People flock to Key West for a variety of reasons – including exploring its Historic Homes of Key West, great weather, a laid back lifestyle, amazing water sports, as well as world-famous watering holes, and a wide variety of cultural events and opportunities. And they come here not just for vacation, but for vacation after vacation, returning year after year, and when possible, moving here or retiring here.
Key West’s real estate market recovered in record time compared with other Florida destinations, and tourism numbers hardly saw a blip in the wake of the 2008 debacle.
What makes Key West so appealing to so many people? The architecture. Key West is filled with charming historic homes from the 19th century – so much so that the southernmost City now boasts the largest historic district in the country.
For those who buy historic homes here, few buy homes to rival those that can be toured – but a look at the houses that are major attractions for visitors gives you a sense of what makes Key West not just a great place to visit, but a wonderful place to buy a home, says Realtor Scott Forman of Royal Palms Realty.
The Ernest Hemingway House: A gem among the Historic Homes of Key West
Have a taste for adventure? Then the Ernest Hemingway House is a must see. Built in 1851 by an early Key West settler, Asa Tift, “Papa” Hemingway acquired the house in the 1930s for $8,000. The writer spent most of his winters during the next decade at his home in Key West. It was the first house in Key West with indoor plumbing and the only home with a swimming pool within 100 miles – and one of the few with a cellar.
Hemingway decked out his residence with eccentricities as bold as his writing, including a boxing ring built in the backyard where he paid local fighters to spar with him, and a fountain converted from a urinal from the infamous Sloppy Joe’s bar. This residence is one of the many Historic Homes of Key West. Descendants of Hemingway’s six and seven-toed cats still live at the house today. This unique property is open to the public for tours, weddings, and other events.
The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum (HemingwayHome.com)
907 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 294-1136
The Audubon House: A Gem Among the Historic Homes of Key West
Set in a backdrop of a one acre garden featuring orchids, bromeliads, and various tropical foliage, the Audubon House is an exceptional estate. The home was built by an early settler in Key West – a Captain John Geiger who had come to Key West with US Navy to fight pirates and stayed to make a fortune in the wrecking industry. He collected plants on his travels, and the garden remains one of the most interesting of Key West gardens.
The famed French American ornithologist and artist John Jay Audubon visited Historic Homes of Key West during the early 1800s and sketched one of his famous engravings in the garden of the home. Today, the house proudly displays 28 first edition works of its namesake, showcasing its rich history. Inside the house, you’ll find exquisite furnishings from the period when Audubon visited Key West, providing a glimpse into the past.
Outside, an herb garden and an 1840’s-style nursery add to the historical ambiance. Close to the estate, you can find the Audubon House Gallery, which features a one-of-a-kind collection of 19th-century original Audubon art, connecting visitors with the artistry of the era. This historic residence is perfect for antique enthusiasts and offers a rare look into the lives of a prosperous Key West family in the 1800s.
Audubon House and Tropical Gardens [AudubonHouse.com]
205 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 294-2116
The Oldest House in Key West
For students of history, the Oldest House in Key West is one of the areas greatest attractions. The house was originally constructed around 1829 by ship’s carpenter Richard Cussans. It was initially situated at the intersection of Caroline and Eaton streets. In 1836, they later relocated it to its current position on Duval Street. Not only is this the oldest house in Key West, but also the oldest all-wood structure in Florida. Crafted from cedar, this home’s construction using mortise and tenon joinery is fascinating, eliminating the need for nails.
This historic landmark, known as one of the Historic Homes of Key West, survived the 1846 hurricane and many other disasters, including fires and hurricanes, over the years. The original occupants of the house were Captain Francis Watlington, a harbor pilot, and Customs Inspector, adding to the rich legacy of the Historic Homes of Key West. His wife was Emeline Johnson Watlington. The Captain was a founding member of St.
Paul’s Episcopal Church and a founder of the Sons of Temperance, contributing to the historical significance of this Key West residence. He briefly served as a state legislator from 1858 to 1861, further connecting this house to Key West’s broader history. He joined the Confederate Navy during the Civil War. Today, the State of Florida owns the house. The Old Island Restoration Foundation manages and preserves it. It’s a cherished part of the Historic Homes of Key West collection.
The Oldest House Museum and Garden [OIRF.org]
322 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 294-9501
You can tour other historic homes in Key West, including the Little Truman White House and the Lighthouse Keeper’s Quarters. Visitors can also enjoy Key West’s architecture with a walking tour of the Old Town district. Obtain the Pelican Path, a self-guided walking tour, free of charge from the Oldest House.
