Luxury speaks for itself, but in reality, that's not the case, says Alex Issa, founder and CEO of Issa Homes, which currently has three development projects underway, each designed to go beyond traditional definitions of luxury living and set new standards.
Harmony Retreat and Sierra Luxury Homes, located in the upscale Corporate Area development in St. Andrew, which Issa describes as “differently located but beautiful in their own right”, and Cascade Residences in idyllic Negril, are coveted by buyers with a “discern for exclusivity and privacy”, tenets that define luxury, the developers added.
“Luxury is a word that's used so loosely,” Issa said. “Part of the luxury comes from having peace and quiet within the complex, not having too much built-up space on the land, and leaving a lot of green space, landscaping and tropical greenery.”
Issa called Sierra at Hermitage in Stony Hill a “labor of love,” saying the tropical-filled area is “being restored to its glory days of the '50s and '60s.”
Gabrielle Gilpin Hudson of Nautilus Properties, the real estate brokerage which co-owns the Sierra listing with Sotheby's Jamaica International Realty, provided further details about the development.
“Sierra is a private development with four standalone homes that don’t share walls with their neighbors.
“There are only three units for sale, measuring approximately 4,000 square feet and each consisting of four bedrooms and en suite bathrooms, balconies and patios, powder rooms, laundry rooms and staff accommodations (bed and bath),” the real estate agent said.
“Other amenities at Sierra include 24-hour security, a backup generator, a covered two-car carport, outdoor barbecue grills and a plunge pool,” Gilpin-Hudson noted, adding that appliances such as a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer/dryer and air conditioning are also included in the listed price.
Sierra is expected to break ground by late summer and be completed in December 2025, with a list price of $1.95 million (subject to increase).
“Sierra is on top of a hill with 360-degree views – the city and Kingston harbour on one side and breathtaking views of the valley on the other. When you go to Sierra you feel like you're in another world,” Issa said.
“Wherever you turn, there's a view from every angle. That's a very unique feature of the Sierra. The weather is cool and refreshing, especially considering the heat we endure in the plains.”
Stony Hill Renaissance
Issa noted that the road leading to the Sierra had recently been resurfaced and pointed to the restoration of buildings in Stony Hill, just a 10-minute drive from Manor Park.
“Manor Park is nearby and there's easy access to schools, shopping plazas and restaurants. The drive there and back is enjoyable and the greenery of the trees is just magical. With all the general amenities close by, living there is a wonderful experience. It really is the best of both worlds.”
While Sierra, as its mountainous name suggests, is located high in the foothills of St Andrew, Harmony Retreat is nestled in the precious Golden Triangle at the corner of Retreat and Seymour Streets.
The Harmony Retreat townhouses will offer approximately 3,500 square feet of space, three bedrooms and open-plan living with smart home features.
Meanwhile, Gilpin Hudson described Cascade Residences in Negril as Issa Homes' “most anticipated” development project.
Cascade features 32 luxurious two-bedroom apartments of 1,900 square feet with an open-plan concept featuring a study, living, dining and kitchen.
“Half of the units face the ocean from the other side of the road, and the other half have beautiful views over the marshland,” Issa explained. “The apartments are all very spacious and all have large sliding glass doors that open out onto the grounds, with plenty of ponds and greenery, so the views are stunning,” he added.
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