Sir Noel Coward, the late British playwright and composer fell in love with St. Mary on his first visit to the island in 1948. He subsequently bought "Look Out", which was at one time owned by Sir Henry Morgan, and built the present house in 1956 -- calling it FIREFLY after 'his luminous nocturnal companions'. The split-level house is situated on a 5-acre plateau with a commanding view of the St. Mary coastline leading to Port Maria.
Noel Coward who was born on December 18, 1899 died on March 26, 1973 at Firefly where he was buried on his favourite look-out spot in the garden, overlooking the magnificent coastline of Port Maria.
Noel Coward who was born on December 18, 1899 died on March 26, 1973 at Firefly where he was buried on his favourite look-out spot in the garden, overlooking the magnificent coastline of Port Maria.
He wrote a number of his well-known plays, musicals and short stories at Firefly and also entertained extensively and lavishly during his stays there. His guest list included the Queen Mother, Sir Winston Churchill, David Niven, Katherine Hepburn, Errol Flynn, Ian Flemming and other well-known personalities.
Noel Coward was affectionately called "Master" by his friends and colleagues, and whose talent to amuse endeared him to thousands both in Britain and overseas, said the following of his love affair with Jamaica:
I like to think that I have been able to contribute a little to the island that has given me so much happiness and peace and time to work.
After his death, Firefly was bequeathed to the Government and people of Jamaica by Coward's dear friend Graham Payne, to be run as a museum. The property is administered by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust who leased it to the Christopher Blackwell company who operates and maintains the museum containing memorabilia of Sir Noel's life.
