MARSHALL'S PEN

A visit for those who love to get lost. Ann M. Haynes-Sutton Ph.D., owner, manager of Marshall's Pen and environmentalist, will welcome you. It's true that Marshall's Pen is hard to find, but if you ask for "Old Mr. Sutton's house", you'll quickly realize that everyone here knows it and you'll end up at the stone columns that mark the limits of the property, which is 5 km from downtown Mandeville. Once the land of the Count of Balcarres, governor of the island from 1795 to 1801, the farm covered more than 1,600 hectares but has since been reduced to less than 10% of its surface. The old plantation only produces coffee for its own consumption. The remaining 120 hectares are now used to raise some 200 head of cattle. The owner's son, Robert Sutton, a renowned ornithologist and co-author of a guide to the birds of Jamaica, Birds of Jamaica. A Photographic Field Guide, has also turned it into a nature preserve. Birdwatchers, scientists and photographers of all kinds are very welcome and privileged to benefit from on-site accommodation and excursions in search of the rare bird. Indeed, more than a hundred species of birds have been listed in this family reserve, including 23 of the 25 endemic species of the island. Lovers of beautiful houses will admire this sumptuous colonial residence, with its English country flavors.