Diplo’s Jamaican Vacation Home Is a Creative Oasis
Freecell Architecture creates a high-tech tropical getaway for the world-class DJ and music producer, complete with a recording studio, rock-climbing wall, and horse stables.
Down a winding road in the San San neighbourhood of Jamaica’s Portland Parish—past the estate’s organic farms and a yoga pagoda—sits Pompey, a brutalist structure that floats above the lush rainforest. Owned by DJ and music producer Thomas Wesley Pentz, best known as Diplo, the compound represents his vision for a creative retreat that would nurture both social connection and introspection.
For a prolific producer who’s worked with A-list artists from to Beyoncé to Justin Bieber, a humble getaway wouldn’t do. And so, to bring his refined-meets-rugged dream to life, Diplo approached Brooklyn-based Freecell Architecture and its frequent collaborator, designer Gia Wolff, to produce a No. 1 hit of a home.
Centred around the infinity pool and panoramic view of the property’s 50 acres, the main house features a primary suite and three guest suites, in addition to multiple communal spaces, indoors and out. As one would expect, the amenities rival those of a five-star resort: helicopter pad, grand piano, bartender, organic orchard, rock-climbing wall, and Bluetooth speakers throughout—to name a few.
Interiors by Sara Nataf, Diplo’s longtime creative director, in collaboration with Katelyn Hinden, are purposefully minimal—the breezeways, slopes, and angles of the concrete structure are the star, even indoors. Nataf selected an earthy palette of rust, brown, and grey, and paired global textiles with sculptural wooden pieces to achieve an eclectic vibe.
Given that the home has an institutional, museum-like quality, with towering concrete walls and floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s no wonder that the rooms act as exhibition spaces for Diplo’s art collection. From the main house to the studio, the work of artists such as infuse the spaces with colour and personality, and were curated specifically for this project.
Located in a separate building, the 1,985-square-foot recording studio was built to industry standards. Here, Diplo and his collaborators can hunker down to experiment, record, take a break in the lounge, or even make snacks at the outdoor pizza oven.
Photographs by Depasquale Maffini.
