years, it was more for medicinal purposes than aesthetic and in some cultures the roots were eaten. It is the largest family of plants in the world, with over 30,000 known species and 100,000 hybrids. Orchids come in all shapes, colours and sizes. The tiniest, which grows to just half a millimeter was discovered in Brazil; and the largest, found in Malaysia, grows to over 10ft long.

“Although it is a popular house plant, many people are intimidated by orchids – but it’s not difficult, just different. It can be tough, yet fragile. You have to know your plants, things like the resting periods of the various species. If a plant is happy it grows and flourishes, if it’s not it wilts and droops, you have to know what’s going on with your plants. The quickest way to kill an orchid is over watering, you have to understand that they don’t like to go to bed with wet feet. Some orchids, like the Vanda and Mokara, should be watered twice a day - early in the morning and no later than 3:30p.m., in the afternoon, and then let the sun dry off the water.

“I don’t sit in my garden because every minute I am up fixing a plant, or straightening a pot. And I don’t keep orchids in the house, not one, everything is in the garden.

The orchid is the largest family of plants in the world, with over 30,000 known species and 100,000 hybrids.

Dendrobiums

Boonrub - a burst of red, with the Mokara Bang Khuntien Gold

Jairak Hearthrob

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ALL THINGS STYLISH

Inspired Living Spaces

I

F YOU HAVEN’T BEEN THERE YET, YOU REALLY NEED TO GO! With over 11,200 sq. feet of retail space on two floors, the new Ashley Furniture HomeStore is retail heaven.

Take your time and browse through the beautifully staged room vignettes or ‘lifestyles’ including, Vintage Casual with its rustic charm and

Visual Merchandiser, Ricardo Comrie.

Urbanology which showcases industrial chic décor. Each lifestyle including Contemporary and Traditional, features Ashley’s signature furniture collections and decorative accessories.

The Ashley experience welcomes you as a ‘guest’ (not shopper!) and the concierge will direct you to one of the trained Retail Sales Associates (RSAs) who will walk you through and assist you with your needs. Or you can just indulge in a tour of the HomeStore on your own. Places & Spaces visited the store mid-week, and it was busy with guests coming in and out – women and men, young and old, singles and couples, friends and families. “It’s a store that appeals to everyone, and every lifestyle” explains General Manager, Pamille Shaw Blair. “My Jamaicans love accessories.

Our guests are informed, sophisticated and

Ashley is big on decorative objects, lighting fixtures and abstract wall art, these are carefully curated and pull the look together in the staged room vignettes. Items are also displayed on eye-catching Strike Zones which are strategically placed throughout the store. Inventory includes: huge clocks, mirrors, sconces and candle holders; and ceramic bowls and vases, oversize jars and pottery vessels. There are nautical, astronomy and aviation themed collectibles, such as armillary spheres, gyroscopes, stars and maps. There are unusual bookends, chests and baskets; glassware, including goblets, decanters and bottles; trendy tableware; baskets and woven accessories. Lighting includes a wide selection of chandeliers, pendant lights and lamps. And there are rugs, beautifully textured, in hand tufted wool and fibres.

General Manager of Ashley Furniture Homestore, Pamille Shaw-Blair, demonstrates the versatility of some of the furniture – this lift-top coffee table is easily raised to convert into a dining table.

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Urbanology: industrial chic with an edgy style.

Colourful ceramic bull-dog, one of many decorative conversation pieces.

style oriented – it is the norm for our guests to research, so during in-store consultations they know what best suits their style.”

To shop at Ashley Furniture HomeStore is to invest in quality, craftsmanship and durability. Pamille explains that there are 100s of items in store, from grand elegance to accessories including tableware and small collectibles.

ARTFULLY CRAFTED FURNITURE The furniture is artfully crafted using the latest material and construction technology. Using different techniques, there are a variety of finishes and decorative surface overlays and coatings, including wood stains and veneers. Upholstery is varied in both colour and texture, and includes microfibre and leather. Materials used are environmentally friendly, in fact, Ashley Furniture Industries was one of the first furniture companies to ban the use of toxic flare retardant chemicals in their products.

