The Watson House

The Watson House vacation rental house is a one-of-a-kind award-winning centurion Victorian home located in the heart of Old Town Key West in the 500 block of Simonton Street. From here you can easily walk to all features in the historic island village. This property is the main 3 - story home at our Grande Dame Estate. If you have been to Key West you may recall this property as a bed and breakfast, since for some 20 years it had administrative offices on the first floor, and luxury rooms on the second floor and at the estate's guest cottage were available to rent as bed and breakfast rooms.

In the summer of 2004, an exciting transformation took place. The offices were moved to a new location, and the first floor was restored back to once again be part of the estate's main home. The renovation 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 Watson House has kept the Watson name as homage to the original owners Susan and William Watson. Today this home is the most beautiful and unique licensed vacation home of this size and stature on our island. It is the perfect place for the family or corporate group with the most discerning tastes. As you consider this property, keep in mind that you can also rent the Deco Vibe. By renting the main home and the estate guest cottage you will be guaranteed the entire estate to yourselves.

The Watson House is an impeccably detailed luxury 3-story Classic Folk Victorian home with 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. Furnishings throughout the estate are eclectic, tasteful and comfortable. A variety of art work graces the walls.

The interior of the main Classic Victorian home offers 3 stories of living space. The first floor offers the main Victorian parlor style living room, Hemingway "club-room" style family room, full dining room, and a brand new kitchen styled with granite counter tops, tile floors, and new 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, a breakfast nook, and laundry room. A double set of French doors off the back bedroom lead to a large covered terrace with a dramatic view of the courtyard garden, Jacuzzi and pool. Bedrooms are all styled differently. The front bedroom 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 poster bed, the east side bedroom features queen size white wicker bed and vintage wicker, and the pool side bedroom features a king size bed and French doors that open to a large covered terrace the overlooks the pool, Jacuzzi and back courtyard.

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

The back yard grounds are completely fenced. The double level back courtyard sets the stage for a large Jacuzzi with trickling waterfall that spills into the swimming pool, towering palms and beautiful tropical gardens, double level decked pool courtyard terraces overlooking the gardens. On the south parameter of the back yard is the Private Estate Guest Cottage, which also has use of the pool and Jacuzzi.

The front of the home 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:

• 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

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 that is the “island urban” area.  A beautiful stand of grand residential homes are in this area. When you stay in this tiny district it’s amazing how much there is to see. One street from the mid-point of Duval Street in Old Town Key West that grew up as the central downtown area in the late 1800’s.  From this home you can walk to the famous Key West Historic Seaport and 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; see Grande Dame Estate. 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.