Devon House

Devon House is one of Jamaica’s most iconic landmarks, located in Kingston. It is a beautiful Georgian-style mansion that has become a symbol of Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage and architectural grandeur. Devon House was built in 1881 by George Stiebel, Jamaica’s first black millionaire. Stiebel, the son of a German Jewish merchant and an Afro-Jamaican woman, made his fortune through gold mining in South America and investments in shipping. Upon returning to Jamaica, he purchased 99 acres of land in the then-elite area of Kingston, known as the “Millionaire’s Corner,” and constructed Devon House as his residence. The mansion, with its elegant blend of Caribbean and Georgian architecture, features intricate wooden carvings, beautiful verandas, and lush gardens. Devon House was one of the first major houses built by a person of mixed race in Jamaica, making it a significant symbol of social progress during that era. Over the years, Devon House has played various roles in Jamaican socie…