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Hemingway's Library

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Monthly and Seasonal Rentals
3 Bedrooms
2.5 Bathrooms
Comfortably Sleeps 6
Max Occupancy 6

Description

This sensational vacation home provides three bedrooms, two and a half baths, pool, and a downtown location yet manages to create a serene, get-away-from-it-all feel. Called Hemingway's Library, the residence maintains the mystique of the island's most famous author by way of books, pictures, and proximity to the museum that used to be his Key West villa. His ever-present literary spirit may move you to relax poolside with a good book, maybe one of his. Or if nothing that literal, it will at least encourage you to turn a metaphoric page on the stressors in your normal life.

Not even a block off the world-famous Duval Street, the Hemingway Library neighborhood surrounds one of the island's quaint and quiet residential lanes. Viewed from the tree-lined pavement, the two-story house makes a dream-cottage impression with its white picket fence, bricked-in yard, designated parking, and professional landscaping. The front porch radiates hospitality with its several wicker chairs, glass-top table, and a "Welcome" sign hand-painted by a local artist.

The private rear of the house is even more inviting. Ever since the Hemingways put in the island's first swimming pool in the 1930s, having a pool has become an architectural must. This one shimmers at the center of the outside oasis, reflecting the interplay of sun and shadows with the surrounding perimeter of lush tropical foliage and more white picket fencing. The deck immediately around the temperature-controlled pool is dotted with turquoise chaise loungers that reflect the water color and invite you to stretch out for a tan. Or if you prefer the shade, an overhang extending from the house creates the perfect out-of-the-sun spot for drinks or alfresco meals you've whipped up at the gas grill. The furniture here also reflects the water color and creates a sense of harmony and peacefulness for the whole area. There's plenty of space on the side of the house for bikes and beach toys.

As with the outside area, the inside color pallet takes its cue from the ocean blue of the pool. Taking one step up right inside the double glass doors that separate garden and house brings into view the fluid floor plan for the living room, dining area, and kitchen. The openness encourages a more modern and more social interaction among family and friends. Above the living room, a fan whirls white against the ceiling creating air flow and tropical ambience while a terrazzo floor gleams below. Two couches that provide seating for six and a high-back wicker chair cluster around a coffee table set over a soft area rug. Art and accent pillows add pops of color here and there, just where they are most effective. Of course there is central AC, cable, wireless high-speed Internet, and a DVD player.

Across from the couch sectionals is a lighted bookcase artfully adorned with interesting objects. Centered here is one of the home's flatscreen TVs with storage below. Adjacent to the living room is a long dining table that seats six to eight comfortably. A half bath is conveniently nearby. The kitchen is high on functionality and beauty. The dark cabinets frame the windows and provide plenty of space above and below. All appliances-dishwasher, microwave, etc.-are top notch and arranged to create ease of use and an enjoyable social and meal-prep space. At one end, the extensive counter features a snack bar with two high-back chairs, creating the perfect place for casual eating-maybe a cup of morning joe or a noontime sandwich. A pantry, a closet, and a low cabinet add extra storage space.

Upstairs are the sleeping quarters. Two sizable queen bedrooms open onto the front balcony and share a full bath. At the rear is the king master bedroom with en suite full bath. Even more spacious than the other two, this room opens onto a generous balcony that runs the full width of the house and overlooks the pool. Wooden planks go half way up to meet Bahama shutters that can be closed to create a new room or opened to provide lovely views of the pool and deck below. A washer/dryer closet is also located on the second floor.

Throughout the house, copious doors and windows minimize the boundary between inside and out to take full advantage of the island's world-famous sunshine and blue skies. Tasteful decorating creates comfort and the plethora of closet, drawer, and storage space makes it easy to keep clutter to a minimum. But the advantages of Hemingway's Library as a vacation rental are only half the story. The other half is its location just down the street from Blue Macaw, Blue Heaven, The Creperie, and Santiago's Bodega, to name a few of the highly rated and unique neighborhood eateries. Also close at hand is the famous Duval Street in case you're interested in tours, museums, shopping, art galleries, over two hundred restaurants, bars, and the Key West Aquarium, the first tourist attraction on the island.

Be sure not to miss sunset at Mallory Square and the opportunity to applaud with other visitors and locals as the last round edge of fiery orange disappears at the horizon. Then hang around as artists and street performers entertain the enthusiastic crowd. Or if you'd rather experience sunset at sea, take a cruise aboard one of the harbor's tall ships where you can sip spirits and munch hors d'oeuvres as your vessel carries you into sunsets like you've never seen before. A good guidebook will present you with more entertainment opportunities that you can possibly enjoy in one visit.

To know what's going on from day to day, check out Historic Hideaways' informative Area Guide/Events page at http://www.historichideaways.com/key-west-events/. 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.

Free delivery and setup (over $75) of beer/wine/liquor is available from Kwest Liquors, 705 Duval Street. Historic Hideaways guests receive a discount on pricing. Order in advance and have your vacation home fully stocked upon arrival. Contact the Historic Hideaways office in advance for details.

Amenities

Amenities

  • Bed Size 1st/Master King
  • Bed Size 2nd Rm Queen
  • Bed Size 3rd Rm Queen
  • Number of Baths 2 Full, 1 Half
  • Parking Off Street
  • Square Footage, Est. 1,400
  • Pool Private Heated
  • High Speed Internet Wireless
  • BBQ Grill Gas
  • Cable Television(s)
  • DVD Player(s)
  • Patio
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Stereo System Tower Unit
  • Washer/Dryer
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Air Conditioned Central
  • Beach Distance Biking

Availability

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Rates

DatesMonthlyMin. Nights
10/01/18 - 12/15/18$5,50030
12/16/18 - 01/31/19$14,30030
02/01/19 - 02/28/19$15,40030
03/01/19 - 03/31/19$14,30030
04/01/19 - 04/30/19$9,00030
05/01/19 - 05/31/19$6,95030
06/01/19 - 06/30/19$6,70030
07/01/19 - 07/31/19$6,50030
08/01/19 - 10/12/19$5,90030
10/13/19 - 12/20/19$6,50030

For Nightly/Weekly Rental properties - The Nightly rates listed are based on a 7-night stay and no extra people. Stays of less than 7 nights will have a cleaning charge added. This cleaning charge is included in the rate quote you receive on our site or via e-mail. To see real time prices specific to your stay, please enter your actual dates. Not all Nightly/Weekly properties that display Nightly rates can be rented for less than 7 days, please see the Min. Nights column to check on Minimum Stay requirements. 

Weekly & Monthly/Seasonal Rentals - There is no cleaning charge added to Weekly or Monthly Rentals. See our FAQ page for more details on pricing.

Reviews

Average Rating 5 of 5

"Best rental ever!"

5 of 5

We have rented thru out the Keys. We even own a home in Key West. We consider this the nicest rental we ever stayed in. The location is central to all Old Town has to offer. The kitchen is totally ready to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or a gourmet meal. The house is laid out for togetherness as well as private time. The rental agent was tops. The little touches like activity information and easy to understand info regarding the rental was right at our fingertips...highly recommend this rental. In fact, we recommended to our friends for a future rental.

-Lisa L on 11/08/2016

 

Map/What's Nearby