Grande Dame Key West

An award winning renovation of this stately centurion Victorian has achieved an impressive balance of timeless charm, classic elegance, and modern convenience, making this property both aesthetically alluring and delightfully comfortable. Originally built by the Watson Family in the 1840's, the Grande Dame Key West vacation rental estate home is the perfect place to stage a reunion of family and friends or corporate gathering. Located right in the heart of Old Town Key West's historic section of beautifully restored 19th century mansion homes, this vacation rental is situated in the 500 block of Simonton Street. From here you can easily walk to all features in the historic island village.

This thoughtfully detailed rental property is comprised of two architecturally beautiful buildings including: The main large luxury 3-story Classic Folk Victorian home with 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms; and a 1-story art-deco decorated "shot-gun style" with 1 bedroom, 1 bath. Furnishings throughout the estate are eclectic, tasteful and comfortable. A variety of vintage and contemporary art work graces the walls.

The interior of The Watson House, the main Classic Victorian home, offers 3 stories of living space. The first floor is comprised of the main Victorian parlor style living room, Hemingway "club-room" style family room, full dining room, and a new kitchen styled with granite counter tops, tile floors, and stainless steel appliances. There are two bedrooms, and two full bathrooms. Ceilings are high 12+ feet. The original ceiling architectural detail still exists.

The original graceful banister staircase leads to the second floor to 4 more bedrooms and 3 full bedrooms and laundry center. A double set of French doors off the pool-side bedroom lead to a large covered terrace with a dramatic view of the courtyard garden, Jacuzzi and pool below. Bedrooms are all styled differently. The front bedroom is traditional/island in decor and has a queen size bedroom and French doors that open to a porch that spans the entire width of the home and overlooks historic Simonton Street. The west side bedroom features a queen size four wooden poster bed, the east side bedroom features queen size white wicker bed and vintage wicker, and the pool side bedroom is contemporary-island in decor and features a king size bed and French doors that open to a large covered terrace the overlooks the double level swimming pool and back courtyard.

The 3rd floor offers a spectacular and dramatic pent-house entertainment area with full kitchen and dining areas. There is also a sitting area with a queen sleeper sofa. The focus of the room is the media area that is furnished with lounging sofa and large screen TV. There is also a full bathroom on the third floor. The entire scene is set with beautiful hardwood floors and double sets of French doors that open to another verandah. The dramatic view from the terrace overlooks the courtyard garden and swimming pool. A switch-back staircase reached from the back courtyard of the property can also access the second and third floors of the main home.

The Deco Vibe cottage offers a private space and is ideal for a couple in the group that wants their own Key West cottage. Art-Deco interior design gives this cottage a retro-tropical vibe reminiscent of an early Miami South Beach boutique-style bungalow. From the bright and shiny black kitchen to the sexy pink-and-black bedroom this one-of-a-kind cottage showcases a unique period of glamorous interior design. Images of legendary celebrities, pink flamingos, and a few pieces of authentic deco furnishings are worked in to set the deco tone throughout the cottage and bring alive a playful passion of days-gone-by.

The Grande Dame Key West estate grounds are fenced in the front for style and back for privacy. The double level back courtyard sets the stage for a double level swimming pool with trickling waterfall. Tall palm trees and tropical gardens surround the double level decked pool courtyard. The front of the property has beautiful curb appeal with large front porches on the first and second floor that overlook the estate neighborhood, expansive brick driveway courtyard, and private off street parking. A beautiful wrought iron fence graces the front of the property.

Bedding Summary:

Main House:

• First Floor - 1 Queen size bed, 2 Twin beds
• Second Floor- 3 Queen size beds, and 1 King size bed
• Third Floor - Queen sleeper sofa.

Cottage:

•  1 King size bed

Amenities: Upscale renovation. Double level swimming pool; trickling waterfall spills into Jacuzzi, large deck and courtyard, gardens, covered terraces, expansive porches, and privacy fences. Fully equipped kitchen, central a/c, separate phone lines on each floor, color cable TV, stereo, washer / dryer. Linens and towels are provided. Off street parking. Catering can be arranged. Maid service can be scheduled. Total Bedding: 4 queen size, 2 king size, 2 twins, queen sleeper sofa, trundle bed.

Activities: Heart of Key West's designated historic district. Walk to all old town features, no need for a car. Just one short street from Duval St., close to Mallory Square, and a few short streets from Historic Seaport and retailers. Sailing, boating, diving, museums, nightlife, family activities. Conveniently located to gourmet grocery shopping with excellent wine selection, sushi deli, and butcher. Close to shopping, art galleries, a variety of national and international restaurants, coffee shops. Close to the beach.

Area: A residential street in the tiny section of Key West is that is the “island urban” area. When you stay in this tiny district it’s amazing how much there is to see on each street. The mid-section of famous Duval Street in Old Town Key West grew up as the central downtown area. The original city infrastructure was built here to create a diverse array of shopping, offices, entertainment, restaurants, bars, hotels, and churches, and these features are still offered in a modernized mode. Just on block off Duval Street. From this area you can walk to the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration in 10 to 15 minutes.

Restrictions: While this property is ideal for families and groups to unite, is not suitable for staging loud parties. Only well behaved children are welcome. This property is not "child-proof". We do not accept guests less than 25 years of age unless accompanied by a family group or guardian. Smoking permitted outside only. Absolutely no pets please.

Rented as separate units: For Holidays and Festivals this property is only available as a single estate rental. Depending on availability, it is possible to rent this property as separate suite units listed next.

The Watson House - Main 3-Story Victorian Home.
Exquisite Victorian Suite - (Courtyard) Poolside Suite with Garden Terrace and Large Front Porch.
Balcony Terrace Suites - 2nd and 3rd floors with 2 Balcony terraces and Large front porch.
Deco Vibe - Private spacious guest cottage with full kitchen and living room. Private outside sitting area off the master bedroom.