Hidden Story-Book Cottage

Originally built in 1933, this Hidden Story-Book Cottage was a precursor to the tiny home movement. Tucked away down a short walking path in the Center of Old Town Key West, this precious Hidden Story-Book Cottage is completely hidden from the street. As comfortable as it is adorable, it even offers a fenced in yard. Perfect for one or two people, here you can set up home and live as a local for a month or more – or settle in to work remotely.

As diminutive as it is, this cottagereceived a total renovation with impressive interior upgrades that give it a proportionately larger and luxurious feel. The first time you step inside, a full-size kitchen with granite counter tops, stainless-steel appliances, hardwood floors, and a luxurious bathroom with travertine marble tile, make you stop and go “Wow.” Multiple sash windows and single pane French doors in the main living area bring in plenty of daylight. With all the upscale amenities provided, everything about this unique abode makes it feel larger than it is.

In 2017, the cottage also received a complete cosmetic makeover. Outside wood siding was painted sunshine yellow with Caribbean blue trim. And – keeping with the island lore, the porch ceiling was coated with an authentic ‘haint blue’ to keep away the ‘restless spirits.”

Layout:

At the front of the Hidden Story Book Cottage is the main living area which encompasses the living room, kitchen, and dining room. Ceilings are snugged up to the center rafters giving the room an uplifted feel, and wide crown molding and recessed spot lighting give it a grandness. Exotic hardwood flooring and custom wooden blinds throughout the cottage integrate the living spaces and gives and rich feel. Interior walls are painted in soft relaxing earth-tone colors and rooms are furnished with a creative blend of contemporary furniture and a few cottage-style pieces.

Living Room Area:We start our mini-tour at the main entrance accessed from the front porch. The living room is staged on one side, grouped with a chic gray linen sofa, flower print easy chair, and coffee table. On the back wall, what is disguised as a built-in armoire, is actually a Murphy bed to accommodate guests. Open the doors, and a full size bed easily pulls down for extra sleeping.

Dining / Kitchen:The dining table and kitchen are opposite the living room. The custom U-shape kitchen is one of the most impressive features of this story-book cottage. Built with a chef in mind, nothing is compromised in this unexpectedly spacious design. Custom granite counter tops, ample wooden cabinets, and full size stainless- steel appliances provide plenty of room and all the accouterments for creative cooking. A breakfast counter, stepped up from the main food preparation area, make it easy to eat and serve from the counter. But, when you prefer to sit down at a table and dine, a carved vintage wooden table and complimentary chairs, are nicely staged to look out a porch side window. I like it that the dining table has a drop leaf feature, making just enough space to set up for in-cottage dining. And when you decide to grill outside, double French doors, next to the table, connect to the little gated fenced-in side yard.

Bedroom:At the back of the house is the intimate bedroom. Furnished with a queen size bed, the bedroom makes the perfect nest. Custom built-in wood cabinetry on one side of the room, and a full-size closet beyond the foot of the bed, create space for dressing and storing your tropical wardrobe. Three windows, and a French door, bring in plenty of light in the daytime. Another nice feature is the French door, which leads outside to the back of the fenced-in side yard.

Bathroom:The bathroom, is just outside the bedroom door. The upscale features of the bathroom room are surprisingly stunning. A double-size shower, custom-built with travertine marble and frameless glass, make an elegant statement that create the feeling of being in a much larger home. A window assures plenty of natural light, and a freestanding sink and beautiful bathroom fixtures complete look.

Fenced-in Yard:Nestled in a mature tree garden, long before there were grid neighborhood lines established on the island, the yard layout only adds island charm. The asymmetrical layout of the yard is adorable. I love how it’s wider at the front of the cottage and then comes to a point at the back – like a piece of pie.

The front porch and fenced-in side yard are wonderful features to have in Key West as they provide private spaces for indoor-outdoor living.With the tropical Caribbean-island climate you can expand your living space at least six months out of the year. While we are admiring the yard, it’s worth noting that outside bedroom French door, is a second gate leading to the back of the house where we find the laundry closet, with a full-size washer and dryer.

Area / Neighborhood:An important aspect of renting this hand-crafted cottage is that you understand and appreciate it for what it is, including its history and location. This is Solares Hill, the highest point on the island, at 14 feet above sea level. This original ‘heart’ of Key West neighborhood is as authentic and historic as they come. Residents represent a true mixture of ‘Conchs,’ artists, writers, retirees, incognito celebrities, and Bahamian descendants living in a mish-mash of original quaint wooden cottages and houses. Remember, this island is more Caribbean than American in its aesthetic mixture with million-dollar Victorians around the corner from humble conch shacks. We’re ‘One Human Family’ in Key West, and in this renovated romantic Bahama-island style cottage you’ll really live like a local … in comfort and style a little askew from the norm.

Bedding Summary:

• 1 Queen Size bed

• 1 Full Size Murphy bed (in the living room)

Amenities:Back off the street in mature tree garden. Beautifully furnished with comfortable contemporary and cottage antiques. A/C, flat screen TV with cable, internet, fully equipped upscale kitchen, upscale bathroom, linens and towels provided. Washer / dryer in back yard laundry closet.

Parking:There is no off-street parking. You can generally find a parking place on one of the lanes close by, and often near the gate to the path leading to the cottage. This neighborhood was built before there were any cars on the island.Walk everywhere from this location. We can help you arrange to park and leave your car in the covered Old Town Parking Garage.

Area:Heart of Old Town Key West in a beautiful residential neighborhood just a few streets from famous Key West Historic Seaport. This original heart of Key West neighborhood is as authentic and historic as they come. A hand full of walking lanes intersect with narrow driving lanes with names like Windsor Lane and Poorhouse Lane – each a reflection of a more innocent yesteryear. A five minute walk to the 500 block of Duval Street. Walk to the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration and the Key West Historic Seaport Harbor Walk in 5 to 10 minutes

Activities:A one minute walk to the little known William Butler Pocket Park in one direction, and the famous Key West Cemetery in the other, offering interesting historic green-spaces nearby. Easy stroll to art galleries, internationally famous fine restaurants, sailing, boating, diving, museums, nightlife. Simonton Beach is an easy walk away.

Restrictions:Smoke free house. No pets please. We do not accept guests less than 25 years of age unless accompanied by a family group or guardian.