Seating options include sofas, love seats, occasional chairs, benches, bar stools, as well as ottomans and poufs. Ultra

deep seated sectionals have become very popular. There are dining room sets from traditional styles with bevelled details to thick planked rustic trestles with industrial metal bases. There are cabinets and media units. Recliners are top sellers, they are easy-glide, fitted with cup-holders, lights and even USB ports for charging devices.

Bedroom sets include four posters, sleigh beds, and platform bases designed with drawers. Bedside tables are also fitted with USB ports.

Soft furnishings are luxurious. Beds are layered with a variety of bed linen, throws, duvets, comforters, pillows and cushions.

There is also a fabric rack where guests can get up close and feel the textures. The Ashley team offers full service bedding solutions in ‘Dream Destination,’ the bedding experience, located on the upper floor. This is a game changer – here you can have your pressure points assessed on an innovative diagnostic bed. Your results are captured and results held for thirty days. While there, you must try out their top selling mattress, the Ashley Sleep Gel memory foam…you just may not leave the store!

When it comes to furniture, the most popular brands are on either side of the colour spectrum – from the the light finish of the elegant Marsilona line (below) to the dark wood finish of the heirloom-styled Porter collection.

Ashley Furniture HomeStore delivers and assembles all furniture. The Company offers financing and gift cards. Occasionally professional design workshops are held in-store. Located in Liguanea in Kingston, the Homestore opens 7 days a week, 10:30am - 6:30pm, and Sundays 12 noon - 4:00pm. Ashley Furniture Homestore operates as a franchise licensed to Unicomer Jamaica Ltd, a retail conglomerate based in El Salvador.

Headquartered in Wisconsin in the United States, Ashley is the largest home furniture manufacturer and retailer in the United States, and the #1 selling furniture brand in the world. There are over 600 stores throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and Japan. Jamaica is first to open an Ashley Furniture HomeStore in the Caribbean, followed by Trinidad.

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Protect your home with

HOMEGUARD from Guardian General

Insurance Jamaica Limited

Y

OUR HOME AND ITS CONTENTS are the most valuable possessions you will own in life. For peace of mind, Guardian General’s HomeGuard Policy offers maximum protection that will ensure those ‘prized’ possessions are covered. With homeowners insurance you are protecting your private dwelling home, general contents and other valuables such as jewellery, computers, electronic equipment etc. Your private dwelling home is not only the building but, gates, fences and affixations to your building, such as solar panels and air conditioning units. It even covers your swimming pool, tennis court and other paved areas. Included in this purchase, is also liability which protects you against claims when accidents happen on or off your property once proven negligent.

There are many questions that you will ask yourself before purchasing this type of insurance; however, below you will find the most common questions asked.

1. What is in a Homeowners insurance policy?

Homeowners insurance applies to the owner’s building and their contents and can be modified to fit the needs of renter’s contents. This policy combines several coverages in a single policy.

Coverages include: A. For Private Dwelling house/ Personal Property: • Coverage against catastrophic perils, for example: hurricane, earthquake, flood, fire etc.

• Coverage against other minor perils, for example: burst pipes, malicious damage and damage by fallen trees etc.

• Coverage for incidentals, for example: loss of money, loss of refrigerated food items, malfunctioning of electronic gates and temporary removal from home.

B. Liability: Included in your homeowners policy is cover for yourself or any family member living in your dwelling against negligence to any member of the public or domestic employees for bodily injury or damage to their possession. For example, injury to persons by your pets. This includes legal fees associated with the claim.

2. Do I have to get homeowners insurance?

There are two main reasons to buy homeowners insurance: lender requirements and asset protection for peace of mind. If your home is mortgaged, you must have homeowner’s protection against the building as you are not yet the ‘owner’ until your loan is repaid. Remember you can shop around and choose from your Insurer of choice.

