La Isla Vita

For special moments indoors, this spotless, single-family home offers 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a tropical-island ambiance created by oodles of local art. For special moments outdoors, there’s a wide front porch, and a second-floor front balcony. In the back is a screened-in porch next to an open-air barbecue and sun deck. Just beyond is a shared, temperature-controlled pool of a size seldom seen in Key West. All is surrounded by lush tropical landscaping that creates privacy and tranquility. Maybe you don’t need to read any further. But there is one more critical factor. Less than two blocks off the internationally famous Duval Street the location couldn’t be more ideal no matter what you might come to Key West to enjoy.

From the street, you can only peek at the house because it is masked in vibrant green foliage swaying in ocean breezes. A white picket fence, which is emblematic of housing on the island, rings the front. There is no off-street parking as the owner utilizes the parking space, but there is typically street parking out front. Up a brick path is the front porch and entrance. You enter the foyer overlooking a highly polished oak staircase leading to the second-floor bedrooms.

To the left is a welcoming living room in sunshine yellows and ocean blue decorative tones. A sleek wooden ceiling fan with light whirrs above circulating air and adding ambience. A spacious couch with a lounge element at one end is perfectly positioned for conversation or for viewing a flatscreen TV across the room. The couch also doubles as a queen pull-out bed should someone stop by unexpectedly. The TV is mounted on a one-of-a-kind, locally hand painted cabinet across the room. Between the couch and one of two overstuffed armchairs and the TV is a set of percussion instruments you can almost imagine Ricky Ricardo playing to a Latin beat.

On another wall is the door to the guest half-bath which features a gorgeous hand painted ocean scene complete with sand and real seashells. Right past the second overstuffed chair is a wall of French doors that provide plenty of ambient light and a view of the sundeck with a gas grill and table and chairs for alfresco dining. Or eat indoors/outdoors in the screened-in porch so convenient for morning coffee or a casual lunch. Of course, there’s central AC, high-speed internet, and cable TV at your fingertips throughout.

To the right of the foyer is a highly functional kitchen with new appliances and amenities any vacationer could wish for, whether for warming leftovers, preparing gourmet meals, or grilling some fresh-caught grouper on the BBQ deck. Everything has been thought of in advance. The light, contemporary tile from the foyer and living room carries through here and is the perfect complement to white hardwood cabinets above and below. The ample counters are granite. To the left of the stove and refrigerator is a multi-functional kitchen bar with counter stools perfect for coffee or breakfast or reading the newspaper. One of the stunning aspects of the kitchen are the handblown glass jellyfish lamps over the bar that again display the uniqueness and beauty of this home.

Tucked in an out-of-the-way corner nearby is the laundry closet with full size stacked washer and dryer and shelves for supplies. Here, too, is a door that leads onto the screened-in porch. This area includes a couch, chairs, and a small table perfect for however you decide to use it. Maybe for swim fins or floats. The large rectangular pool is temperature controlled and for the exclusive use of the other homes in the compound. It would be hard not to spend time in the sparkling blue water looking up at puffy white clouds floating over.

Back inside and up the grand staircase are the 2 bedrooms. To the right is the master with an extremely comfy king bed and ensuite full bath. To the left is the second bedroom with twin beds that can function separately or together make a second king bed. This also has an ensuite full bath. There’s abundant storage for hanging and folded items. Both have plenty of windows to let in sunlight or moonlight. Both rooms are artistically appointed in sunshine yellows and ocean blues with local subjects—sea turtles, water birds, corals, a school of fish. At the top of the staircase, between the bedrooms, is a door that opens onto the second-story balcony where you can sit and enjoy the treetops or see locals below bicycling by or walking their dogs.

Don’t rush (because no one rushes on a tropical island), but when it’s time to explore the island, you’ll find yourself conveniently located a block from Duval which runs the whole width of the island. Turn left a couple of blocks to find the Atlantic Ocean; turn right twelve blocks to find the Gulf of Mexico.

On the world-famous Duval street, you’ll find what Key West is famous and infamous for: tours, beaches, museums, water sports, shopping, and bars. Numerous restaurants, many with open-air seating, some right on the water, offer a plethora of food and drink options. The island offers plenty of cultural activities as well 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 author Judy Blume stocking the shelves.

Be sure to check your phone for sunset times so you don’t miss the daily celebration at Mallory Square on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s where you’ll find locals, visitors, kids, and dogs alike gathering to witness the sun sinking into the horizon and to applaud as the last round edge of fiery orange disappears. Then most stick around to party on the dock with musicians, street performers, art and jewelry vendors, and food and drink carts.

Credit Card Surcharge Notice: The owner of this unit asks guests to cover the processing fees for credit card payments. If you’d like to avoid the 3% surcharge, please reach out to our office to make your reservation and arrange payment by check. This Home has a doorbell camera.

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. Other info on the current music scene, movies, plays, gallery openings, and charitable events can be found at milezerokeywest.com (calendar section). Historic Hideaways' informative Area Guide/Events page located on our website also has a Calendar of Events. We DO NOT guarantee that the information VRBO (and affiliated sites) scrapes from our site to display on theirs is 100% accurate, particularly the amenities. If you come to us through them, be sure to look at all the information on our site related to your rental once you book to be sure you have accurate and up to date information.

Amenities Include:

- Bed Size 1st/Master: King

- Bed Size 2nd Rm: Twins (King)

- Beds Pull-out: Queen Sleep Sofa

- Number of Baths: 2 Full, 1 Half

- Square Footage, Est.: 1,450

- Pool: Shared Heated

- High Speed Internet: Yes

- BBQ Grill: Gas

- Cable Television(s): Yes

- Patio: Yes

- Ceiling Fans: Yes

- Washer/Dryer: Yes

- Dishwasher: Yes

- Microwave: Yes

- Air Conditioned: Central

- Outdoor Shower: At Pool

- Beach Distance: Walking