Hanover House

About Hanover House, Jamaica

Its high ceilings and small treasures from another century evoke the former grandeur and elegance of a dignified past Jamaican lifestyle. When I've had enough of glass block, stainless steel and lucite, this is where I want to be for a week or more every year to remind me of the more traditional Jamaica I came to love. I appreciate its polished brass hardware from England, its massive master bedroom with balconies on three side, its crooked old chandeliers and its oh-so-genuine longtime staff. Gazing over its picture postcard views recharges my soul and reminds me why I love Jamaica.

A sweeping staircase brings guests up through the three-story entrance foyer to the salmon-hued soft brick pool terrace ... a 1,500-square-foot outdoor living space around the 40' x 40' private pool, picturesquely framed in white stone arches. The adjacent large living room has satellite television and opens to more terraces and views. Four shaded sitting areas, poolside chaises, and two dining tables seat 15 guests. The breakfast table overlooks a 500-acre coconut plantation. Home-cooked meals here by Pam, the jolly and talented Hanover House cook, merit special mention. One evening, let Pam feed the kids early. Then linger over a long candlelight adult dinner till the stars come out. Then, with drink in hand, move to the master suite balcony for the light show of a lifetime. (Some guests have chosen to sleep on the balcony rather than leave the meserizing view.)

No words can adequately describe the many views from Hanover House ... truly breathtaking every hour of the day and night. The villa's architecture was designed to capture both glorious sunrises across the sea and unforgettable huge sunsets beyond the hills. If you rise early, look for the storybook clouds of mist wafting down over the Great River just to the east. Don't miss those precious and memorable times of day!

Interiors at Hanover House are characterized by a few priceless Empire pieces and several antique mahogany case pieces, richly restored with their original hardware and fluted bases. English botanicals adorn the walls. The large bathrooms have their original plain cabinetry and laminated countertops, but the very comfortable beds and views from each bedroom more than make up for the lack of Corian and granite. In summary, Hanover House feels like home and has a very distinctive brand of charm and spaciousness that have drawn many families back again and again.

Hanover House has become known for its beautiful and extraordinarily photogenic weddings.

If you've left your own pets behind while you take a vacation, be advised that Hanover House is home to our beloved chocolate lab pup, Pesto. He loves people, sticks and tennis balls. He stays out of the house and is playful and gentle with children in the yard.

Accommodations

Thoughtfully designed for families, the upstairs and downstairs bedroom layouts provide both privacy and proximity for parents and their children nearby.

Upstairs Bedrooms

Master Bedroom
1,000-square-foot suite. Kingsize bed; antique writing desk; sitting area; 32" flat screen television; en-suite bathroom with double sink, tub-shower combination. Air-conditioning; large wrap-around balcony with magnificent view of Montego Bay day and night.

Connecting door to adjoining nanny's or child's room with twin bed. Locking door to upper sundeck. Shares master bathroom. Second twin bed can be added to create kingsize sleeping accommodation for one couple. This is the only non-air-conditioned bedroom. However, cool air from double air conditioners in the Master Bedroom tends to cool this small room.

Bedroom 2
Kingsize or twin beds; air conditioning; cathedral rafter-and-beam ceiling; shared bath with Bedroom 3; tub-shower combination; door to upper sundeck. View over pool.

Bedroom 3
Double bed; air conditioning; shared bath with Bedroom 2; tub-shower combination; door to upper sundeck. View over pool.

All upstairs bedrooms open onto the 1,700-square-foot sundeck with chaises and trade winds ... a lofty perch for lovers of sunrises and sunsets.

Downstairs Bedrooms

Bedroom 4
Kingsize or twin beds; large private bath with tub-shower combination; mini-fridge; private shaded porch with sea view.

Bedroom 5
Kingsize or twin beds; large private bath with tub-shower combination; ceiling fan; mini-fridge; private porch with sea view.

Bedroom 6
Kingsize or twin beds plus sofabed; television; large private bath with tub-shower combination; ceiling fan; overlooks pool.

Maximum desired occupancy is 13 guests in 6½ bedrooms. Addtional guests may be accommodated on request for a nightly fee of $30.

Round Hill Membership

A special amenity available to our guests in this villa is membership at Round Hill ... just minutes away and one of the finest private resorts on Jamaica's North Coast. Membership entitles guests to access Round Hill's private beach and tennis courts, lit for night play and with pro on call. (Charges apply to lessons and ball boys.) As members, you are also invited to enjoy the Manager's Cocktail Party, jogging trail, gift shop, logo shop, beach bar, Ralph Lauren-designed piano bar, Jamaican and Continental cuisine in the hotel restaurant ... and unforgettable long sunsets from the waterfront terrace. For additional charges, members may enjoy the spa, Pineapple Kids Club, fitness center, parties (Monday night beach party and Friday Jamaica Night) and a range of water sports.

Tryall Club Membership

A significant amenity for guests in this villa is membership at the excellent Tryall Club. On 2,200 acres, Tryall’s golf course is among the most beautiful in the world. Its 18 hillside and seaside fairways have been home to the Johnnie Walker, Mazda and other PGA championship events. The resident pro offers workshops and private lessons. The Tryall tennis club features nine Nova Cushion courts, some lit for night play, with world-class pro’s on call. All whites required.

The beach is well planned for parents and children. Have lunch at the beach bar. Work out in the well-equipped gym. Jog the marked trails. Snorkeling, kayaking, hobie cat and sunfish are complimentary. Glass bottom boats, charter fishing, a boat to the reef and any captained craft attract various fees. Enjoy the week’s events, including the Monday Night Manager’s Cocktail Party and the Wednesday and Friday night beach parties (Friday Seafood Night on the Beach Buffet is excellent).

On the hill, enjoy the historic Great House for afternoon tea and a magnificent view from the terrace. Shop at the commissary and boutique, meet for happy hour at the bar, and browse a wealth of Jamaican, Haitian and Cuban works and souvenirs in the Gallery of West Indian Art. And don’t miss the massive Tryall pool!