Old Island Restoration Foundation House Tour

December 27th & 28th, 2015, 4pm – 7pm

Holiday Presents – with a Past

OIRF kicks off its 56th season of house tours with surprising packages. Like wrapped gifts, Key West homes hide delights behind their quaint or quirky exteriors.  Have a look inside a few of these houses on a winter’s evening just after Christmas.

The tour is scheduled for Sunday and Monday, December 27 and 28, from 4pm to 7pm.  Tickets are $30 in advance; $35 on tour days.  For credit card purchase, buy tickets online at www.oirf.org or call 305-294-9501.  Tickets are also available for purchase by check or cash at:  Capital Bank, (Old Town & North Roosevelt Branches in Key West; MM30.4, Big Pine; 2348 Overseas Highway, Marathon); Royal Furniture (3326 N. Roosevelt Blvd.), and the Oldest House (322 Duval Street).  During tour hours, tickets will be sold at the featured houses – cash or check, please.

If other Holiday activities interfere, remember you are welcome to split your visits over two days and see the homes in any order.

Featured Houses:

 

813 Thomas Street – a Victorian farm house seems to have been transported to Bahama Village.  The owners, a prolific local artist and her spouse, have made a home as welcoming as Mr. & Mrs.  Claus’s.  You’ll be astounded by the lifetime collection of art and vintage furnishings displayed within the decidedly modern interior.

 

201 Virginia Street – Did a legendary wrecker once live on this corner near Fort Zack?  Is the contemporary interior accented with antiques and local art the product of a total renovation? No!  It is entirely 21st Century construction – from the top of the widow’s walk to the bottom of the cooling pool.

 

1118 Pearl Street – A c. 1930 humble cottage in Tennessee William’s old neighborhood grew over the years to twice its initial size.  The last expansion, including that currently requisite pool and low-maintenance landscaping, was just completed.  Craftsman flourishes and amusing art objects enliven the renovated interior.

 

1612 Catherine Street – This special package is wrapped in a wall and lush garden.  At the core is a mid-Century modern “machine for living”. From utilitarian beginnings, it has bloomed into an organic expression of Key West life and style – not at all what LeCorbusier had in mind!

 

322 Duval Street – The Oldest House will be opened to ticket holders for a special evening tour.  Major needed repairs to the Oldest House and improvements to the grounds are planned for the coming few years and a portion of the House Tour receipts will go toward those projects.

 

Mark your 2016 calendar for these OIRF Events:

 

January House Tour:  Friday, 15th & Saturday, 16th 4pm-8pm.

February House Tour:  Friday, 12th & Saturday, 13th 10am-4pm.

March House Tour:  Friday, 11th & Saturday, 12th 10am-4pm.

 

Saturday, March 5th at Noon:  Conch Shell Blowing Contest

 

OIRF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of architectural treasures in the City of Key West and the celebration, honor, and recognition of the historical achievements of the Island.  Funds raised from the tours will be used to maintain the Oldest House, for the Foundation’s grants program, scholarships and other endeavors furthering our preservation goals.

 

OIRF welcomes new volunteer docents and nomination of houses for our annual events.  Visit www.oirf.org to volunteer or for more information.

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