We highly recommend that even if you do not own your home, you should insure your personal property. Under your Contents Insurance you can include cellphones, laptops, drones, camera equipment, jewellery and other valuables. You can choose local or worldwide coverage for some of these high valued items if travelling overseas.

3. How is the cost determined for homeowners?

There are many considerations when determining the cost of your homeowners insurance, so no two policies are likely to be the same.

Cost can depend on the construction type, the location and the value of the assets. For example, concrete is more fire-resistant than a wood frame building, so you may pay more for wood frame. The occupancy type, whether owner occupied or tenanted, can also be a deciding factor in the cost of insurance. There may be discounts available for features like smoke alarms or security systems.

4. How do I know if my home insurance coverage is adequate?

There are many things to consider when determining the amount of insurance you need. This should include the cost of rebuilding the home in the event it is destroyed. Keep in mind, the value of the land should not be included in this cost, as land is uninsurable. You will then have to determine the amount of insurance on the contents within your home.

One flat Sum Insured is adequate for general contents; however, electronics and high valued items should be itemized. Remember ladies, clothing and shoes are included in general contents. It is extremely important to have your home insured for replacement cost which can be obtained by having a professional valuation done, as the Condition of Average (under insurance) is applicable to this policy.

5. In the event of a claim, how will your claim be handled?

At Guardian General the process is simple with both parties working together. The following steps should be taken: • Notify us or your broker immediately of any damages as outlined in the policy.

• Our Claims Team will appoint an Adjustor to assess the damage, who will then guide you through the process and collect pertinent information for processing and negotiation for settlement of the claim.

• If the incident is as a result of theft, report it immediately to the Police.

Protect your home and family with HomeGuard from Guardian General.

We want to ensure that any loss that may occur to your home or belongings, we provide that financial safety and peace of mind. Come in and talk to us or your Broker so that we can help to answer all your queries and make you feel safe and have peace of mind.

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How to Complete

An Incomplete Transfer H

AVE YOU ENTERED INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR SALE, paid the entire purchase price, entered into possession of the property with the permission of the vendor or his representative yet a transfer was not executed causing your name to be endorsed on the Certificate of Title? If you answered the aforementioned questions in the affirmative, fear not, the Registration of Titles Act makes it possible for you, the Purchaser, in the right circumstances to apply for a ‘vesting order’, effectively completing an incomplete transfer.

Providing the Registrar with the following information and/or documents is pertinent to the success of your application for a vesting order: 1. PROOF OF SALE & PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE An Agreement for Sale duly signed by the parties would be your best proof of a sale. However, if you are unable to produce an Agreement for Sale, any document(s) which refers to the sale of the property should suffice. Receipts evidencing payment of the purchase price must also be submitted.

2. PROOF OF POSSESSION In establishing proof of possession, you are required to outline the following: • The date you entered into possession; • The circumstances in which possession commenced; and • Evidence from which it may be inferred that the vendor acquiesced in the entry and taking of possession.

Letters of possession or correspondence to the effect that you have been granted possession would be useful.

3. REASON FOR APPLICATION Either of the following reasons must be given for the property not being transferred to you: • The vendor or his personal representative is dead; • The vendor or his personal representative is absent from Jamaica or cannot be found; or • Such circumstances exist to make it impractical to obtain the signature of the vendor or his personal representative in a reasonable time. The circumstances will differ from case to case but an example would be in the instance where the vendor or his personal representative is mentally incapable of signing any legal documents.

4. STEPS TAKEN TO LOCATE VENDOR OR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE You must state what steps were taken to locate the whereabouts of the owner and the results. This may be in the form of registered mail slips where letters have been sent by registered mail to the vendor’s or representative’s last known address. If a ‘Notice of Whereabouts’ was published in the newspaper, the relevant page of the newspaper with the said notice set out therein should also be produced.

If the vendor is deceased, a copy of his death certificate must be provided. You will also need to state the steps that were taken to locate his personal representatives. You may conduct searches at the Probate Registry of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Jamaica to ascertain whether a Grant of Probate or Administration has been granted.

