The Mermaids House - Old Town, Historic Bahama Conch House
- Minimum stay:3 nights
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:No
In the heart of the Old Town Historic district of Bahama Village Key West, where life in the old days was very different than it is now, is my Conch home which has not really changed much except on the inside. It is private, fully furnished, very clean, and comfortable well stocked home perfect for a very wonderful Key West experience.
I have restored the house to keep it's history, so it has remained a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom with a 6 foot claw foot bathtub( Original)/ shower, pedestal sink, outside private shower, high cathedral ceilings, original hardwood floors, 5 foot sash windows, all Dade County pine, outside back deck for dining,bricked in back yard with comfy teak furniture for lounging under the 145 year old trees, front porch with seating, washer and dryer and central air conditioning and heat.
One bedroom has a queen bed, the other a double bed and the couch in the living room is big enough for a small child to sleep on. There is a view of the Key West Lighthouse from the kitchen and the backyard is tropical and shaded for a long nap on the chaise or hammock.The double back decks are a great place to practice yoga or meditation. Parking in front of my home is private and can fit 1 car and 1 moped. You will be so close to all the action, you do not need a car at all. Walking or biking is the way to see Key West like the locals do. Bicycle rentals are down the street. If you would like to use my bikes, there are 2 bikes to use in the yard( you will feel like a local)and a lock is in the basket to use. The key is by the front door.
I am looking for the longer term rentals since I do not want a lot of traffic through the house. I would like to retire there some day, so this is not just a business for me, it is my home. She was built in 1865, so she likes good company. We think she was once inhabited by a mermaid that a drunken sailor brought home one night long ago. She still remains in the house to watch over her and protect her.
Keywords: Single Family, Private, Historic Home, with Fenced in Yard
Property Type
- 1000 sq. ft.
- House
- 1 story
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Onsite Services
- Staff
- Massage
Suitability
- Pets Not Allowed
Kitchen & Dining
- Pantry Items
- Toaster
- Dishes & Utensils
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
Amenities
- Heating
- Iron & Board
- Towels Provided
- Hair Dryer
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- Books
- DVD Player
- Toys
- Stereo
- CD Player
- VCR
Communications
- Internet
Outdoor Features
- Lawn / Garden
- Outdoor Grill
Location & View
- Car Not Necessary
Activities
- Water Skiing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Paragliding
- Deepsea Fishing
- Kayaking
- Laundromat
- Groceries
- ATM/Bank
- Medical Services
- Hospital
- Massage Therapist
- Scuba Diving Or Snorkeling
- Basketball Court
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Golf
- Wind-Surfing
- Fly Fishing
- Sound/Bay Fishing
- Parasailing
- Fishing
- Snorkeling
- Sailing
- Tennis
- Cycling
- Fitness Center
- Churches
- Museums
- Marina
- Synagogues
- Ruins
- Playground
- Live Theater
- Cinemas
- Restaurants
- Library
- Botanical Garden
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Beachcombing
- Shuffleboard
- Walking
- Eco Tourism
- Boating
- Wildlife Viewing
- Sight Seeing
- Horseshoes
- Scenic Drives
- Miniature Golf
- Bird Watching
- Antiquing
- Shopping
Other Activities
Reviews
Write a review-
What a wonderful place to stay
What a wonderful place to stay
- Guest Fun in the Sun
- Date of stay 05/02/13
- Review Submitted 05/13/13
Our stay at the mermaids house was an awesome experience. The Realtor was friendly and helpful, the house was clean and well stocked, the outside shower was a dream, the back patio was great for relaxing, the location is close to shops and restuarants... overall, A+++. I will definitely plan a vacation to this home again and would reccomend it to my friends and family.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
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Fantastic!
Fantastic!
- Guest Holly
- Date of stay 04/13/13
- Review Submitted 04/21/13
This house is soo cute! My favorite thing was the outside shower, and the back yard, and the front porch, and the cute little kitchen, and the comfortable bed, and the bike, and the location - you cant have just one favorite thing b/c it was all so fantastic! The locals are very friendly and helpful. If I ever return I would definitely stay here again.Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
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Perfect!
Perfect!
