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Bellefield Great House: A Window into Jamaica's Plantation Past

Explore a historic Jamaican sugar plantation with stunning views, a preserved Great House, and lush gardens near Montego Bay.

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Bellefield Great House, nestled in the hills near Montego Bay, offers a captivating glimpse into Jamaica's colonial history. This former sugar plantation, dating back to the 17th century, has been owned by the Kerr-Jarrett family for generations and features a beautifully preserved Great House, gardens, and a historic sugar mill.

A brief summary to Bellefield Great House

Local tips

  • Consider visiting during the cooler months (December to April) for a more comfortable experience exploring the grounds.
  • Book a guided tour in advance to fully appreciate the history and significance of the Great House and its artifacts.
  • Enjoy a meal at the Sugar Mill Restaurant for a unique dining experience in a historic setting.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Montego Bay city center or the Hip Strip, a taxi is the most convenient way to reach Bellefield Great House. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A typical ride should cost between JMD 1,500 to JMD 2,500 (approximately USD 10-17), depending on your starting point and negotiation skills. Licensed taxis have red license plates.

  • Driving

    If driving from Montego Bay, head south towards Granville. Follow Fairfield Road; Bellefield Great House is located off this road. Parking is available on-site. Be aware that the roads leading to the Great House can be narrow and winding.

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Discover more about Bellefield Great House

Bellefield Great House, located in the lush hills south of Montego Bay, is a historic estate that provides a unique window into Jamaica's rich past. Once a thriving sugar plantation, Bellefield has been in the Kerr-Jarrett family since the late 1700s. The property spans ten acres and showcases a classic example of an 18th-century Jamaican plantation. The Great House itself is believed to have originated as a militia outpost in the 1600s before evolving into the family's official residence. Its architecture blends pre-Georgian elements with features common in later Jamaican Georgian-style plantation homes. Visitors can admire the stone ground floor, wooden upper frame, wide verandahs, and louvered shutters, all designed to suit the tropical climate. Inside, the house is well-preserved with 19th-century furnishings and artifacts, offering a glimpse into plantation life. One of the most remarkable features is the original sugar mill, dating back to 1794, which was constructed using cut stone shipped from England. The estate once produced both sugar and rum, essential commodities in Jamaica's plantation economy. Today, the sugar mill has been repurposed into a restaurant. Bellefield Great House also serves as a venue for weddings and private events, offering a picturesque setting with its magnificent gardens and sprawling lawns. The Kerr-Jarrett family continues to support community development in Jamaica, with ventures like the Barnett Tech Park and land gifted to the University of the West Indies.

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