- Address: Grants Pen in St. Mary, Jamaica
- Telephone Number: 876-997-7201
- Year of foundation: 1956
- Website: www.firefly-jamaica.com
In Jamaica, 10 km from the city of Port Maria , there is the house-museum of the English writer Noel Coward, which is called the Firefly Estate.
general information
The building was built on top of a hill and originally belonged to a famous pirate, and a little later to the Jamaican governor Sir Henry Morgan (years of life 1635 - 1688). The latter used this house as a viewing platform with a view of the coast. What is remarkable, at the same time, an underground tunnel leading to the port was dug here.
Features of the mansion
The modern house in 1956 was built by Noel Coward. The interior of the building was Spartan, but this did not stop the writer from arranging parties and receptions. Fairlay Esthete was visited at various times by very famous personalities, for example, Queen Elizabeth II, Richard Burton, Peter O'Tour, Elizabeth Teflour, Sophia Loren, Sir Lawrence Olivier, Winston Churchill, etc. Neighbors prose writer were Ian Fleming and Errol Flynn. The territory of the mansion is quite large, there is a dining room, a studio, an office, a music room and even a swimming pool. The name of the house - Fairlay Esthete - is translated as "Firefly". The main reason for this served as these insects, flying around the building in huge numbers. Noel lived in the estate alone, and nearby lived a gardener and a housekeeper.
After purchasing the apartment, Coward made a note in his diary: "The Firefly gave me an invaluable gift, which is the time when I can think, write, read, and put my thoughts in order. I love this place, it fascinates me, and whatever happens on the planet, it will always be peaceful here. "
In 1973, on March 26, writer Noel Coward died of myocardial infarction in his estate. He was buried in a marble coffin in the garden of the mansion, at his favorite place: where he spent the evenings, watching the sunset, the sea elements and the picturesque vegetation of the nearby hills.
Currently, this site is a monument to the writer. The stone house, which was a viewing platform of Henry Morgan, was converted into a cafe "Sir Noel". There is also a restaurant and a souvenir shop.
Fairlay Esthete today
In the house-museum of Fairlay Esthet today you can see the living environment of Noel Coward: in the living room there is a piano and a table with dishes, and in the corners of the dining room there is home inventory, in the office are also manuscripts and books. Here are preserved photographs and paintings of famous friends of the writer: Marlene Dietrich, Errol Flynn and Sir Lawrence Olivier. Remained and a sign on the door, which indicates the name of the mansion and who it lives. Unfortunately, because of the local climate, many exhibits begin to deteriorate.
The ticket costs about 10 US dollars. The tour already includes guide services, which will tell a brief history of Fairlay Esthete, hold in all the rooms, show the writer's favorite things, and take you to the top of the hill, from where the stunning view of the harbor opens.
In 1978, Fairlay Esthete was listed as a National Heritage of Jamaica. But over time the building began to deteriorate, because nobody was courting him. Chris Blackwell (his family was close friends with Noel Coward) bought out the writer's mansion and restored it, thereby restoring the former glory of the house. Today, owner Fairfleight Esthete supports and sponsors the situation in the house.
If you want to arrange a celebration: a wedding, an anniversary or other event, you can rent a "Firefly". Ancient and romantic atmosphere will make your holiday unforgettable.
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How to get to Fairlay Esthete?
Drive to the town of Port María from Ocho Rios (about 20 miles), and from there you can walk. Keep in mind that the road leading to the mansion is bad and needs repair for a long time, but the final goal is worth it.
It is recommended not only to visit the Fairlay Esthete house museum not only to the writer's fans, but also to those who wish to return to the past, because time seems to freeze there. And, of course, everyone will be interested to admire one of the most beautiful views of the sea in Jamaica .