- Guest Christine
- Date of stay 04/07/13
- Review Submitted 04/15/13
My family just returned from a fabulous vacation in Key West, and the Mermaid's House was the perfect place to stay. It was soooo comfortable, and had absolutely every amenity we needed; my family particularly enjoyed the shady and private backyard hammock. Several times a day we headed down to Duval Street (two blocks away) for supplies or just to take a stroll. You would think that the Mermaids House would be located in a noisely area given it's proximity to Duval, but that wasn't the case at all, thanks to the fact that Center Street is a tiny stretch of road isolated from all the crazy fun. It is also worth mentioning that the person who checked us in and out was gracious and helfpul. Thanks again, and hope to see you soon!Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
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Location location location
Location location location
- Guest Pshark
- Date of stay 11/14/12
- Review Submitted 11/20/12
This property is in the perfect location! Walk to beach, sites, Mallory square, as well as tons of restaurants, bars, cafe, shops, galleries on Duval st. Bike everywhere else. Couldn't have asked for better location!Recommended for: Tourists without a car, girls getaway.
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50 year old girls gone wild in Key West!
50 year old girls gone wild in Key West!
- Guest Kim
- Date of stay 09/17/12
- Review Submitted 09/24/12
The Mermaids House was the perfect central location for 4 lifelong friends to celebrate 50 years on God's beautiful Earth. We had a marvelous time, surrounded by all of the comforts of home in a lush and tropical environment. Our Key West adventure was relaxing and exciting. We were within walking distance to everything. We enjoyed every moment, and we all highly recommend the Mermaids House. The outdoor shower was wonderful! Thanks Amber for the yummy birthday cake. What a sweet surprise!Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
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Home Away from Home!
Home Away from Home!
- Guest IntrepidTraveler
- Date of stay 08/19/12
- Review Submitted 08/27/12
I stayed at the Mermaid's House for a full week, and it was both a convenient base from which to see everything of interest in Key West and an imminently comfortable vacation spot on its own. Naps in the backyard hammock! Baths in the claw-foot tub! Showers in the outdoor shower! Mornings on the front porch! Home cooked meals on the gas stove! This house is outfitted with everything a traveler would need, and is comfy, clean, and lovely. I was able to walk or scooter anywhere on the island. The Mermaid's House is the perfect retreat for a solo traveler or large group. Highly, highly recommended. I'll be returning again someday!Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
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We absolutely loved the Mermaids House!
We absolutely loved the Mermaids House!
- Guest Luke
- Date of stay 07/16/12
- Review Submitted 08/10/12
We spent the past week staying at the Mermaids House (in my mind plural, as there are mermaids all over the property!), and we had a wonderful time. The location, a block off Duval, on a quiet side street, could not be better - just about everything is within walking distance, and if so inspired, there are also two bicycles available for use. The house, an old Conch style house, faces north, and even returning after a long day exploring, with the a/c turned off, remains cool and comfortable. There's a comfortable living room, two bed rooms, bath, and a very large back yard with both a dining area and a great area for sitting and enjoying the evening breezes. All that said, the part that we (New Yorkers from the Hudson Valley) enjoyed the most was the outdoor shower! Taking a shower in the morning, under the blue sky, seeing the trees and listening to the birds was such a delightful experience. While we rented a car, as we were driving down from Miami after a cruise, we didn't use it the whole time we were there. If you're flying into Key West, just take a cab, and use bikes the rest of the time. On a more prosaic level, Barbara, the owner was very easy and pleasant to deal with, and Amber, the Property Manager was likewise, and also full of very useful suggestions and hints to make our visit all the better. She recommended La Trattoria on Duval for dinner one night, for example, and we had our best meal of the week. We had a really great time, and look forward very much to a return visit.Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
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We love the Mermaids House!
We love the Mermaids House!
- Guest Miranda & Federico
- Date of stay 07/02/12
- Review Submitted 07/14/12
My husband and I stayed at The Mermaids House for 4nts over 4th of July. The location is perfect. You can walk to everything. The house itself is very cute and the decor makes you feel like you're living in old Key West. It's well kept and comfortable. The backyard is outstanding. Lots of sitting areas to enjoy your morning coffee or a drink in the evening. The hammock is a great place to have a nap in the afternoon. We loved the outdoor shower. You look up and see tropical trees and flowers all around you. We want to build one of these at home now it was so great! We will definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone considering. You'll feel like a Key West local and you can't get that at a hotel. You won't be disappointed. Thanks Barbara for sharing your home with us!Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
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A place that has it all!
A place that has it all!
