Dream House | Unbelievable J’can Shangri-La mirrors Bali, Thailand and China

There is a smattering of houses around the world that are immeasurably more fantastic than any you could ever imagine!

This home is most assuredly one of them, with its irresistible, charismatic aura, obliging your infatuation with its very existence.

The genesis of this dream realised, harks back to Irwin Chester Perry III, fondly known as Chet. A Vietnam War hero in the United States Armed Forces and a recipient of the Bronze Star for heroic deeds in that military campaign.

He would reside in Jakarta, Indonesia, for three years, and, in due course, ship crude oil from Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) countries; become the second-largest supplier of ethanol to Brazil; and dominate the window washer fluid market all across Europe.

Chet, now deceased, back in the 1990s would search the world with his wife Eve for that ideal country to build their dream house, finally settling on Jamaica because his best friend lived here.

He would enthusiastically buy a remote, 16.5-acre, densely wooded section of a mountain declining steeply to the Great River below in Hopewell, Hanover.

The heavenly sights from its vantage point greets you with views of highland terrain, sea and Montego Bay in the near distance.

The exotic residence, on top of the very mountain, was conceptualised and completed in 1996. Worthy of worship, it’s a shrine inspired by the tropical architecture and cultural Hindu traditions of Bali, Indonesia. Here, the spiritual and philosophical community layout of separate cooking, dining, living, and sleeping structures, with seemingly floating pavilions and free-flowing spaces, integrates with the nature-kissed, sacred, high-altitude, landscaped topography.

The isolated kingdom of wonder admits to the fold, nine bedrooms, seven bathrooms (with sunken baths, showers, and private enclosed gardens). Also, a few living areas, a massage room and some wet bars.

We are further engrossed in the outdoor showers; spa area; alfresco dining gazebo; pool bar; and two glistening swimming pools with their infinity edges (with reflection wading pool) that intimately hugs and wraps around the structures; a tennis court and helipad.

On the opposite side of the living spaces, also caressing the residence, are grand water gardens to drown all emotional tension. Yes, a sprawling, unanticipated water lily pond and fountain, created to mimic the rice paddies (fields) of South East Asia.

Architectural interior and landscape designs, influenced also by Thailand and China abound; for example, hand-carved teak doors; many ancient statues, including those of goddesses repelling unseen forces; and elaborate entrance gates.

Finishes incorporate imported marble, Brazilian granite, and Italian travertine. Along with intricate carvings galore, and curated furniture of simple lines and curves, influenced by the centuries old Chinese Imperial Ming Dynasty.

My God! Does it get any better than this?

Barry Rattray is a dream house designer and builder. Email feedback to barry-rattray@hotmail.com and lifestyle@gleanerjm.com .