The application form must first be submitted to the Tax Administration Jamaica for assessment of stamp duty and transfer tax.

The current market value of the property has to be stated in the application form. As such, you will be required to pay stamp duty and transfer tax of 4% and 5% respectively on the current market value. These government duties must be paid regardless of whether the Agreement for Sale was stamped. Once the relevant government duties have been paid and the application form stamped, you may proceed to lodging same at the Titles Office.

If the Registrar is satisfied with all the information and supporting documents that you have submitted, she will approve the application by making a vesting order. Thereafter, a new Certificate of Title and Duplicate will be issued in your name. The entire process may take up to thirty (30) business days. This of course depends on whether the Registrar issues a requisition requesting that amendments be made to the applications or that additional information be submitted.

Do you wish to bring a protracted sale transaction to close by having the property transferred in your name? It is advisable that you contact an attorney-at-law who can assist you in making the vesting order application and guide you through the process.

Franchesca Francis Associate Hylton & Hylton Attorneys-at-Law 19 Norwood Avenue Kingston 5

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1 Dunsinane District, Hatfield , Manchester Tel: 876-630-4347/8 Cell: 876-469-4492

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Montego Bay Inspiring Unique LifesTILES!

A

ONE-STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR TILING NEEDS, domestic and commercial, the Greenwood Plaza (GWP) Tile Gallery stocks a stunning and wide selection of well-priced, great quality tiles, decorative tile accessories and products. The new state-of-the-art Gallery is conveniently located at Shop 2B in the Fairview Shopping Mall in Montego Bay. From stylish and trendy to contemporary and classic, the Gallery stocks ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, mosaic, and special effect tiles in a variety of colours, patterns and textures. Whether you are a homeowner or trade professional decorating your house or commercial space, you will be inspired by the variety of products on display in the showroom. The GWP Tile Gallery prides itself in offering professional and friendly service, and the GWP team is on-hand to provide consultation and expertise, to guide you through your selection. If you are a building contractor taking on a huge project, GWP can deliver on quantity and quality at wholesale prices.

From Left: Christopher Burnett (General Manager of Greenwood Plaza) with the SW Interior team

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From Left: Madge Neil-Burnett (Managing Director of Greenwood Plaza) with Claudette Bryan (Deputy Custos of St. James/ President of Lay Magristrates, St. James)

GRANITE Granite is attractive, durable and versatile and is a popular choice for counter-top for both residential and commercial projects. It is ideal for bathrooms and kitchens as it resists stains and scratches, once sealed. The GWP Tile Gallery offers a wide range of premium granite sourced from top suppliers around the world. It is available in a variety of colours, in both slab and prefabricated. The company also offers installation at very affordable rates.

In meeting and exceeding customers’ expectations, the GWP Tile Gallery keeps abreast of current market trends, and has formed close business relationships with suppliers from all over the world, ensuring that quality is the first priority. The sole mission of the Company is to inspire customers, enabling them to tap into their creativity and choose unique tiles and building finishes to enhance and beautify their homes and office spaces.

The GWP Tile Gallery located at the Fairview Shopping Centre officially opened its doors to customers in Montego Bay and its environs in late September. This stunning Gallery is the latest innovation of General Manager, Christopher Burnett.

The Greenwood Plaza Company Limited was started in 1982 by the visionary business woman Mrs. Madge Neil-Burnett. Her aim was to provide facilities, including a supermarket, bar and variety store, for tourists in the quiet community of Greenwood in St. James. With the boom in the construction industry in the late 1980’s, Mrs. Burnett saw the need to add to the Greenwood Plaza brand, and established a hardware enterprise. Business operations were further expanded to include a furniture store, a Supreme Ventures outlet, the GWP Plant Nursery and the latest venture, the GWP Tile Gallery.

