La Randa
- Erika Culmer
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Images are from DanceHallMag
Typology: Estate Home
Built in: 1921
Architect: ?
Builder: Kelly's
Original Owner: ?
What makes this building unique: One of the few structures on the island made of brick, rum runners house that previously had tunnels out to sea for rum transport, used to be owned by Rita Marley (Bob Marley's widow).
Originally built as a home for rum running during the prohibition era, this home features 4 generously sized en-suite bedrooms, a large living room with a fireplace, dining room and Bahama room overlooking the pool. Unlike many Bahamian homes, this home features a full-height basement that had a tunnel passage out to sea to transport rum to boats. Though the tunnel has long been closed up, the full-height basement remains.
As time passed, modern comforts have been added to the home including air conditioning. In the 2000s, the small galley kitchen, original to the home, was converted into a powder room plus laundry room, and a large kitchen was added. Even with the new additions, however, much of the original flooring remains intact.
The yard is over 2 acres large with many fruit trees including coconut trees, breadfruit, guava and almond trees. The estate also features a carriage house which prior to Rita Marley's purchase had been converted into a guest house with full kitchen, bath, combined living and dining room, and a large bedroom. After her purchase, the carriage house likely served as a recording studio.
Contributor Notes:
"This home always interested me with the unique brick exterior as there are only a handful of actual brick buildings in Nassau. (Brick requires clay, which is not locally sourced here so would need to be imported). I was also curious how a Mediterranean/Spanish home, ended up here, and when it was for sale a few years ago, I imagined it would make a great bed and breakfast. So, when I had an opportunity to find out more (sparked by a casual conversation with my brother-in-law) I took it. Many thanks to my brother-in-law, Andrew, who went out of his way to learn more for me. Thanks to him, I was able to add this gem to our list of architecture finds." - Erika Culmer
Location:
Sources:
Conversation with previous residents, February 2026
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