- Guest Robin
- Date of stay 06/10/12
- Review Submitted 06/24/12
We've stayed in a lot of rentals in Key West and this is one of the best. The house is very comfortable and an excellent location. Only 1 block from Duval yet it's so quiet. We picked this place because of the outdoor space which is the best. There is always a nice shady spot somewhere to sit and relax, read a book or have a meal. We spent a lot of time out there. The house is very clean and well stocked with everything you need, it even has a couple of bicycles. You don't need a car, everything you need is a short walk away. Barbara was very easy to work with and very communicative. Amber was great too, she was very informative and she did the walk thru at the end around our schedule and refunded the deposit right then. We didn't have to wait a couple weeks to get it back. This is a really cute vintage shotgun house with lots of Key West charm!Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway.
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Bliss!!
Bliss!!
- Guest kathryn
- Date of stay 05/30/12
- Review Submitted 06/20/12
Absolutely everything about this home is perfection! We felt like we were in the Key West of old, yet with all the modern conveniences. We were even greeted by Jimmy Buffett on the cd player! It was much larger than we expected and is in a perfect location - you can walk or bike to everything. Biking is absolutely the way to get around and explore, even at night! We parked the car when we arrived and never used it again until we had to leave. Amber is great for giving suggestions about where to eat and what to do, and there is also a folder and list of lots of local information in the house. And it is very very quiet at the Mermaids House. The only problem we had was deciding where to relax - the front porch was fabulous and perfect for morning coffee, the back yard is huge and has many lounging options, the living room has great light for reading and furniture for napping, and even hanging in the kitchen on the bar stools was great! But perhaps it is the outside, open air shower that we loved the most. We are now having trouble adjusting to showering inside. We will definitely return, we just hope it will be sooner rather than later.Recommended for: Tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway.
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Rates
| Dates | Nightly | Wknd Night | Weekend | Weekly | Monthly * | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate 3 night min stay |
$300 | $2000 | $7000 | |||
| Summer/Low Jun 1 - Oct 1 3 night min stay |
$225 | $1500 | $4000 | |||
Additional Fees and Taxes:
The cleaning fee is always extra and depends on number of guests , children and length of stay. This is not included in the nightly rate because it is not due until you check in.
I charge a security/damage deposit because I don't accept credit cards and I have no way of compensation if you wreck my home.The s/d deposit is $400 as of 1/01/2013. This is due upon check in and is refundable at ck out
Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Location
Owner info
Year Purchased: 1975
About the owner: Hello, I am the one on the left of my famous Key West singer friend. Her name is Camille Russo and she sings Jazz at Virgilio's on Duval Street.We come together at 'The Mermaids House' when I am in town.
Why the Owner Chose Private Homes, Old Town:
She wasn't a vacation rental when I bought her. She was like all the other houses on the block. All residential and occupied by the original families who were born and raised in these houses. When I found her she was a mess and run down. I loved the neighborhood of Bahama Village in Old Town, filled with Cuban and Bahamian families and they loved us. Now most of the houses on the street are guest houses and owned by people who never lived on the block. How times have changed. The location of my home makes it an ideal place to see Key West on foot or bicycle.Its really the only way to see Key West. You miss so much any other way.
The Unique Benefits at this House:
It is a wonderful location in Old Town, walking distance to all major attractions and great restaurants. One half block from Duval Street yet very private and quiet. This is a single family home, not a cookie cutter condo that looks like a real Key West home, this is the real thing. A Conch Home in the best Old Town location.You don't need a car while here so see Key West like the locals do, ride a bike or walk.
Contact us
- Primary: (808) 263-4502 (Hawaii, USA)
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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The Mermaids House, Historic Bahama Conch Home in Old Town
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View from the front door entry looking towards the back door.
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Living room with lots of light and seating options.
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The living room media shelf with a stereo, iPod plug in and lots of Cd's.
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second double/full bedroom
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The back yard looking towards the house. New cushions in 2012.
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Tropical Yard with Hammock for relaxing under the 145 Year Old Trees.
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Bathroom pedestal sink.
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The Mermaids House, Historic Bahama Conch Home in Old Town, front entry.
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Looking towards the front door that have hurricane shutters for no a/c days.
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Nice corner in living room for reading and relaxing.
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The living room with flat screen TV, plenty of movies, and comfy chairs.
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Master bedroom with queen size bed.
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The Mermaids House, Historic Bahama Conch Home in Old Town
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Another view of back yard looking towards hammock.
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Backyard deck for dining or sunbathing with Weber gas grill.
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Next to deck from kitchen with the red well hand pump and can. Works great.
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outside shower and drying area.
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The Mermaid sign for the house.
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This listing was first published here in 2007.
Date last modified - Wednesday, June 12, 2013
(808) 263-4502 (Hawaii, USA)