The guardhouse to the Reach Haven property on which 19 villas are to be constructed for $300 million.

Dionne Rose, Business Writer

LeRoy Lambie, chairman of LeRoy Lambie and Associates, is developing 19 executive villas in Port Antonio, Portland, a project valued at $300 million, he said.

The development, Reach Haven Resort, is 10 minutes from Reach Falls.

"It is the first of its kind in the area," said Lambie. "The terrain is beautiful ... and the view is gorgeous."

Reach Haven comprises one-, two- and three-bedroom units ranging in size from 1,000 square feet to 3,000 square feet.

According to Lambie, who has some 40 years experience in real estate development, construction of the units will begin in March with completion set for January next year.

The villas are priced at $11 million for the one-bedrooms; $19 million for the two-bedrooms, and $30 million for the largest units.

Lambie said expressions of interest in the development have mostly come from foreigners.

Part of its appeal, he said, is the surrounding vegetation. Roads to the site are now being cut, and the land prepared for construction.

The Portland Parish Council has also approved the plans, Lambie said. The developer has previously done projects in Ocho Rios, St Ann, including Honeycomb Village, now Sandals, Country Manor and Villa Chelsea.

He is also now developing the Sherwood Plaza, under construction at Eastwood Park Road in Kingston.

The plaza comprises 27 commercial shops and offices.

dionne.rose@gleanerjm.com