A little TLC could work magic for Langley Great House

Curiosity was what made photographer Ian Allen and I divert from the Mount Airy main road and follow the 'Welcome' sign that led to the Langley Great House and Garden in West Rural St Andrew.

Two minutes into the slippery track that was sandwiched by some of Mother Nature's lush vegetation, we came to the entrance of the eerie-looking great house. Except for three dogs that were soaking up the midday sun, there was no sign of life, which added to the mystery surrounding the former coffee plantation. However, a short while later the news team was greeted by Carel Collington, who has been the caretaker for the more than 200-year-old property since 2006.

These days, he has not seen many visitors but said it has been a popular go-to destination for locals and tourists. He stated that the property was known for coffee, pimento and citrus cultivation.

"This was a hotspot for weddings, parties, convention or just a simple getaway for a couple. People come from all walks of life to visit here. People love the river. People come here to swim almost every day. The place is peaceful bad," he said.

Langley Great House is located in the wetlands of the Blue and John Crow Mountains. The estate was adequately supplied with water from three rivers which were necessary for the washing of coffee beans and the operating of mills essential to coffee production. Langley was also known as Mount Moses and in 1877, the name was changed. The estate had a supply of enslaved Africans and animals. The village is identified on the estate map of 1802. In 1822, Mount Moses had 229 slaves. In 1896, the 999 acres of Langley Estate were advertised in The Gleaner for auction.

As Collington gave a brief history of the plantation, one couldn't help but listen as the river rippled below. He told THE WEEKEND STAR that the river has been its main attraction in recent times, but said he is hoping that the great house will be given an overdue facelift in the near future. He praised the Member of Parliament (MP) Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn for the addition of a gazebo to the historical property.

"Mi would like if smaddy could come and fix it up because it is a great place. People come and look on it and promise to help but them nuh really come back and mi understand because money is an issue everywhere but the MP come and make some chair and make the gazebo," he said.

"Mi would wah to see the place step up likkle more as in more people come visit. But COVID lock down the place and this virus is here to stay. The great house is here and people will take picture beside it and dem tings deh but dem interest really lie in the river itself. Back in the days people used to want to tour the house, but them nuh really bother with it anymore."