Noël Coward’s Firefly House

Firefly Estate, St Mary, Jamaica, is located high above the village of Port Maria offering a commanding view of St Mary Harbour below. Sir Noël Coward bought the property from Blanche Blackwell [mother of Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records] and had a house built there in 1956. Coward vacationed there regularly until his death in 1973 and chose to be buried in the garden there, under a marble slab. The house fell into disrepair after Coward's death and the estate was benevolently restored to good order by the aforementioned Chris Blackwell, who leases Firefly from the Jamaican government.

The place was cool but the guide was a little shady with the price. At $20 a person we felt a bit ripped off. Still enjoyed the visit for the scenery though.

Absolutely wonderful, unexpected treasure. Up the roughest, windiest, steepest track but well worth the scary drive. You park right at the property in deep forest then walk round the simple bungalow onto a patio and gardens that are simply breathtaking. You are guided round the simple, plantation style rooms with the feeling Mr Coward has just walked into the next. His art, books and furnishings give you the feeling he loved simplicity and elegance and Jamaica. We could have sat in his garden all day, it was heaven.

Views are worth the prices. We paid 2500 Jamaican per, there is a bar and no rush while you enjoy the tour and property. Being your good camera and a few snack! The drive up is kind of rough. The sign for the museum is small. But the neighbors are friendly and they will point you in the right direction. I tried to capture a few photos as well..

Most breathtaking scenic tour you'll ever take