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Be Informed

THE BLUEPRINT

A First-Time Home Buyers Seminar

O

N THURSDAY, JULY 28TH Century 21 Heave-Ho Properties and Paula Roper Bacchas ‘Your Real Estate Pro’ hosted a First-Time Home Buyers Seminar called “The Blueprint” at the Century 21 offices in the Lee Gore Complex. Information on buying a home and tips were given by the ‘Who’s Who’ in the Real Estate industry, all of whom can be contacted for services should you need extra help when venturing into the home buying experience.

The programme was led by Key Note Speaker Paula Roper Bacchas, a Realtor at Century 21, who has an affinity to First Time Buyers. She loves putting people in their own homes. Deborah Cumming, broker and Managing Director of Century 21 Heave-Ho Properties also made a presentation. She has been working in Real Estate for 26 years and has won the Century 21 Centurion Award 5 times. Her office has won the Centurion Office Award twice and ranks #1 in the Caribbean out of 13 member countries. Patrice Doyley, a Mortgage Underwriting Specialist from Scotiabank who has over 7 years of experience originating and structuring all sorts of loans was also on the programme, followed by Karen P. Wilson, founding partner of Earle & Wilson Attorneys-at-Law. For over 21 years, she has been specializing in Real Estate transactions at all stages of one’s life and planning for transition. Everald Scott, manager of Land Surveying Services from the National Works Agency also led a segment of ‘dos and don’ts’ when having lands surveyed, complete with the registration process and information on the land titles. And the evening was rounded up

by Conrad A. Jackson, a registered architect and the principal of Lloyd J. Robinson and Associates. He spoke about the caveats of building for the first time homebuyer and the joys of getting what you actually want.

In her keynote address, Paula Roper Bacchas left us with some checklists and gems that we believe should be shared far and wide for first time home buyers everywhere. Keep them in mind when shopping around!

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Top 7 Reasons to Buy a Home 1. Quality of Life - Home ownership is part of a better quality of life for most buyers. The quality of our living situation directly impacts how we feel.

2. Spend Money to Make Money - With the right real estate professional, home ownership and the potential for appreciation means that ultimately you have the opportunity to get a return on your investment.

3. Principal Accumulation - As a homeowner, a portion of each amortized mortgage payment typically goes to principal, which in the long run is an investment.

Keep these checklists and gems in mind when shopping around!

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3. Aesthetics Can Be Changed - Flooring, light fixtures, plumbing, paint colours and wallpaper can all be changed. Don’t let the lime green wall paper turn you off your potential dream home. Think of how much fun it will be to make a home all yours!

4. Don’t WAIT! – too often, home buyers fall in love with a property, wait a few days to make a decision because they are nervous, and then the house is sold to someone else! If you love the home, don’t wait for someone else to live in YOUR home - be prepared to write an offer!

5. Compare Sales – to determine the best price to offer, or to know if the asking price is correct, look at the recent sales of similar homes, it’s called ‘Comparable Sales.’ Comparable sales are recent sales of homes that compare closely to the one you are looking to purchase, usually sold in the past few months. Specifically, you want to compare prices of homes that are similar in square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, lot size, etc.

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6 questions you should ask each Real Estate agent in order to find the best one for you: 1. Can you send me some information about yourself?

Look for professionalism and consistency. What are their professional accomplishments?

2. How do you approach your work?

Look for a business-person who has a strategy and a team to work with.

3. How many homes have you closed in the past year?

4. It’s The Jamaican Dream - Owning a home is THE JAMAICAN DREAM! And it truly is a dream come true for homeowners.

5. Independence - For many homeowners, one of the greatest freedoms is acquired through home ownership. They can get rid of their landlord and are no longer surrounded by neighbors in an apartment with thin walls. The freedom to do whatever they wish with their home is a big incentive for many new homeowners.

6. Leverage - At the current interest rates, you can put your money to work somewhere else. These days you can still purchase a home for as little as 10% down.

7. Why rent when you can own? The real cost of renting at $70,000 per month with 7 1/2% rental increase per year means you will pay $9,030,000 over 10 years. Just think, you could buy a home for that amount!

