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Greenwood Great House

Greenwood Great House - Greenwood, St. James
Tel:- 1 876 953-1077

Greenwood Great House is a must-see for antique lovers and those wanting to experience a slice of 19th Century Jamaica. Unlike many great houses in Jamaica, Greenwood has not needed to be extensively restored and is in virtually the same as it was 200 years ago. The property is still occupied by its current owners.

Greenwood was constructed by Richard Barrett (whose family established and owned most of the nearby town of Falmouth). The Barretts were a hugely wealthy and respected family and Richard decorated his house with an array of exotic treasures and furniture. Most of the original items are still in Greenwood Great House and can be seen on the tour. One highlight is the collection of musical instruments and two polyphones, which are fired up and demonstrated on the tour. Other antique highlights include an extensive library, oil paintings of the Barrett family and original Wedgwood china wear.

As well as fascinating antiques, Greenwood Great House also boasts natural splendour. The house is set in beautifully manicured garden and the top floor veranda affords the visitor a 180 degree panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea, with the curvature of the earth clearly visible. The house receives far fewer visitors than nearby Rose Hall Great House and the tour takes place at a relaxed pace, giving the visitor time to take everything in.

The Barrett family treated their slaves relatively well and provided them with education, this was unusual at the time. As a mark of respect, Greenwood Great House was spared from damage during the slave rebellion in Christmas 1831 which saw many plantation buildings burned to the ground.

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