Johnny Cash owned a Jamaican retreat. The property, Cinnamon Hill, featured a swimming pool known as the Johnny Cash Lido. Built in the 1970s, this outdoor area became a gathering spot for family and friends.
How the Lido Was Built and Used at Cinnamon Hill
Cash purchased the Cinnamon Hill estate near Montego Bay in the early 1970s. The estate had been part of a historic sugar plantation. Cash and his wife June Carter Cash wanted a private escape from their busy lives. They built the Lido as an outdoor pool area, complete with lounging spaces and tropical landscaping. The pool was not just for swimming; it served as a social hub. The Cashes often hosted relatives and fellow musicians there. Cash himself would relax by the water between songwriting sessions. He wrote and recorded material while staying at the property, drawing inspiration from the Caribbean setting. The Lido’s name reflects a European style of seaside resort pool, adapted to the Jamaican coast. The estate also included a main house, guest cottages, and direct beach access on the Caribbean Sea.
Tools and Resources That Shaped the Lido Experience
The Lido’s construction relied on local Jamaican materials and labor. The pool was built with concrete and lined with tiles, typical of 1970s Caribbean architecture. Surrounding the pool, Cash planted native palms and flowering shrubs to create privacy. The estate’s water system drew from natural springs on the property. For entertainment, Cash installed a sound system to play music, often country or gospel. The Lido area had outdoor furniture made from teak, resistant to the humid climate. Guests could walk from the pool to the beach via a short path. The property’s historical roots also shaped its character; the estate had once belonged to the family of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning in the 1800s. Cash appreciated this literary connection, and the Lido became a place where he could read and reflect.
Common Misconceptions About the Johnny Cash Lido
Some believe the Lido was a public pool or a resort open to tourists. In reality, it was a private amenity for Cash and his invited guests. Another misconception is that the pool was built in the 1950s, during Cash’s early fame. The Lido was actually constructed in the 1970s, after Cash purchased the estate. A third myth suggests the pool was enormous, like a hotel lagoon. The Lido is a standard-sized residential pool, not oversized. Some also think Cash owned multiple Jamaican properties with pools. Cinnamon Hill was his only Jamaican estate, and the Lido was its sole pool. Finally, there is a claim that the pool was used for recording sessions. While Cash wrote songs at the estate, no professional recordings were made at the Lido itself. For a broader factual overview, Johnny Cash Tribute – David James & Big River — Lido Theatre lays out the key context
Practical Takeaways for Fans and Travelers Today
If you want to see the Johnny Cash Lido, your best option is to follow real estate listings. The Cinnamon Hill estate was listed for sale in 2023 with an asking price around $5 million. The property is not open to the public, but you can view photographs from the listing. For a similar experience, consider visiting other historic Jamaican estates that offer tours, such as Rose Hall or Greenwood Great House. You can also explore Cash’s connection to Jamaica through his music. Listen to songs he wrote while at Cinnamon Hill, like “The Ballad of Annie Palmer,” which references local folklore. To learn more about the estate’s history, read biographies of Cash that cover his Jamaican years. The Lido remains a symbol of Cash’s desire for a peaceful retreat away from fame. For a broader factual overview, Johnny Cash lays out the key context
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Cinnamon Hill, near Montego Bay, Jamaica |
| Year Built | 1970s |
| Owner | Johnny Cash (1970s until his death) |
| 2023 Sale Price | Approximately $5 million |
| Historical Note | Formerly owned by Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s family |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Johnny Cash Lido built?
The Lido was constructed in the 1970s, shortly after Cash purchased the Cinnamon Hill estate in the early part of that decade. It was part of his vision for a private Jamaican retreat.
Where is the Johnny Cash Lido located?
The Lido is on the Cinnamon Hill estate near Montego Bay, Jamaica. The property sits on the Caribbean coast and includes beach access. It is not open to the public.
How can I visit the Johnny Cash Lido today?
The estate is privately owned and not accessible for tours. You can view photos from the 2023 real estate listing online. Alternatively, visit other historic Jamaican great houses that offer public tours.
How many pools did Johnny Cash own in Jamaica?
Cash owned only one pool in Jamaica, the Lido at Cinnamon Hill. He did not have other Jamaican properties with pools. The estate was his sole Caribbean residence.
Is the Johnny Cash Lido still in existence?
Yes, the Lido still exists on the Cinnamon Hill property. It was maintained after Cash’s death and was highlighted as a key feature when the estate was listed for sale in 2023.
