Welcome to Dona Calabash! Key West's Premier Monthly Rental. 90 Miles to Cuba, 90 steps to Duval! Named for the prized and rare 100 year old Calabash tree that sits in the rear of the property, Dona Calabash holds on to its treasured past with a rare, seamless blend of old and new. A quintessential front porch, brick-paved drive and abundant, lush tropicals and palms welcome you to this white picket fenced, historic home. Here, you can immerse yourself in authentic tropical living and the serenity of Key West just 1/2 block from the action of Duval Street. There is nothing like this property. Its location and tranquil, elegant inside and outside living spaces are truly unmatched.
This welcoming home provides the ultimate privacy and comfort, making your time in Paradise hard to leave. Admire rich Dade County Pine walls, Brazilian cherry floors with bead-board, cathedral ceilings, custom arched doorways and hand crafted finishings all around. Built in 1938 and renovated most recently by famed Key West designer, Jane Gardner, this home is perfection in every way. Just shy of 1400 sf, Dona Calabash offers the perfect space for couples and families to soak in a true Key West lifestyle, while enjoying modern upgrades and amenities, ensconced in rich historic charm. Bathed in natural light and abounding with elegant architectural detail, this home is delightful in every way. Enjoy one of three covered porches, all with decorative, ginger-bread rails and ample seating for dining, sipping coffee or cocktails, reading, or just lounging in the quiet and subtle ocean breeze.
THE LIVING SPACE:
The open living, kitchen and dining room are expertly appointed and exude relation. A dining table for six is expandable and is situated perfectly between the enormous chef's kitchen and living area. The designated chef of your party will marvel over a stunningly, updated kitchen equipped with commercial grade, stainless steel appliances, a six-top gas stove, granite counters, endless storage and bar seating. This kitchen is freshly stocked with high-end cookware, dining and glassware. You'll have everything you need to cook and dine with style and ease. There is also a separate custom-made bar for your libation creations and a secret laundry area built in underneath!
Directly off the kitchen, through the double french doors, is an expansive covered porch (one of three) for dining and lounging. Beyond that lies the exquisite salt water pool with custom coral-rock waterfall and a heating option for cooler days. Encompassing the pool (and entire home) is vibrant, lush foliage, creating an enclosed tropical oasis.
POOL CABANA/DEDICATED OFFICE and BONUS SLEEPING SPACE:
In the left rear of the pool/ backyard sanctuary is a gorgeous pool cabana, also with vaulted, bead-board ceilings. Here you can enjoy a dedicated office space, a pull down murphy bed and a freshly renovated full bathroom. This is a perfect space for working remotely and sleeping extra guests. Royal blues and yellows are the cabana colors. The matching, custom pillows and drapes add a special slice of whimsical beauty to the space.
SLEEPING AREAS:
Three generous bedrooms inside the main home offer comfortable sleeping for six. The grand primary suite offers a king bed, double closets, french doors out to the rear porch and a large en-suite bathroom. Luxury abounds here, with ample storage, a large walk-in, glass shower, soaking tub with chandelier and a glamorous vanity with superior lighting. Both additional guestrooms offer queen beds and share the large, common bath, right outside their doors. All bedrooms are equipped with high-end linens, bedding, matching custom drapes and televisions. Towels and toiletries are provided in all bathrooms.
Got Vehicles? Who needs a car when you can walk to everything? Do know that there is ample vehicle parking for you and your guests in the private driveway and extra street parking directly in front of the house. A convenient electric driveway gate opens and shuts at the click of a button. There is also plenty of room for parking scooters and bicycles.
When you are ready to explore on foot, a peaceful neighborhood awaits, perfect for morning walks to Cuban Coffee Queen at the corner or an evening stroll under the stars. The convenience to Key West's lively and vibrant downtown is unparalleled, with less than a 1 minute walk to Duval Street. Cafes, impeccable dining options, art galleries, shops and live music are at your fingertips. At Dona Calabash, you are also just a few blocks to the Southernmost Point and the beautiful turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean! The following top rated establishments are all within four blocks of Dona Calabash:
La Grignote (bakery)
Cuban Coffee Queen
Banana Cafe (fabulous breakfast and lunch)
World Famous La-Te-Da Restaurant and Bar
Nine One Five Restaurant
Ocean Grille
Flamingo's Crossing Ice Cream
The Rum Bar
Dozens of shops and galleries are all within a few minute's walk from the property as are some landmark Key West attractions like The Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Museum, The Ernest Hemingway House and the Key West Butterfly Conservatory. This location offers so much to do and experience if you so desire, but as close as you are to the action, Dona Calabash is also a delightful retreat, a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation, if that is your goal. Why not blend the two? You certainly can here.
Dona Calabash is the home away from home of your dreams, where tropical opulence and supreme comfort coalesce in a cottage-style masterpiece. We look forward to hosting you soon!