Halse Hall

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Halse Hall

Halse Hall - Clarendon Parish, south of May Pen
Tel: - 986-2561

The history of Halse Hall began during the Spanish occupation of Jamaica when the estate was named "Hato de Buena Vista" (Ranch of the beautiful view). When Jamaica fell to the British in 1670, the property was gifted to Thomas Halse, a British soldier who fought the Spanish. Halse built Halse Hall on top of the original Spanish foundations.

Thomas Halse died in 1702, leaving the great house to his son, Francis Sadler Halse. Halse Junior added a second story to the house and an elaborate staircase.

The property stayed in the ownership of the Halse family until the 1850s. The subsequent owners continued to take good care of the property and in 1969 it was purchased by Alcoa Minerals of Jamaica.

Alcoa added an extra wing to the house (in keeping with the style of the old building) as accommodation for visitors. This accommodation facility means that Halse Hall is the oldest English building in Jamaica which still serves as a residence.

Alcoa uses the great house as an office but tours are available, call Mrs Chambers on 986-2561 to arrange a tour.

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