Crescent Park House & Site

Originally known as Crescent Pen, the property was first listed in the 1774 Accounts Produce and was used for livestock rearing under various owners. By the early 1880s, the estate had over 90 enslaved people and hundreds of livestock.

In the 20th century, Crescent Park gained national importance when its then-owner, Sir Alfred D’Costa, conducted soil tests and discovered unusually high aluminium content in the land. This discovery was pivotal to the birth of Jamaica’s bauxite industry. The Reynolds Metal Company later purchased the estate in 1951, and a commemorative aluminium plaque was installed in 1952 in honour of D’Costa.

The great house displays classic Jamaican Georgian architecture, including sash windows, a timber-framed hip roof with dramatic tiles and a spacious stone basement constructed with lime mortar. Inside, the home retains its original elements, including a drawing room, wooden columns and tray ceilings. Though it has undergone several modifications, it still holds its historic significance.

Today, the Crescent Park House sits on 13 acres and is used as a retreat centre that is operated by the Institute of Caribbean Mission/ New Testament Church of God and is also used as a campsite and retreat centre.