A warm welcome to the world of Trudiann Hall, and her home tucked away in the deepest parts of West End, Negril, near the sea cliffs.
The 38-year-old artist, chef, farmer and former owner of several restaurants and a fishing boat hails from Darliston, Westmoreland. She was schooled at McLeod High School and is known to be a bit shy at times, even for this interview.
In 2016, Hall bought this remote quarter-acre undeveloped parcel to build her house and cottage. It took one year to transform it into what has become – an imaginative, out-of-the-ordinary indoor-outdoor living space.
Everywhere you look, you see art without rules. Unconventional rustic beauty, simple and natural, integrating one-of-a-kind, bold, colourful splatter paintings on surfaces, along with sculptures and handcrafted décor. This earthy atmosphere evokes feelings of warmth and comfort everywhere you turn.
Some beds hang dramatically from the ceiling, suspended by ropes, while others are four-poster beds made from unfinished wood. Stand-alone soaking tubs grace fan-cooled bedrooms that open to wood-floor sea-view balconies.
The elevated timber-decked outdoor plunge pool, complete with a gazebo and swinging seats, overlooks tropical gardens alive with hummingbirds.
Hall personally designed and supervised the construction of this art-centric home. Before she bought the property, she shared, “I had no prior appreciation or skills in art.” However, that soon changed when she became immersed in the physical nature of the land. It sparked and nourished a creative spirit within, inspiring her to bring the design into existence.
“With this new set of artistic skills acquired, I feel a calling to start a new business with it,” said the self-taught artist excitedly.
As one who agrees with the message of the Rastafarian movement, Hall realises the social and spiritual liberation it offers through art. That art is not merely decorative.
Barry Rattray is a dream house designer and builder. Email feedback to barryrattray1@hotmail.com and lifestyle@gleanerjm.com.
