Banana Key: Charming 2 Bedroom Condo in Key West, FL | A Perfect Getaway

Impressive. Distinctive. Comfortable. The perfect spot for your tropical get away. This second floor, two bedroom, two full bath Harbour Place condominium is a part of Key West's prestigious Truman Annex community. From the luxurious pool area one floor below, you can enjoy breathtaking views just steps from the Gulf of Mexico. Watch passing tall ships, cruise ships, pleasure boats, party boats, and sport boats as you sun yourself or take a swim. The inviting pool is surrounded by lush tropical foliage and has plenty of comfy patio furniture for your lounging comfort. The water is temperature-controlled, and the facility is for the exclusive use of Harbour Place guests.

Two stories up (by elevator or stairs), the balcony of this professionally decorated condo has limited water views from the balcony off the living/dining area. While in another part of the residence, the Master bedroom balcony offers wonderful views of Truman's Little White House Museum where United States Presidents and many other world heads of state have resided over the years. Weddings and other stately ceremonies frequently take place on the lawn under the huge presidential shade trees.

Banana Key is beautifully appointed in all new and striking furniture and accessories featuring the lush colors of Key West-ocean blue, sand beige, vegetation yellow and green, with accents of orange and magenta. As you enter from the carpeted and soundproof hallway, you find yourself in the elegant foyer. To the immediate right is one of the two bedrooms. This one has twin beds with fluffy bedding and three large windows to let in plenty of sunlight and moonlight. The white oak floor is dotted with colorful area rugs while a Casablanca-type ceiling fan whirs above circulating air and adding ambience. A three-level dresser, a full closet, a cushioned chair, bedside table with sea shell reading lamp complete the scene. A flat screen TV is perfectly positioned for comfortable viewing from the beds. Immediately to the right of this this room is a full bath with mirrored shower doors, a linen closet stuffed with nubby towels, and tile floor.

A right turn from the foyer puts you in a hallway that leads past the washer/dryer closet into the kitchen but not without a door on the right that opens into the Master bedroom with full en suite bath. The four poster king bed has been crafted in a handsome dark wood and dressed in a flower and seashell motif comforter. Nearby a leather loveseat and ottoman offer a place for upright relaxation. A dark wood dresser and ceiling fan continue the striking wood tone throughout the room. In popping contrast to the dark are the cloud white walls and a wall of windows with slatted blinds. Best of all, a glass door opens to a small balcony with seating for two. The one-of-a-kind view is of palm trees framing the Truman White House and grounds. Although you didn't come on vacation to sleep, this room is a true temptation.

The next room is the galley kitchen with double sinks and all the appliances and cabinet space you could wish for. Contemporary spot lighting dots the ceiling in case you want to prepare a meal after dark. A wide and decorative pass-through from the kitchen to the dining area is convenient and adds openness and architectural interest. The square dining table and four high-backed chairs are as ideal for a game of cards or Trivial Pursuit as for a meal.

Right beyond is the living room space delineated by a stunning blue & sand hued area rug and blue curved sectional couch that can seat up to six. A glass-top coffee table, green banana plants, and a tropical ceiling fans make this the heart of the living space where you'll sit to watch TV or movies on the flat screen. Also available is cable, high-speed internet, DVD player, and shelf sound system. Ambient light fills the room from the many windows and from the glass door out onto the long balcony outfitted with deck chairs and glass-top table.

While your condo comes with reserved and covered parking, you'll probably find you don't really need a car. From your central location, everything is easily accessible by foot or bike. Steps from your door enjoy the manicured landscaping, verdant palms, and interconnecting pathways that give your Truman Annex neighborhood its park-like atmosphere. Stroll out the private gates to find yourself immersed in the sights and sounds of the fabulous Duval Street, the island's main artery for tours, museums, and shops of all descriptions. Of course there are bars galore and over two hundred restaurants, many with open-air seating, some right on the water. Don't miss the Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, the Key West Aquarium, and especially the nightly sunset celebration where visitors and locals alike gather in Mallory Square to applaud as the sun slip below the horizon.

To know what's going on from day to day, check out Historic Hideaways' informative Events page on their website. Other information on the current music scene, movies, plays, gallery openings, and charitable events can be found at milezerokeywest.com (calendar section) or in the print publication Paradise, which is available at various locations around town every Thursday.