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These 5 buying tips will save you time, money, and headaches.

1. Get Pre-Qualified– before you can seriously consider purchasing a home, it’s important to know exactly how much you can afford.

2. Always Think Resale– due to globalization & migration, the length of time of ownership has significantly decreased over the years. This is important to keep in mind when looking for your new/next home. For instance, homes that are located on busy streets/road sell for less, and take longer to sell than other homes in the neighborhood.

Look for an agent who is active and at the top of their industry.

Part-time agents are simply unable to keep up with the everchanging demands of the market. Why settle for less?

4. Can you give me some references from other clients you have worked with?

Don’t be afraid to ask for references. An agent who provides raving fan service and is proud of their work will be happy to provide references. Look at their ratings, reviews and recommendations on sites like Facebook & LinkedIn.

5. What is the best way for me to get in touch with you?

You should know exactly how to get through to your agent or their assistant.

6. What awards or accolades have you received in the past couple of years?

Make sure that your agent is a professional, well regarded and at the top of the industry. They will be more knowledgeable and will be able to best represent your interests based on experience and reputation.

14 14 Steps to Buying a Home

1. Get Pre-qualified with a Mortgage Specialist

2. Shop for your dream home with an Accomplished Real Estate Professional.

3. Choose a top 2 list.

4. Place an offer on #1.

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5. Be prepared for a counter offer, if you are not offering the full asking price or you are up against competition.

13. Your Mortgagee will then take steps to have your name and their Mortgage registered on the Title for the property.

6. Get an Acceptance.

14. After which, the Seller’s Attorney-At-Law normally pays over all funds due to his clients, upon delivery to the Purchaser’s Attorney-At-Law of the keys to the property, as well as all accompanying Letters to facilitate the transfer of utilities & property tax advisory into the Purchaser’s name.

7. Review & Sign your Sales Agreement & Pay your 10% Deposit.

The Sellers will also sign, thus making this Agreement legally binding on all parties to it.

8. The Sales Agreement will then be submitted to the Stamp Office for Assessment of the Transfer Taxes & Stamp Duties.

9. You should then schedule your Surveyor’s Identification Report & Valuation Report to be done.

10. Then you should take all documents {Signed & Stamped Sales Agreement, Valuation Report & Surveyors Identification Report} to your Mortgage Institution of choice & begin the Mortgage Approval Process.

11. When your Mortgage has been Approved, your Mortgage institution will send the Sellers Attorney-At-Law a Letter of Undertaking for the balance of the Purchase Price.

12. After all these documents have been received by the Seller’s Attorney-At-Law, the Duplicate Certificate of Title and Instrument of Transfer will be sent to the Proposed Mortgagees.

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In the COMMUNITY RE/MAX ELITE AND SCOTIABANK: REAL ESTATE, MORTGAGE AND MORE EXPO

UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL OF THE WEST INDIES: CHAIR DONATION

On June 10, 2016 RE/MAX Elite partnered with Scotiabank (Fairview Branch) to host its first Expo on Real Estate, Mortgage and other affiliated services provided within the industry. This was the ideal place to be for real estate tips and advice, on-the-spot mortgage pre-qualification and the opportunity to visit the display booths of Associated Partners which included a few of RE/MAX Elite’s Loyalty Rewards Card Programme Partners on location showcasing their latest products and services.

On June 24, 2016 RE/MAX Elite donated some well-needed waiting room chairs to the Accident & Emergency Department at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI). This is a part of the Company’s charity arm, RE/MAX Elite Cares – Hearts United for Change and its continued efforts actively aimed to help and make positive contributions to our most needy communities and facilities within our country.

“We are truly humbled and grateful that we are able to make such contributions as a part of Corporate Jamaica’s business community.

This will definitely make a positive difference and we look forward to continued future contributions and support where possible”, says Collet M. Kirkcaldy – General Manager, RE/MAX Elite.