Old Island Restoration Foundation Home Tour
January 12th & 13th, 2018, 3pm – 7pm
WANDER THROUGH THE GLOW OF A FADING “WINTER’S” DAY – KEY WEST STYLE.
January weather and light are perfect for exploring the unique charms of our little City at the end of the road. The Conch Train can transport you to five private Key West homes that represent five different architectural styles, neighborhoods and eras. Or, wander your own path through the setting sun and dusk to the welcoming doorways.
The tour is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, January 12 and 13, from 3pm to 7pm. Tickets are $30 in advance; $35 on tour days. Homes may be seen in any order and viewings may be split over two evenings. The route is under 3 miles and suitable for bikes – remember lights are required after sunset. If you want to tour “green”, reserve a seat on the propane-fueled Conch Train that boards at the Oldest House, 322 Duval St. Tour tickets with transport are sold in advance at $40.
For credit card purchase, buy tickets online at www.oirf.org or call 305-294-9501. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Oldest House (322 Duval Street). During tour hours, tickets will be sold at the featured houses – cash or check, please.
618 FREE SCHOOL LANE
Still a “secret” garden site, a less-than-historic cabin has metamorphosed into a winged, post-modern residence. Luxurious finishes and glamorous décor shine in any light; the interior could serve as a stage set for re-filming a classic movie in black & white. Start your tour at the dramatic sunken swimming pool.
“Victorian” covers many styles, but the porch wrapped around the corner evokes that era in this home. It’s a great place to catch a breeze at this quiet location near the cemetery. Post-WWI the home was almost doubled in size. Recent renovations make that added space live better while retaining the antique character within the front section.
1318 NEWTON STREET
A brick fireplace chimney and corner entry porch suggest an English cottage, a style popular after WWI. If the day is cool, the hearth may not seem so out-of-place. Inside and poolside, the professional designer/owner has decorated the home in the true, eclectic spirit of Key West, including refurbished curbside finds.
On our little island, this neighborhood qualifies as a post-WWII “suburb”. A modern house designed for maximum fresh air and outdoor living commands a 10,000 ft. sq. parcel. Over the years, the lot has been filled-in with a guest house, a tiki hut, a lap-worthy pool and – of course – a lush garden.
This c. 1900 Bahamian-style cottage was built at what was then the south edge of town. Over the decades, it has been much expanded. A 1996 rehabilitation augmented the warm wood interior and enhanced the tropical forest feel – the pool and rustic guesthouse are part of the exotic illusion.
Mark your 2018 calendar for these OIRF Events:
February House Tour: Friday, 16th & Saturday, 17th 10am-4pm.
March House Tour: Friday, 16th & Saturday, 17th 10am-4pm.
This 58th season is dedicated to the memory of Joan Cornell. Joan and her husband “Woody” were invaluable organizers of the Home Tours and supporters of OIRF for many years.
Also: Saturday, March 3rd 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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