An untold variety of exotic palm trees thrive on the island of Key West, nourished by the tropical sun. Literally dozens of palms join limbs and fronds to gently surround this wonderful villa, creating a living wall of tropical privacy. At the main front entrance you’re greeted by a young blue Chinese fan palm and a determined green royal palm that seems to stand guard at the front gate. And then an impressive thicket of visceral areka palms line the fence around the house, leading to the private pool-garden. 

Now I must confess, there’s something about palm fronds gently dancing in the breeze that seem to send me to an instant state of calm. And the pool-side palm garden and sun deck is one of the nicest features of this Old Town villa offering lots of space to unwind and relax … and plenty of privacy. So private in fact, that the option of swimming and indulging in outdoor showering ,‘au naturel’, is an experience you’ll surely embrace. 

Home Design Interior Layout:

Whomever first imagined the re-design of Old Town Key West houses to  protect the historic features at the street-view, while simultaneously allowing the creation private tropical paradises in the hidded back, launched the quintessential indoor-outdoor life-style that now bespeaks Key West living.  And this particular villa, we call “Dancing Palms”, embraces all the elements of this design to offer a highly livable and beautiful indoor-outdoor pool-garden space.  In its re-born form it offers two structures: The original 1 ½ storey main house at the front of the property which has been completely renovated to modern luxury standards, and then an adorable new small studio cottage at the back of the property.  Ideally set to accommodate four to six people, the addition of the den offers flexible sleeping options.

Main House: The main entrance to the property is through the classic 2-column terra cotta tiled front porch of the main house facing the street side of the property. Fascia boards on the porch are neatly adorned with a unique saw-tooth gingerbread trim that is repeated in an orderly fashion all the way around the roof line of the house. Classic white Bahama shutters dress the paned sash windows, and a brightly painted royal blue front door invites you to come in. A bent barn-wood sitting chair has been placed by the door for those who like to sit and ‘people watch’.

Step inside the front door to a customized front entrance with beautiful light-wood floors and a soaring open-beamed ceiling.  At the entrance point you have three views and a choice of three rooms to explore:  The den to the immediate right, the craftsman staircase in the middle, and the great room to the left.

As you first enter the house if you look to your right, you are drawn to the roomy alcove that is set as a handsome hide-away den / study complete with a plush blue sleeper sofa, a comfortable chair and ottoman, and a drop leaf writing desk. Looking to the middle, your focal point is a beautiful hand-crafted wooden stair case that gracefully leads to the loft bedroom on the 2nd level. The loft is actually quite spacious providing two twin beds for sleeping as well as a wide-berth window seat that spans the entire outside wall beneath a bank of windows that look-down on the courtyard and pool.  And the view to your left as you enter the front door is the spacious asymmetrical great room encompassing the entire left side of the building.

The great room is light and airy with crisp white walls, recessed ceiling lighting, and light wood floors. The living room area is set with a tropical furniture grouping of traditional white duck, bent bamboo and mahogany accents. The space is made to feel larger by inviting in the outdoor palm garden through two sets of double French doors that lead to the side deck that wraps around the entire side of the house. 

The kitchen/ dining area is staged at the back of the great room and offers everything you need to cook and entertain. Custom wooden cabinets with dark red counter tops blend seamlessly into the walls, and the food prep counter and kitchen sink has a bank of windows with a view of the pool. A round glass dining table is situated between the kitchen and living room area. A single French door leads from the kitchen to the pool side deck, an ideal set up for moving back and forth for refreshments.

The master suite, found just off the great room, is furnished with a sophisticated bent iron bed frame with king size bed, and elegant glass and granite table tops. The adjoining bathroom offers a tub, marble topped vanity, and designer fixtures. From the bed you enjoy a commanding view of the swimming pool and deck that will beckon you to establish a new a new morning routine: Gently slide into the pool to get your body moving, linger in the private outdoor shower, lounge on the deck for awhile, step into the kitchen for some freshly brewed coffee and … you’re ready to go.  

Studio Cottage: You only have to peek into the private studio cottage in the back to know that this is the perfect hideout. Complete with tiny kitchenette, you can feel totally self sufficient if you are lucky enough to claim this for your personal space.  Keeping with the décor in the main house, walls and ceiling are kept simple in white. Open beam ceilings give this space an uplifting feel. A queen size bed is placed at one side of the cottage and you’ll find the tiled sink and commode the opposite end. Just out the door on the adjoining wall is one of my favorite features of this property, hidden from view is the cabana style outdoor shower!  Enjoy … you’re in the tropics! 

Sleeping configuration:

• Master - king size bed
• Loft - 2 twin beds (can be made to a king size)
• Studio Cottage – Queen size bed.
• Den - Queen Sleeper Sofa

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Rounded corner swimming pool with a giant clam shell imbedded in rock coral wall is inspired to become a natural waterfall spilling into the pool.  A curved bench below creates the perfect spot to relax and let the water spill down.  A combination of privacy fencing lined with a variety of mature palms and tropical trees surround the pool and deck and make a private backdrop for the pool and sun deck. An exotic outdoor shower room is attached to the back of the studio cottage.

Amenities: Spacious sun deck, mature palm garden and large tropical plants, privacy fences, separate laundry center off the deck, linens and towels provided. Fully equipped kitchen, central a/c, telephone, color cable TV, WiFi. Maid service can be scheduled.

Parking: Private off street parking for one to two cars maximum. From this location you do not need a car. Enjoy walking or biking everywhere-you'll see more that way.

Activities: Elegant Upper Duval St. - Close to the Southern Most Point of the United States - you can see South Beach from the upstairs verandah. Cafe neighborhood features art galleries, wonderful eateries and internationally famous fine restaurants, Piano Bar, Coffee and Tea House, fine gift and clothing stores, Grand Vin wine tasting, Flamingo Crossing home made ice cream. Here you start at the top of Duval St. near the Atlantic Ocean and can take the 20 min stroll to the Gulf of Mexico (remember it takes 3 to 4 Key West streets to equal the distance of a typical city block). Sailing, boating, diving, museums, nightlife.

Area: Walk out your gate and around the block all you want to see in Historic Key West. Best restaurants, shops, galleries, clubs, Hemingway House Museum, Light House Museum, Custom House Museum, aquarium, Ship Wreck Museum, 4 blocks from Southern Most Point of the U.S., close to beaches. Walk everywhere from here.

Restrictions: Smoke free house. Only well behaved children. Smoking permitted outside only. No pets please, please don’t ask.