Hollywood legend’s estate set to become prime resort
development
Date: 10 January 2008 | 
PDF version 
New York City and Port Antonio, Jamaica — The Caribbean getaway of the Hollywood icon Errol Flynn, the
man who defined the term “swashbuckling,” is now available as a prime resort development opportunity.
Patrice Wymore Flynn, widow of the late Hollywood legend, has retained Knight Frank’s New Yorkheadquartered
commercial real estate firm Newmark Knight Frank Capital Group, to market the “Errol Flynn
Estate”, a private tropical paradise located on the northeastern coast of Jamaica, just southeast of Port Antonio
in the parish of Portland. It has a guide price of USD$50 million.
Newmark Knight Frank Senior Managing Director Kenneth L. Zakin is heading the marketing team that is offering
the high-profile estate.
The property comprises more than 1,600 acres and links the foothills of Jamaica’s Blue Mountain range with 3.5
miles of dramatic coastline on the Caribbean Sea. The waterfront is accented by intimate cove beaches,
untouched coral caves and magnificent bluffs. The topography of the terrain is equally diverse, as long stretches
of pasture land along the coast lead to the mountains. With elevations ranging from 200 feet to 1,000 feet, the
interior of the property offers unobstructed panoramic views.
The property has a unique history. Errol Flynn fell in love with the charm of Port Antonio when he accidentally
washed ashore in his yacht in 1946. After introducing the area’s splendor to his wife Patrice Wymore Flynn (who
still resides on the property), his Hollywood contemporaries, and other social magnates from around the globe,
Port Antonio quickly became one of the most desirable destination getaways for the elite. Before long, the town
became a playground for Flynn and his Hollywood intimates, a group which included Noel Coward, Ian Fleming,
Sir Lawrence Olivier, Katharine Hepburn and a host of others.
It was Port Antonio’s untouched natural beauty that seduced Flynn and those who followed him. The Parish of
Portland is the greenest part of the island, and contains some of the finest scenery in Jamaica. Nestled between
lush vegetation and the Caribbean Sea, the Errol Flynn Estate embodies the rugged charm that makes this area
unique.
Although a decline in the Jamaican economy in the 1970s dampened the steam of Port Antonio, the area is
slated for a major revitalization. Its comeback in recent years is due in part to an influx of renewed interest, both
domestically and abroad. Large investments from the private sector coupled with governmental support have
been, and will continue to be, instrumental in the region’s rebirth.
“Port Antonio is truly experiencing a new beginning,” said Zakin. “The stunning beauty of both the town and the
surrounding marvels are being rediscovered – opening up an outstanding opportunity for prime resort
development on the Errol Flynn Estate.”
The national elections, held on Sept. 3rd 2007, opened up significant pportunity for development in the region.
The newly elected Jamaica Labour Party government has a pro-growth agenda and is committed to a policy that
seeks to expand tourism beyond traditional areas and develop the high-end part of the luxury accommodations
market. Daryl Vaz, Member of Parliament for West Portland and Minister of State in the Office of the Prime
Minister, states that the Parish of Portland, which encompasses Port Antonio, “has been specifically targeted as
the logical and ideal place of future growth, given the area’s reputation for exclusivity, natural beauty and an
unspoiled character. In the past, the region has not received the attention that it merits, however, the new
government, through a series of public/private partnerships, will ensure that sensitive development occurs.”
This opportunity is supported by a growing tourism market in Jamaica. The Caribbean Tourism Organization
estimates some 22.3 million tourism arrivals during 2006, reflective of a 13.5 percent increase over 2005 and
making this the most successful year ever for Jamaica. Meanwhile, the number of scheduled flights to Jamaica
from the US increased 16 percent in 2006, while flights from Canada grew by 20 percent.
Part of the Port Antonio’s appeal has historically been its seclusion – a factor that has contributed significantly to
Port Antonio’s exceptional character and fueled its reputation as an ideal get-away. Nevertheless, government
officials are aware that in the age of globalization, today’s traveler expects a different level of quick and easy
access. As a result, the country has embarked on major efforts to upgrade its infrastructure by constructing new
highways, and expanding existing roads, marinas and airport facilities.
Among these new projects is the recent transformation of the marina at Port Antonio into a top-rate facility.
Renamed the Errol Flynn Marina after the town’s celebrated resident, the renewed marina targets a growing
clientele of luxury yacht owners. Among the amenities is Norma’s restaurant, whose “Jamaican food done up in
a New York style,” was recently praised by The New York Times.
“The support is there on the part of Jamaica’s local, regional and national governing bodies,” Zakin said, “for
intelligent large-scale resort development on this magnificent tract.”
For further information, please contact:
Mira Matic, Performance Public Relations, P: 973-335-4980, C: 973-461-9005, mmatic@optonline.net
Olivia Gallimore, Commercial PR Manager, Knight Frank, +44 (0)20 7861 1035
back to the top