Firefly Estate, House museum in Port Maria, Jamaica
Firefly Estate is a house museum perched on a hilltop with views across the Caribbean and St. Mary harbor. The property includes the main residence, an art studio, and gardens with sweeping sea views from multiple spots.
The property was built in the 17th century as a retreat by a privateer, but gained its current identity when acquired by a British playwright in 1956. The transformation into a museum preserved the layers of this dual history.
The estate displays personal belongings and artistic works that shaped theater and literature in the Caribbean during the mid-20th century. Visitors can observe how this creative space was actually lived in and used daily.
Tours of the property are guided and include access to the house, studio, and garden areas. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for sloped pathways, as the hilltop setting involves multiple levels and steps.
The garden features a marble stone marking a place of personal significance in the estate's history. This quiet spot was a favored location for watching the sea and remains a focal point for many visitors today.
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