Devon House Heritage Tour With Ice-Cream From Runaway Bay

Discover the grandeur of Jamaica’s first black millionaire’s 17th-century mansion on the Devon House Heritage Tour. This seamless experience from Runaway Bay whisks you away to explore the property’s architectural wonders, including louvred balconies and Venetian crystal chandeliers. As a knowledgeable guide leads you through the estate, you’ll learn about the history and culture. But the real treat comes at the end, where a sweet surprise awaits, leaving you with a delightful memento of your journey through Jamaica’s past. Uncover the captivating story behind this remarkable heritage site and indulge in a taste of the island’s rich history.

This experience made our list of the 8 Best Historical Tours In Kingston Jamaica.

Key Points

• The 6-hour Devon House Heritage Tour includes hotel pick-up/drop-off, a guided tour of the historic mansion, and shopping in the courtyard.
• The 17th-century Devon Great House was owned by Jamaica’s first black millionaire and is now a National Monument.
• Highlights of the tour include exploring the mansion’s architectural features, such as louvred balconies, Venetian crystal chandeliers, and silk wall hangings.
• The tour provides a chance to learn about the life and legacy of Jamaica’s first black millionaire who commissioned the elaborate estate.
• The tour concludes with a sweet surprise, leaving visitors with a delightful memento of their exploration of the historic property.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Details

The Devon House Heritage Tour with Ice-Cream from Runaway Bay lasts for 6 hours, and guests can check availability for different starting times.

The tour allows visitors to skip the ticket line and enjoy a live guided tour in English.

Highlights of the tour include hotel pick-up and drop-off, a historic tour of the Devon Great House, and shopping in the Devon House courtyard shops.

The 17th-century mansion was owned by Jamaica’s first black millionaire and is now a national monument.

Guided tours inside the 2-story property offer a chance to see louvred balconies, Venetian crystal chandeliers, silk wall hangings, and period reproductions, with a sweet surprise at the end.

Highlights of the Tour

One of the highlights of the Devon House Heritage Tour is the hotel pick-up and drop-off service, providing a seamless transportation experience for visitors.

The tour also includes a visit to the historic Devon Great House, a 17th-century mansion owned by Jamaica’s first black millionaire. Guests can explore the elaborate home, admiring the louvred balconies, Venetian crystal chandeliers, silk wall hangings, and period reproductions.

In the Devon House courtyard, visitors can indulge in some shopping, browsing the unique boutiques and local crafts.

The tour culminates with a sweet surprise at the end of the mansion tour, adding a delightful touch to the overall experience.

History of Devon House

Devon House’s history dates back to the 17th century, when it was owned by Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel. Stiebel, a successful businessman and real estate developer, commissioned the elaborate construction of the mansion during the late 19th century, transforming the property into a grand estate at the prestigious Millionaires’ Corner.

Today, the Devon House is a National Monument, declared so in 1990 by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust. Visitors can admire the property’s architectural features, including:

• Louvred balconies
• Venetian crystal chandeliers
• Silk wall hangings and period reproductions

This historic mansion offers a glimpse into Jamaica’s past and the legacy of its first black millionaire.

Guided Tour of the Mansion

Visitors embarking on the guided tour of the mansion can expect an immersive journey through its captivating history and architectural splendor. Knowledgeable guides lead them through the property’s grand interiors, allowing them to marvel at the louvred balconies, Venetian crystal chandeliers, silk wall hangings, and period reproductions that adorn the two-story estate.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and gain insights into the life of Jamaica’s first black millionaire, who commissioned the elaborate home in the late 19th century.

As the tour concludes, guests are treated to a sweet surprise, leaving them with a delightful memento of their exploration of this national monument.

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Notable Features of the Property

The property’s grand interiors captivate visitors, featuring louvred balconies that allow natural breezes to circulate and Venetian crystal chandeliers that cast a warm glow throughout the two-story estate.

Visitors can expect to be mesmerized by:

• Silk wall hangings that add a touch of elegance
• Intricate period reproductions that transport them back in time
• A sweet surprise waiting at the end of the mansion tour

These exquisite details showcase the opulence and grandeur of the 17th-century mansion, once owned by Jamaica’s first black millionaire. The Devon House’s remarkable preservation as a national monument allows guests to step into a bygone era and appreciate the wealth and sophistication of the island’s history.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour’s inclusions cover hotel pick-up and drop-off, all admission fees, and private air-conditioned transportation with an English-speaking driver/guide. However, meals, drinks, and gratuity are excluded from the package. Plus, the tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Hotel pick-up and drop-off	Meals
All admission fees	Drinks
Private air-conditioned vehicles	Gratuity (Optional)
English Speaking Driver/Guide

The concise inclusions and exclusions table provides a clear overview of what’s covered and what’s not, allowing guests to plan their expenses accordingly and manage their expectations for the Devon House Heritage Tour from Runaway Bay.

Accessibility Considerations

While the Devon House Heritage Tour offers an immersive historical experience, it’s important to consider the accessibility needs of all guests.

The tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users, as the 17th-century mansion and its grounds present potential mobility challenges.

However, the tour does provide:

• A guided walking tour through the property, which may involve navigating uneven terrain and stairs
• Access to the two-story mansion, which may have limited elevator or ramp options
• Opportunities to explore the courtyard shops, which could have varying levels of accessibility

Guests with mobility concerns are encouraged to inquire about specific accommodations before booking the tour to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Getting to Devon House

From Runaway Bay, visitors can easily reach Devon House via a scenic 1-hour drive along the northern coast of Jamaica.

The property is conveniently located in the heart of Kingston, just a short distance from popular attractions and dining options.

The modern, air-conditioned tour vehicles provided by the tour company make the journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Guests won’t have to worry about navigation or finding parking, as the driver-guide handles all the logistics.

Upon arrival, visitors can skip the ticket line and head straight into the historic estate, where a knowledgeable guide will lead them on an engaging tour of the 17th-century mansion and its beautifully landscaped grounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, bringing your own food and drinks is not allowed on this tour. The inclusions and exclusions clearly state that meals and drinks are not included, so participants are expected to purchase any food or beverages during the activity.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Unfortunately, the tour has a fixed duration of 6 hours and there’s no option to extend it. The tour’s schedule and itinerary are set, so the duration cannot be changed. Additional time would need to be arranged separately.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Devon House?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the Devon House, but they should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines set by the staff. Photography may be prohibited in certain areas to preserve the historic integrity of the mansion.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The Devon House tour does not have any age restrictions. Visitors of all ages can participate in the guided tour, which explores the historic 17th-century mansion and its elaborate interiors. Children are welcome to join the tour.

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?

The activity does not mention any discounts for group bookings. Pricing is likely based on the per-person rate, but travelers should check with the tour operator for any available group discounts or bulk pricing options.

Recap

Enjoy Jamaica’s rich history on the Devon House Heritage Tour. Explore the grand 17th-century mansion, marveling at its architectural wonders.

Conclude your journey with a delightful treat, savoring the flavors of a local ice cream while reflecting on the estate’s captivating past.

This seamless experience transports you through time, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for Jamaica’s cultural heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: