photos by Barry Fitzgerald
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You know the adage … “An unexpected turn can lead to hidden discoveries.” Well if there were ever a house that meets that description, this Old Town Key West Hidden Gem vacation rental is the one. Like a secret island hideout, there’s no way you’d find this place, unless you have local knowledge. Tucked away on a huge lot, nearly smack dab in the middle of Old Town Key West, this home is cleverly camouflaged on a very spacious lot in between 2 little lanes that most folks have never even heard of. I’d been to this house a few years ago at a birthday party for my granddaughter. I was so impressed with the unusual hidden location and unique layout then, and as I recall, I had to be led to it by my son-in-law.
Once you know this house exists, you have two ways of getting to it. There’s the choice of walking down a little path that leads to the front gate entrance and front door. Or, if you drive in, you approach it from the back side and wind down a tiny lane that leads to the spacious parking area. Either way, you’ll swear you made a wrong turn until you open a gate.
GROUNDS
Staying in the heart of Old Town usually means doing without large outdoor private living spaces and modern architecture. But this is not the case with the Old Town Key West Hidden Gem. There was a freedom to invent on the island when this property was originally designed and built in 1988, and the architect did a masterful job at creating multiple outdoor living spaces that are nearly completely decked.
Back Driveway Entrance: I usually drive to this property so I end up taking the illusive back entrance. On this side you see a tall grey weathered privacy fence that quietly blends in so well that you have to look for the gate. Step inside the back gate, and a paved path leads past the back of the pool side cabana and for a second you get the unmistakable feeling you’re sneaking into a private hideaway. Then when you walk around to the front of the cabana, and step onto the expansive double level deck, it feels as if you’ve arrived to your own private little resort. In such an alluring setting, it is the laid-back Key West lifestyle that becomes so absorbing.
Sweeping steps expanding the entire width of the back decks connect two distinctive multi-level outdoor living spaces. An upper outdoor lounging deck connecting to the house via French doors to the great-room and master bedroom, and a huge triangular shaped lower deck complete with a pool cabana + outdoor kitchen + pool bath. A custom triangular swimming pool is the focal point that mirrors the unique shape of the lower deck.
For memorable tropical evenings you can cook and dine at the pool cabana and plunge into the water when the spirit moves you. All the creature comforts are here. The cabana kitchen is equipped with a full size stove and refrigerator, and has plenty of counter top space to prep. A half-bath (sink and commode) are in the cabana, and just across the deck near the house is a completely private outdoor shower. A retractable awning can be set for protection from the sun and rain.
Front Walk-in Entrance: If you walk to the property or take your bicycle, you can enter the house via the unknown little walking path that leads to a tall weathered wood privacy fence and the front gate. When you step inside the gate, you come face-to-face with a lovely mature mahogany tree surrounded by an inviting wooden lounging deck.
A hammock is temptingly strung between the tree and house creating another tropical outdoor room. This is a place to read books or idly swing and do absolutely nothing. Straight ahead you see double French doors that lead into the interior great-room, via the kitchen. On your left you see another set of French doors that connect with the 2nd bedroom in the main part of the house.
The house is well served when it comes to establishing an ongoing dialogue between the interior and the spacious ‘outdoor living rooms.’ The two separate decks that seamlessly connect both the front and back with the main house and meet in the middle, are the case in point. Now let’s take a look at the interior.
INTERIOR
Main House – Great-Room: The main house provides nearly over 2100 SQ FT of interior living space. At the center of the house is the stunning open living room / dining room/ gourmet kitchen. An effortless South Florida island elegance permeates the contemporary laid-back interior with the use of open beamed ceilings and light pickled wood floors. A thrilling point is the glamorous round Miami glass block wall you as soon as you walk into the great-room. Perhaps nothing in the great-room is more emblematic of the relaxed resort life-style than the custom built entertainment center which houses a huge 90 inch projection screen TV.
Towards the front entrance is the gourmet kitchen and dining area. Mexican floor tiles delineate the kitchen. The layout of the kitchen and how it relates to the rest of the great-room makes it the natural indoor hub for the house. A wet bar, complete with built in cutting board, is conveniently set between the kitchen and the dining area. On the kitchen side, a chef’s counter with commercial gas stove top is in the perfect position to prepare and serve meals and chat with everyone. Custom built upper and lower wood kitchen cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances finish off the casually elegant look.
Main House – 3 Bedrooms and 2 Bathrooms: Island glamour permeates the impressive master bedroom with spacious en-suite bathroom. Situated on the opposite side of the floor-to-ceiling round glass block wall in the great room, is one of the biggest surprises in the house that makes it so uncommonly delightful… a round king size bed! Either the wall was built perfectly to accommodate the bed, or visa versa, but either way the design is sexy and superb.
