Fire does extensive damage at Richmond Hill Guesthouse

A section of the family owned Richmond Hill Guesthouse overlooking Montego Bay, St James, was gutted by fire on Monday night.

The owners say the restaurant and offices were destroyed.

Fire units from the Ironshore and Freeport stations responded to the blaze which started about 9:30 p.m.

It's understood the fire was brought under control about 11:30.

Grace Elmore, one of the owners of the guesthouse, said the loss was significant, recalling that the house was built in 1804, and contained many pieces of antique furniture and Barrington Watson paintings, among other precious items.

Beyond the material possessions that have been lost, she affirmed that “lots and lots of memories” are embedded in the history of the property.

The building, which housed the restaurant and offices, was not insured.