See the Spooky Side of Jamaica at the Rose Hall Great House
With its sunny shores, lush greenery and warm climate, Jamaica's beauty has inspired many travelers to invest in Caribbean villas over the years.
2015-12-28With its sunny shores, lush greenery and warm climate, Jamaica's beauty has inspired many travelers to invest in Caribbean villas over the years. Though the country is predominantly known for its sunshine and scenery, that doesn't mean it doesn't have its share of ghost stories. If you are looking to appreciate a bit of both, then a trip to the Rose Hall Great House may be just what the doctor ordered.
This classic mansion boasts traditional beautifully kept gardens, classic furnishings, and a dark history that has made it a popular draw among many travelers. The home is named after Annie "Rose" Palmer, a mysterious woman who moved into the house with her then husband, John, upon the manor's completion in 1750.
Shortly after their arrival, John would pass away under somewhat suspicious circumstances – as would the next two men to wed Rose in the house. Rumor spread that Palmer was actually a powerful voodoo witch, a tale that only became more believed once random male slaves began to disappear around the plantation. Eventually, Rose would become a casualty of the Baptist Rebellion of the 1830s, but her legend – and those of the mysterious disappearances - would turn supernatural due to the haunting 1928 novel The White Witch of Rose Hall.
Today, the mansion retains the classic 18th-century stylings of Palmer's day, including an elegant mahogany stairwell, classic period antiques and a silk wall fabric designed to mirror that of famed French aristocrat Marie Antoinette. One of the most-visited areas in the manor is Annie's own bedroom, which features dark crimson silk brocades and an eerie air about it. Of course, if you get frightened by the room's aura, you can always retreat to the manor's cellar, where an English-style pub will allow you to kick back with a pint.
After a day spent exploring the darker side of the region's history, vacationers can return to the light and enjoy the stunning amenities of their luxury rentals. Among the nicest villas in the area is the Viviana, a six-bedroom estate that features a heated pool, an onsite gym and easy access to the nearby Tryall Club – a must for the avid golfer. The cozy atmosphere of this majestic villa will help you relax and unwind in a beautiful, and ghost-free, environment.