This feeling is repeated with another floor to ceiling round glass wall that separates the master bedroom from the master bathroom, only this time it provides a stage for a round Jacuzzi bathtub with in-tub shower! The master bedroom has two access points. From the interior, it’s just off the dining room area, and from outside it’s through a set of single pane French doors that open to the upper back deck.
The 2nd bedroom, located near the front of the house, also offers access from the interior of the same hall, or from the outside. But for this bedroom the exterior entrance joins the front deck. This bedroom, which provides a king size bed, is filled with sunlight between the double French doors on one side and double hung windows on the other.
The 2nd bathroom is in the hall, next door to the bedroom. Tiled in white with a pastel checker board fashion strip, it features a double clear glass shower and designer bathroom fixtures.
The 3rd bedroom is on the opposite side of the great-room with a door between the kitchen counter and entertainment center. It also has an exterior entrance that opens to the other side of the house. This bedroom is smaller than the other bedrooms in the main house, but offers a queen size bed, and is private. In our slide show you’ll identify it by the checker board white and turquoise tiled floor and Venetian arch window above the bed.
Cottage-Style 2nd Floor Apartment – 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom: The 4th bedroom is on the 2nd floor in a cottage-style apartment with a separate entrance. The space feels detached yet it is a 2nd floor set above 1/3 of the main house. You get to it through an exterior staircase just beyond the front entrance of the house. When you walk in the front gate, you walk down a little path and see the switch back staircase that leads up to the apartment.
Inside the apartment, you enjoy 535 SQ FT of private living space that provides a living / dining area with a dining table, 2 easy chairs, a sofa, and TV. It has a simple kitchen, full bathroom with tub and in-tub shower and one bedroom with a king size bed. If it were me, I’d claim if for my bedroom/retreat/study and, but it can be whatever you want it to be. In July 2011 this space is being refreshed with new paint and some furniture upgrades. Note: Photos have not yet been taken of the 2nd floor apartment.
Summary:
The design of the Old Town Key West Hidden Gem vacation rental makes it ideal for a family, extended family, or group of friends who plan to be in Key West for a month or more. It should be considered as a preferred location for a family who appreciates an additional private apartment space to be used as an executive office, nanny quarters, mother-in-law apartment, or perhaps a teenage getaway (for well behaved kids J). The floor plan provides two distinctly separate interior spaces, which feel like 2 separate buildings with separate entrances, but are actually contained within one structure.
In its entirety the property provides nearly 6300 SQ FT of outdoor living space. The spacious multi level floor plan of the house, plus adjoining outdoor decks described above, provide an enviable retreat for guests who want privacy, plenty of outdoor living space, plus ample private off-street parking.
Bedding Summary:
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Main House - 1 Round bed (King Size); 1 regular King size bed; 1 queen size bed
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2nd FL Cottage – style Apartment - 1 Kind size bed
Amenities: Hidden location, large double lot with privacy fencing, expansive multi-level outdoor wooden decks, swimming pool, and pool cabana with kitchen, ½ bath and outdoor shower. Separate apartment for office or bedroom. Off-street parking for up to 3 cars. 3 kitchens, central a/c, 90 inch TV in entertainment center, laundry room. Linens and towels are provided. Catering can be arranged. Maid service can be scheduled.
Area: Ideal location in the Heart of Old Town Key West in a beautiful residential neighborhood just a few streets from famous Key West Historic Seaport. Set in one of the most historic areas of Old Town Key West, this villa is almost smack-dab in the middle of Old Town Key West, within walking distance to all Old Town features. A hand full of side streets intersect with little lanes with names like Windsor Lane, Baker’s Lane, Love Lane, Nassau Lane, Poorhouse Lane - each a reflection of a more innocent yesteryear. Close to a variety of shopping, offices, entertainment, restaurants, bars, and historic churches. Walk to the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration and the Key West Historic Seaport Harbor Walk in 5 to 10 minutes
Activities: Center of Old Town Key West just 2 streets from the middle of Duval Street and 4 streets from the Seaport. Historic and authentic neighborhood features story-book lanes, historic grave yard, tiny local grocers, and a few restaurants. Easy stroll to art galleries, internationally famous fine restaurants, sailing, boating, diving, museums, nightlife.
Restrictions: This is a smoke-free home. This property is set for the vacationer looking for a hidden downtown retreat. Only well behaved children are welcome. This property is ideal for a family or small group of friends who are looking for a private retreat that is close to all Key West has to offer but understand that it is not suitable for loud partying. Duval Street is just around the corner, so it is easy to take your party to the clubs. We do not accept guests less than 25 years of age unless accompanied by a family group or guardian.
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