Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!
The Folly Ruins
Portland, Jamaica
Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.
New! See the real Jamaica in VIDEOS!
Click Here and see why over 140,000 fans are raving about my YouTube Channel!
by Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer
The Folly Ruins on Jamaica's north coast are a crumbling example of the strength of following your dreams. Visitors continue to flock to this sleepy region of the island because of its abandoned mansion-house on a private peninsula close to Port Antonio.
The history of Folly Mansion is a Jamaican tale, ranging from affluent American explorers to dancehall performers.
New! How much do you love Jamaica?
Join our growing list of well-thinking Jamaica-loving folks who are demonstrating what a friendly, helpful and fun Jamaican community looks like. Click Here to learn more.
And, if you ever need a trustworthy and knowledgeable local guide, consider booking a private tour with us!
There are quite a few tales surrounding folly ruins, here’s one of the most popular:
Myth
According to traditional tales, a wealthy American built the Folly Mansion, formerly the most luxurious home in Jamaica, to dazzle his sweetheart and persuade her to migrate to Jamaica with him.
In his haste to construct the mansion for her, he used cement that had been blended with salt water as opposed to fresh water, which left the building structurally unstable.
The closest available water supply was the sea because the property overlooks it. The mansion had already begun to fall apart by the time his wife arrived. What a foolishness! she screamed before leaving for America and never coming back.
The residence was left to burn to the ground when the upset spouse fled the scene. It is also said that the Folly Ruins fell apart as a visible sign of the rift between the couple.
But because folly ruin is a real place, there has to be a true story behind it right? Well here’s the truth:
Facts
While the fictitious tale of how folly ruins came into existence might be a little melodramatic, it does bear a little of the truth, because one could view the true story about folly ruins as a tale of love. You see back then Folly Point was a tranquil, undeveloped outcrop on this remote British colony in 1904.
When you turn around, the gorgeous Blue Mountains would dominate the skyline. The unbroken views of the Caribbean Sea are mesmerizing. For wealthier visitors looking for some winter sun, the neighbourhood Titchfield Hotel was the place to go.
One man, in particular, Alfred Mitchell of Connecticut, fell in love with the area and decided to construct a winter residence for himself and his wife Annie.
The pricey project produced a grand mansion residence with an indoor saltwater pool, a personal power plant, and a cupola chamber for taking in the view. The area was developed as a tropical garden, which flourished in Jamaica's wettest parish of Portland.
The couple built their house on land they bought at Folly Point after falling in love with Port Antonio. The magnificent home, which was built in the form of a Roman villa and had 60 rooms distributed over two storeys, was named after the neighbourhood where it was located.
It had a wind-powered generator to pump seawater into an indoor swimming pool, its own power plant, a separate water reservoir, a sauna, stables, and a menagerie. It was well-equipped for its day, even compared to today’s homes it would still be considered top of the line.
In addition to imported peacocks and monkeys, they kept a wide variety of creatures. The adjoining Pellew Island, a little cay in Jamaica, which has since been renamed Monkey Island, was eventually granted to the monkeys free reign.
Mitchell, however, sadly passed away six years after it was finished, and his wife sold the house and left two years later.
Only 12 years after it was completed, the property was abandoned due to the new owners' short-term occupancy. When renowned actor Errol Flynn thought about purchasing the property, there was a temporary respite. But by that time, the Jamaican government had already acquired the land and had just proposed a lease.
Under government control, the long slide toward destruction began. As with so many of Jamaica's older mansions, neglect and thievery sped up mother nature's process. The wooden flooring was long gone by 1935, and the roof had caved in as a result of looting the supporting structure.
It is still believed by some that the structure was destroyed because salt water was used in the concrete. There is no proof of this, and the only part of the building that is still standing is the concrete component.
Unfortunately, folly ruins aren’t what they used to be, graffiti's and lack of care have definitely depreciated its appeal. Folly Ruins still does provide an atmospheric window into the past.
Although the area is now fenced off for safety reasons, you can still go there to take in the sight of what once must have been a lovely estate.
You might like these
Destination Wedding In Jamaica | 8 Best Spots To Say I Do
Having a destination wedding in Jamaica is a dream for many and there are many attractive options to choose from.
A Jamaican Goat Farm | In Pictures & Video| Goat Rearing In Jamaica
They visited Jamaica close to 100 times combined! Then decided to make it home. But what would they do? Here's the story of Ruth and Byron's Jamaican Goat Farm.
Is It A Good Time To Visit Jamaica In April?
Is it a good time to visit Jamaica in April? Well, if the weather, food and activities in April are any judge of that, then yes! Definitely! Come visit!
Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)
If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more.
It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica!
Return to Jamaican Attractions from Folly Ruins
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Folly Ruins
References & Sources For Folly Ruins
- The Story of Folly Ruins, Jamaica, https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/jamaica/articles/the-story-of-folly-ruins-jamaica/
- Folly Ruins & Lighthouse, Portland – Adventures from Elle, https://adventuresfromelle.com/2022/02/07/folly-portland/
New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿
 |
You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now! |
See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!
 |
My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers. |
Read More ...
New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!
P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for?
Still need help?
Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!
Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.
NEW!
Join the growing list of well-thinking, Jamaica-Loving folks in our vibrant Private Community
👇🏿
Featured Video!
Travelling To Jamaica?
Read this BEFORE you go
👇🏿
New Here?
I recommend you START HERE to enjoy the best of this website!
New! For Authentic Jamaican products, from my very own hands, visit my Etsy store here.
Recent Articles
-
How To Become A Realtor In Jamaica?
Apr 20, 24 12:09 PM
Are you eyeing the real estate business but not sure how to become a realtor in Jamaica? This is all you need to know to get started. -
Jamaican Oats Porridge Recipe! Simple and Delicious
Apr 19, 24 01:49 PM
Yes! Oats porridge, the breakfast of champions! This simple dish is a go-to for most of us. Don’t you want to give the Jamaican Oats Porridge recipe a try? -
Jamaican Passion Fruit Juice | Refreshing, Delicious, Nutritious!
Apr 18, 24 05:14 PM
Summer is fast approaching. We’ll need many refreshing drinks to take through the warm sunny weather. Why not add Jamaican passion fruit juice to the list? -
Lime Cay Jamaica | A Jamaican Beach Adventure!
Apr 18, 24 10:21 AM
I am convinced some of the most pristine beaches in the world are right here in Jamaica. Here’s one you might not have heard of, Lime Cay Jamaica! -
The Iberostar Rose Hall Beach All-Inclusive Hotel
Apr 17, 24 04:33 PM
In Montego Bay, hotels are a dime a dozen. It’s sometimes hard to choose where to stay. If you are considering Iberostar Rose Hall Beach, here’s what to expect.
About The Author
A patriotic Jamaican who adores its culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' since April 2007.
To date, he serves over 9,300 unique readers / viewers per day (and over 1.1millon page views monthly)
His efforts have earned this site featured positions in local publications, including the Jamaica Gleaner's Hospitality Jamaica, Carlong Publishers, as well as recognition from numerous prestigious international agencies and universities. Read more about him here.
He invites you to subscribe to this site to stay updated on all the latest and check out his unique Jamaican products on his e-store.
If you are on social media, here are the links to follow his latest posts:
You are also invited to join his exclusive JAMHearts community where like-minded Jamaican enthusiasts discuss all things Jamaican.
Didn't Find What You Are Seeking?
Do a quick site search here:
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.