Property Description

Go back in “Island” Time, located in the historic Wilhelmina Harvey house, who was the "grand dame of Keys politics" as the first female mayor and the first female commissioner of Monroe County, and was the first to be elected Mayor Emeritus. This 2 bedroom/1 bath condo is ideally located on tree-lined William Street in the heart of Old Town Key West. True to form, the residence is a historically significant example of conch style architecture typically built by 19th century shipbuilders and characterized by two stories with wraparound verandas. This property is outstanding and close to everything yet a quiet vacation oasis whether you’re hanging out inside or on the breezy balcony or in the heated swim spa designated for building residents only.

Through a white picket fence, up onto the wrap-around front porch, up a flight of stairs, and through a door marked with a pineapple greeting, is the condo entrance. The first impression is of fun coastal design and efficient space planning. The front hallway displays a whimsical mirror decorated with green alligators that seem to be smiling. Opposite their smiles is a white louvered door that hides the washer/dryer. A bubble chandelier above provides more whimsy and plenty of light. The full bath is decorated with fun, sophisticated colors, cabinets under the sink and over the commode, a metallic framed mirror, striped area rug, art shower curtain, and more. One wall features one of the four condo doors that open seamlessly onto the spacious private balcony that runs the full length of the building and even wraps around at one end. This design emphasizes that Key West, with its celebrated weather, is a perfect place for enjoying indoor comforts and outdoor serenity simultaneously.

The next room is an open floor plan with the kitchen, dining, living space, and two more doors that open to the balcony. The kitchen is compact and provides what’s needed—counter space, cook top stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and disposal. The cabinetry holds dishes and glasses plus food preparation amenities such as mixing bowls etc. Overhead is a tropical ceiling fan that helps circulate air, provides illumination, and enhances ambience. And of course there’s high speed internet, cable, 3 TV’s, and AC. Every detail for comfortable living has been seen to.

The dining table seats four comfortably while the living area features a comfy, deep-seated couch with two ottomans for your feet or for holding a tray of hors d’oeuvres. Directly across from the couch is a flat screen tv well situated for watching sports or movies or the news. Two overstuffed chairs, a cabinet, a lamp, two side windows in addition to the front two doors to the balcony round out the room.

Behind two sets of internal French doors is a bedroom that invites the kind of relaxation vacation time is meant for. The bed is king size plus ample walk-in closet space for folded things and for hanging things. The lighted ceiling fan and the colorful area rug motifs carry through to this bedroom and to the adjacent bedroom. This second bedroom with a full bed offers the same promise of rest and relaxation whether for a midafternoon nap or a great night’s sleep. Here too a door leads out to the private balcony that makes this residence so outstanding.

The inside is immaculate, and the balcony is one of the best on the island. Chairs, a hammock, tables, multiple couches, and an all-around sense of a tropical paradise in the vein of Hemingway or Tennessee Williams prevails. The close-to-everything location of this condo makes it so easy to explore the island. You can walk or bike or take a pedicab to all the important spots. Four blocks to the right is the Historic Seaport and Harbor Walk, one of the most scenic strolls in town. Follow the wooden boardwalk along the Gulf of Mexico to find historic tall ships offering day and sunset cruises. Or take an all-day ferry excursion to the Dry Tortugas or book a fishing charter.

If you’re interested in watersports, you’ll find diving, fishing, parasailing, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and more. If you get hungry, a dozen or so restaurants of varying levels of informality ring the harbor. Don’t miss the Raw Bar, the Boathouse, and Schooner Wharf, where you can eat a fresh Mahi sandwich or Conch Fritters under a banyan tree. Or walk on down to find more equally as enticing food spots and watering holes. Along the way you’ll meet geckos, chickens, pelicans, and tarpon splashing around in the salt water.

In a few more blocks you’re on Duval, where you’ll find access to tours, beaches, museums, water sports, shopping, bars, and over two hundred restaurants, many with open-air seating, some right on the water. There are always plenty of cultural activities such as live music, art exhibitions, and plays. Perhaps catch a movie on one of the three screens at the Tropic Cinema. Or stop in at Books & Books to catch a glimpse of the famous author Judy Blume stocking the shelves.

If you like beaches, one local’s favorite is Fort Zachary Taylor, where you can rent chairs, umbrellas, and snorkeling equipment. Bathrooms, showers, a snack bar, and picnic tables are also available. Or maybe you’ll decide to skip the beach to explore the adjacent Civil War-era fort, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973.

Be sure to check your phone for sunset times so you don’t miss the world-famous celebration at Mallory Square. Be there as locals and visitors alike gather seven days a week, 365 days a year, to witness the sun sinking into the horizon. Be sure to applaud as the last round edge of fiery orange disappears. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll see the elusive “green flash” and claim the bragging rights for years to come. Then stick around as artists and street performers entertain the enthusiastic crowd with performing cats, fire eaters, musicians, fortune tellers, and more.

If this is your first trip to the Conch Republic, a guidebook from Books & Books on Eaton Street or a stop at the Chamber of Commerce Information Center on Greene Street will help make sure you don’t miss anything. To know what’s going on from day to day, you can check out Historic Hideaways’ informative Area Guide/Events. Other info on the current music scene, movies, plays, gallery openings, and charitable events can be found at milezerokeywest.com (calendar section).