The Jamaican Great House was the seat of authority on an estate, serving as the home of planters or attorneys representing absentee owners. The size and profitability of the property, along with the wealth of the owner, determined the grandeur of the house. Typically, these houses were two-story buildings with sturdy brick, cut stone, and mortar foundations. The upper floors were usually crafted from wood. Variations included single-story buildings made of wood, cut stone, Spanish walling, or wattle and daub, as well as two-story structures composed of brick, wood, or cut stone.
The architectural style of the Great House often mirrored the owner's former residence, which was frequently England. Consequently, the designs were inspired by the Georgian Period (1720-1760), evolving into the distinctive Jamaican Georgian style (1760-1830). Key architectural features of the Great Houses included wide wrap-around verandas, jalousies, and sash windows designed to suit the Caribbean climate. Many Great Houses reflected the opulence of their owners, but as the profitability of sugar declined, maintaining these grand structures became challenging.
The Great House stands as the most prominent and tangible symbol of the plantation era in Jamaica. Several of these houses have been declared National Monuments by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust, highlighting their historical significance and contribution to Jamaica's rich heritage.
These Great Houses not only serve as architectural marvels but also as reminders of Jamaica's complex history. Exploring them offers a unique glimpse into the island's past and the legacy of the plantation era.