Key West House Tours: For the Preservation of the Houses, Gardens, and Historic Neighborhoods
It is well documented that Key West has one of the densest collections of century-Old wooden houses in the nation. Just imagine the times when these structures were built around the turn of the 19th century, when the tiny island was at the peak of its cigar industry. Seafaring merchants were vying for their positions in the community and in the process built handcrafted dream homes and created exquisite gardens from plant specimens brought by schooners from around the world.
What’s left architecturally, is an incredible collection of intriguing home and garden history. Most of these centurion “gingerbread” structures were crafted from the memories of their builders without architectural plans reflecting styles reminiscent of the faraway places they left behind. People from all over the world come to enjoy and learn about the houses and the charming historic neighborhoods of Key West. The spontaneous composition of the historic pedestrian neighborhoods is beautiful. The proximity and variety of the houses in relationship to each other, with humble wood cigar-makers cottages built right next door to stunning Victorian estate homes, is delightful.
Since 1960, the Key West Old Island Restoration Foundation has been “Dedicated to preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of Key West.” Toward this effort for over 50 years, the organization has been sponsoring house and garden tours where you can have a walk-through of a selection of these homes. By touring a few exquisite properties, you will not only be enchanted by their beauty and inspiring renovations, but you’ll come to appreciate the significance of the historic structures of the island.
Each house and garden in the tour is privately owned reflecting the unique persona and lifestyle of the owners. Many are full of personal art collections, antiques, and beautiful home furnishings. Donations for the tours provide money to continue the preservation and restoration of historic buildings on Key West. And chances are that once you’ve toured a few of these houses your desire to stay in one on vacation (or maybe even own one) will be peaked.
Architecture is destiny, and at Vacation Homes of Key West (VHKW) we believe that the magnificent houses and neighborhoods in Old Town are one of our island’s most sustainable resources. We believe that when visitors have an opportunity to stay in a Key West house designated as a vacation rental, they can develop a deeper appreciation for the historical significance and need to preserve these homes. Once you’ve experienced first-hand the delights, the authenticity, and the charm of real privately owned Key West houses, chances are you will want to return.
We hope you will enjoy the upcoming House Tours presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation. See dates below for scheduled tours and click on the link to their website for more details. Hope to see you on the tours!
2012 – February 17-18 and March 16-17
