The story begins with Grant Penn, a young girl growing up in a dirt-floor house in depressed Kingston. She knows what it’s like to be humiliated, ugly, dwarfed, not to mention starving.

The once-perpetually sickly little one realizes that she is powerless to do anything about being attractive in the eyes of others or that she is destined to be malnourished – but she can do something about her intellectual shortcomings. And so, with courage and determination, she applied herself more than ever at school, eventually studying law and settling as a lawyer in England.

Returning to the island, the mother of two daughters and the last of her family, she visits the 100-year-old family property, which somehow casts a spell on her, making her emotionally attached to the amazing place. He had to catch it.

Covered with countless trees, a diverse and fruitful property (where you can walk and walk through the lawns and not know the boundaries), the Jamaican countryside is extremely carefree and physically attractive. The intersection is southeast of St. Elizabeth, perched on an inconspicuous hill in a large valley surrounded by high mountains.

The original residence on the land was a simple, old wattle-and-daub small structure, which the attorney/designer decided not to demolish, but instead to expand and renovate the entire 3,000-square-foot facility. Construction started in 2002 and was completed two years later.

This intricately designed house breaks violently with convention as it recognizes that it is the architecture of our time for us and our children to have a future.

The eco-friendly cottage has luxuriant green exterior walls fringed with stunning ivy, creating a stunning vertical garden, reflecting the lush surroundings. This softens the exterior of the building, produces oxygen, cleans the air, reduces heat, cools the interior, and absorbs noise – all while protecting the natural environment from the dangers of global warming.

This traditional indoor space (which doesn’t conform to the rules) delights and conveys the timeless feel of a Jamaican, English country cottage. Including genuine antiques, mostly imported from England, for example, four-poster beds (with mosquito nets); mixing with works of art; bookshelf Fine displays, English bone china; Turkish carpets, and gilded (golden) wall mirrors.

Wood and colored concrete floors and walls pleasantly enclose three bedrooms and two bathrooms; Kitchen, dining and living areas all in one. Colors like green, purple and red shades give mood to the room. A balcony allows for entertaining under the great outdoors. The outdoor shower screams.

It is this advocate’s wish that her story of defying Herculean odds and defying opinions can serve to inspire other girls in similar situations to not give up because their dreams can come true.

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