The Caroline House Estate

This gorgeous classical Key West Estate property is quite possibly the most stylish blend of historic Victorian-Caribbean with stunning island-modern that we have seen. An exceptional degree of refinement was reserved for the sophisticated renovation and of this circa 1930’s Key West Victorian house plus Caribbean bungalow cottage. Displaying a perfected tropical style the architect and designer artfully intertwined a romantic look-back into architectural history with a superior eclectic cosmopolitan island charm.

Located in Key West’s famous Old Town Historic Seaport neighborhood on two full lots, The Caroline House Estate vacation rental is comprised of two dwellings, a classic 2-story Key West Victorian house, and a hidden Caribbean bungalow. The curb-side view is of the nouvelle-Victorian house that displays all the Key West style of it’s gracious historic neighbors while offering all the modern amenities. Classic front porches outline the entire width of the 1st and 2nd floors and an abundance of sash windows outlined in traditional wooden shutters and French doors invite in the sunlight. Pale blue porch ceilings reflect the historic island authenticity of the house along with the essential white picket fence made complete with capital posts and a lantern lamp with lights that appear to flicker like candles.

THE CAROLINE HOUSE (Main Victorian House)

INTERIOR LAY OUT:
(Downstairs)

Once inside the house, the stunning blend of the-old-with-the-new begins right away. You are first met with the welcoming charm of the Key West Victorian wooden banister staircase that is situated to the front-right side of the house. The expansive runs of original heart pine wood that make the interior walls of the house have been painted with absolutely brilliant tropical colors you find on the feathers of a scarlet macaw parrot, perfectly paired below with original restored varnished wooden floors.

Downstairs – left side (as you face the house): Immediately to your left of the staircase is a spacious entrance hall, fit to receive the most discerning guest. Take an immediate left again to find the fabulous Victorian sitting room with yellow-gold painted walls. Cushy floral barrel chairs surround a round bamboo and glass coffee table and prints of colorful parrots the sitting room walls.

A square arch leads directly to the next room, a bright red dining room furnished with an oversized round mahogany dining table and chairs. The interior decorator has perfectly placed a long mahogany side board that runs the entire length of the dining room under the sash windows. A striking bouquet of red coral is placed in the middle, and then framed with a pair of clear designer lamps topped with coral red shades to match.

Another square arch flows directly from the dining room to the spacious living room where a designer sofa and chairs have been chosen for comfort and style. The large wicker sofa with nautical striped upholstery is flanked by an oversized ottoman that doubles as a lounge table. A pair of khaki print occasional chairs and an antique side table is set to the side. Carefully chosen art pieces, real sea shells and decorative lamps are masterfully placed and grass mat rugs complete the up-scale tropical look of the room. A large flat-screen TV is prominently placed in the living room for group enjoyment.

Straight ahead is yet a third square arch that melds into the left side of the spacious kitchen, where a double set of French doors lead to the spacious deck and swimming pool.

Downstairs right side (as you face the house): All the way to the back of the house where your senses are ultimately treated to a remarkable blend of a Key West historical kitchen with contemporary culinary luxury. But first, on the way to the kitchen, you pass through a beautiful office kiosk that is set with a wooden desk large enough for two.

The spacious sunlit kitchen is spectacular. It encompasses most of the back of the house and feels even grander with the 12 foot high ceilings, and pendulum designer lighting that show it all off. One entire wall, from floor to ceiling, is tiled with a period correct blue and white Spanish design pattern. Against the traditional tiled wall is the contrasting modern bright white cabinets and glistening stainless steel chef’s kitchen. A large dark wooden table creates an elegant dining area for in-kitchen meals, and is joined via French doors with the back sun deck and swimming pool. Finally, at the very back of the house, off the kitchen, is a walk-in laundry room and a half-bath. There is an outdoor shower just outside the door near the laundry room and downstairs bathroom.

Upstairs – Back to the front door entrance of the main house, the staircase leads to the 2nd floor where you find three beautifully appointed bedrooms off the hallway. The first bedroom is the master suite. Luxuriously styled in tropical gold walls and bedding of soft shades of tropical pink and green, it’s set toward the back of the house and furnished with a traditional king size four-poster mahogany bed, upscale matching Caribbean style furnishings, original art, and a 42″ flat screen TV. The completely modernized en-suite bathroom for this bedroom is done vintage style with mahogany vanity and double size walk in shower with dual shower heads.

Next in line down the hallway is the 2nd bedroom. Situated in the middle of the hall, it is very comfortable and offers a 27″ flat screen TV. Providing two twin beds and sweetly decorated in pretty shades of coral pink and white with sea-grass headboards, it is possible to push the beds together to make a king size bed.

The 3rd bedroom is at the end of the hall at the front of the main house. Walls painted sun yellow create a striking contrast for the queen size mahogany pencil poster bed and matching wood and wicker furnishings. This bedroom also provides a 27″ flat screen TV.

The 2nd and 3rd bedrooms share a large luxury bathroom with soak tub and in-tub shower that is located at the end of the hall near the top of the stairs. A free-standing sink set against the original heart pine walls captures the romantic era of this remarkable home.

At the front of the house, is a single pane French door that leads to the 2nd floor porch that runs the entire width of the house and offers a beautiful down-look view of Caroline Street below.

THE CAROLINE COTTAGE (Caribbean Bungalow Cottage)

INTERIOR LAY OUT:

Set on the lot next door to the main house on the other side of the pool garden, is the 1930’s free-standing Caribbean bungalow cottage. Completely modernized to luxurious standard, like the main house in the estate, no detail has been overlooked.

As with the main house, the staircase in the cottage defines the entrance and is also the center piece for the entire interior. The architect made a dramatic statement by taking the ceiling line clear up to the roof timbers. Then the builder hand-crafted an outrageous wooden winding staircase to reach the 2nd floor sleeping loft that was made possible with the extreme vaulted ceiling. The sleeping loft is cozy and feels a bit like a secret hiding place when you’re up there. Two twin beds make an inviting sleeping nook with a view to main room below.

The main room in the cottage includes a living / dining / kitchen area. Elegant white woven furnishings have been kept simple and sleek.

The compact yet well designed and fully equipped kitchen lines one corner of the cottage and is ideally set to serve as a preparation kitchen for entertaining guests. Beautiful tropical furnishings and soft goods fill every room. A 52″ TV is placed for easy viewing throughout the main room.

The master bedroom, located directly off the living room space, provides a chocolate color wicker king size bed that makes a stunning contrast against the flamingo pink walls. On the wall directly opposite the bed is a 32″ flat screen TV. The entire cottage is finished with beautiful hard wood floors that compliment the staircase.

GROUNDS AND POOL GARDEN:
An incredible feeling of exclusive intimacy has been masterfully created in the pool garden for The Caroline House Estate vacation rental. Located between the main Victorian house and the Caribbean bungalow, is a large (by Key West standards) free-form swimming pool, spacious pool deck, and lush tropical landscaping. Set as an outdoor living space right off the kitchen and living room of the main house, the pool garden and sun deck will invite you to spend many hours right here. Lounge and patio furniture has been placed for relaxing and sunning. All you need is a cool drink and a good book.