JamaicaTripper Video: Noel Coward's House, Firefly
Port Maria, Jamaica

On the north coast of Jamaica between Ocho Rios and Port Maria, Noel Coward made his home for several decades, bringing many celebrity visitors to the island during his stays. Coward first resided on the coast at Blue Harbour but, because of the constant stream of visitors, he built Firefly, a quiet retreat high on a hill with a view of Port Maria. The house is surprisingly simple with an art gallery, open air dining room, small kitchen (all meals were prepared down at Blue Harbour and transported to the house), and, upstairs, a living room, Coward's office and bedroom.

Today tours take the public through the home and to the grounds. The swimming pool has been paved over but the lawn, graced by a statue of Coward, is lovely. Coward's simple grave lies in one corner of the lawn; nearby stands the historic building once called the Lookout. It served as a lookout for privateer (and later Jamaican governor) Henry Morgan. Today the building, with its thick walls and narrow gun slits, operates as a small pub.

Admission is $10 per person; tours are conducted as you arrive. The house is open to the public Monday through Thursday and Saturday from 9--5.