The Devon House Tour from Kingston offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the historic 19th-century mansion of George Stiebel, Jamaica’s first millionaire of African descent. This guided tour immerses guests in the opulence of the Georgian architecture and Stiebel’s remarkable life, providing an enriching cultural experience. After the tour, visitors can indulge in the famous Devon House I-Scream parlor, tempting them with a variety of delicious local treats. With its blend of history and culinary delights, the Devon House tour promises a memorable outing for both first-time and seasoned travelers.
Key Points
- The Devon House tour in Kingston, Jamaica, includes a guided tour of the 19th-century mansion and an opportunity to visit the on-site Devon House I-Scream parlor.
- The tour provides insights into the life and wealth of George Stiebel, Jamaica’s first millionaire of African descent, and the history of the Georgian-style mansion.
- The tour package includes pickup and drop-off from Kingston hotels in an air-conditioned minivan, making it convenient for travelers.
- Along With the ice cream parlor, the Devon House estate also houses a craft shop, gift shop, bakery, bar, and restaurant, offering a range of post-tour experiences.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible and family-friendly, with infant seats available, ensuring inclusivity for most travelers.
Tour Overview
The Devon House Tour in Kingston, Jamaica, offers visitors an opportunity to explore a 19th-century mansion that was once the home of the country’s first millionaire of African descent, George Stiebel.
This 1.5-hour guided tour takes guests through the historic property, which was declared a National Monument in 1990. Priced from $64.11 per person, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from Kingston hotels in an air-conditioned minivan.
Participants can also visit the on-site craft shop, gift shop, bakery, bar, and restaurant, and enjoy an ice cream treat at the property’s parlor.
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Historical Significance
Explore Devon House, a 19th-century mansion that was the home of Jamaica’s first millionaire of African descent, George Stiebel.
Declared a National Monument in 1990, it’s the only well-preserved mansion remaining in the area known as Millionaires Corner.
The property offers insights into Stiebel’s life and wealth, featuring period details and furnishings that transport visitors back in time.
Built in the Georgian architectural style, the mansion reflects the opulence and grandeur of its original owner, showcasing Jamaica’s history and the remarkable accomplishments of an entrepreneur who defied the social norms of his era.
Exploring the Mansion
As visitors step inside the stately walls of Devon House, they’re immersed in a captivating journey through time.
Meticulously preserved period details and furnishings transport them to the 19th century when the mansion was the home of Jamaica’s first millionaire of African descent, George Stiebel.
The guided tour provides fascinating insights into Stiebel’s life and wealth, offering a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the era.
The guided tour provides fascinating insights into Stiebel’s life and wealth, offering a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the era.
Guests can admire the grand architecture, explore the lush gardens, and gain a deeper understanding of Jamaica’s rich heritage and the remarkable story behind this National Monument.
Post-Tour Experiences
After the captivating tour of Devon House’s historic grandeur, visitors can explore a variety of delightful post-tour options on the property.
The on-site craft shop offers unique Jamaican souvenirs, while the gift shop showcases local artworks and crafts.
For a sweet treat, the famous Devon House I-Scream parlor serves up mouthwatering ice cream made with locally sourced ingredients.
Those looking to indulge further can visit the bakery for freshly baked Jamaican pastries or unwind at the bar and restaurant.
With so much to discover, the Devon House experience extends well beyond the tour itself.
Accessibility and Participation
The Devon House tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing travelers of all abilities to explore the historic property.
The Devon House tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing travelers of all abilities to explore the historic property.
Strollers are also welcome, making it a family-friendly experience.
The tour’s proximity to public transportation makes it convenient for visitors to reach the site.
Infant seats are available for those traveling with young children.
While children must be accompanied by an adult, most travelers can participate in the tour, which provides a unique glimpse into Jamaica’s history and the life of its first millionaire of African descent, George Stiebel.
Customer Feedback
What do travelers have to say about the Devon House tour? The tour has earned an average rating of 4.3 from 3 reviews.
Guests praise the educational value, as the tour provides insights into the life and wealth of Jamaica’s first millionaire of African descent, George Stiebel. Reviewers also highlight the tour’s beautiful photography opportunities and exceptional ice cream portions.
Travelers appreciate the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as the overall quality of the experience.
Key feedback includes:
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Informative guided tour
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Stunning mansion and grounds
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Delicious ice cream treat
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Excellent customer service
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Convenient transportation
Planning Your Visit
Planning your visit to Devon House is straightforward. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and strollers are welcome. Conveniently, the historic mansion is located near public transportation.
Infants can join the tour, as child seats are available. Most travelers can participate, making it an accessible experience for a wide range of visitors.
Infants can join the tour, as child seats are available. Most travelers can participate, making it an accessible experience for a wide range of visitors.
The tour includes pickup and drop-off from Kingston hotels in an air-conditioned minivan, ensuring a seamless start and end to your day.
After the guided tour, you can explore the on-site craft shop, gift shop, bakery, bar, and restaurant – capped off with a delightful ice cream treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Is the Ice Cream Parlor Open?
The ice cream parlor at Devon House is open daily, offering visitors a chance to indulge in a sweet treat after their tour. Its regular operating hours ensure that guests can enjoy the renowned ice cream any time they visit.
Is Photography Allowed Inside the Mansion?
Photography is allowed inside the mansion during the tour. Visitors can capture the period details and furnishings that offer insights into the former owner’s life and wealth.
Are Food/Drink Options Available During the Tour?
There are several post-tour food and drink options available, including a bakery, bar, and restaurant. Plus, visitors can enjoy an ice cream treat at the on-site ice cream parlor after the guided tour.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Specific Interests?
Yes, the tour can be customized for specific interests. Visitors can explore the mansion’s history, architecture, and furnishings in depth, or combine the experience with optional add-ons like visiting the craft shop, bakery, or ice cream parlor.
Are Any Discounts Available for Larger Groups?
The tour provider offers discounted rates for larger groups. Guests booking for 3 or more people can enjoy a per-person price reduction, making the tour more affordable for families or groups traveling together.
The Sum Up
The Devon House tour offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore the opulent 19th-century mansion of Jamaica’s first millionaire of African descent. After the guided tour, guests can indulge in delectable ice cream and local treats, creating a well-rounded and memorable outing. With its historical significance and post-tour delights, the Devon House tour is a must-visit attraction for those seeking to explore Jamaica’s rich heritage.
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