Location: Private Homes, Old Town, Key West, Key West Area, Florida Keys, Florida, USA (Old Town Walking / Biking Distance to All Major Attractions) View Map
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 1.25 Baths (Sleeps 4)
Keywords: Single Family, Private, Historic Home, with Fenced in Yard
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 (Original), 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 person or 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.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : Central Air and Heat
- Linens Provided : Down pillows, 100 % cotton comforters and sheets. All towels. Beach towels.
- Washer : Separate Front Load Washer and Gas Dryer in Laundry Room with storage.
- Dryer : Dryer is energy efficient gas and takes half the time of ordinary models.Don't wear your clothes out by setting the timer on high. The clothes dry very fast or hang on the line in back yard.
- Off Street Parking : Parking is private in front of the house for 1 car and mopeds. You really don't need a car. The way to get around Key West is by bicycle or walking. Or rent an electric car or golf cart for something different and fun.
- Beds
- Queen Bed : Has a nice head board for reading upright in bed.
- Double Bed : Has vintage iron bed frame that came from old house on block.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : 2 TV's in home. Master bedroom and living room has a flat screen.
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library : Right down the street in walking distance is a video store for many choices.Their are many videos in the house for your viewing pleasure.
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library : There are many CD's for your music listening. The stereo also has a plug in for your MP3 or Ipod. Just bring your unit and the plug is attached to the stereo already. Please leave plug in house when you leave.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Kitchen features a gas stove, great for hurricane parties. Red Hand Pump for the well of fresh water outside the back door of kitchen. Great for everything but drinking. Feel free to0 water the plants, their is plenty of well water.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : There are 3 kinds of coffee pots to use. A regular drip, a French press and a Cuban espresso pot. There is also a coffee grinder for whole beans. Can you tell I like coffee? For those cool nights or non coffee drinkers, their is a tea pot and assorted tea's. Enjoy!
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Catering Available : Ask owner for details.
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : Weber Gas Grill with cover on back deck for easy grilling.
- Deck/Patio : This space is where you should hang out and share meals under the big Spanish Lime tree with friends.The backyard is very private, tropical and quiet being so close to Duval Street. Relax in the double hammock with a good book or take an afternoon nap.The double back decks are great for doing yoga or meditation.
- Balcony : Front porch with 2 chairs and table to sit and watch the world go by while you smoke. Ash tray provided. No smoking in the house, please.
- Lanai : A patio set with 6 chairs and umbrella are provided for outdoor dining.Plus a whole yard filled with new comfortable teak furniture for lounging. And a hammock for 2 under the 145 year old Zapadio tree.
- View/Location
- Monument View : From the backyard deck and kitchen window you can see the famous Key West Lighthouse which is across the street from the Hemingway House on Whitehead Street. This landmark is in walking distance, 2 blocks away.
- Communications
- Broadband Internet : Bring your own laptop. Wifi for out door use.
- Other Amenities
- New central air conditioning or heat,original hardwood floors, all Dade county pine, 6 feet claw foot cast iron bathtub with shower, outside private hot water shower,private fenced in yard, Hunter ceiling fans in every room( energy efficient), on highest ground, hurricane shutters on every window, gas stove, deep water well and fully furnished. There is the original red hand pump mounted on the back deck for the well which actually works great.Please use it while you are there because its good for the well to use it or lose it. This provides the house with water for emergency's or whenever the power goes out.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : I don't rent to adults under the age of 25. The house is not child proof either.
- Smoking Not Allowed : There are 2 chairs and table provided on the front porch just for this. Ash tray included. Great place to listen to the church bells ringing on Sunday mornings from the church across the street.
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Shuffleboard
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Key West Food and Wine Festival - January , Conch Shell Blowing Contest - March, Conch Republic Anniversary - April, Hemingway Look Alike Contest - July, Fantasy Festival Parade - October. There is an Art Walk on Caroline Street the 1st Thursday of each month. Some must eat at Restaurants: El Siboney Cuban, 900 Catherine St- Blue Heaven, Corner of Petronia St and 725 Thomas St- Upper Crust,( the Best Pizza), 611 Duval St- Old Town Mexican Cafe, Say hi to Gail, 609 Duval St- Croissant De France, ( best breakfast muffins, etc), 816 Duval St- Camille's Restaurant for breakfast, 1202 Simonton St- Pepe's Cafe ( breakfast only), 806 Caroline St- Half Shell Raw Bar, (Best raw clams and oysters ), 231 Margaret St- Mangia Mangia Pasta Cafe, my old stomping ground when I owned and ran The Garden Kitchen Cafe and Herb Garden Health Food Store for 10 years in this location, 900 Southard St- Salute, for dinner on the beach with live music and sunset,1000 Atlantic Blvd
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
PLEASE CHECK CALENDER AVAILABILITY BEFORE CONTACTING OWNER!OWNER WILL RESPOND IF A
High season is October 01 - May 31.. $2,000 per week or $7,000 month
Low season is June 01 - September 30 .. $1,000 per week, or $ 3,000 month
My rates also INCLUDE ALL THE TAXES of %12.50.
I will be accepting credit cards soon.
Cleaning fee is extra depending on number of guests and or children.
Until I accept credit cards the security deposit is $500.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
The Mermaids House - Old Town, Historic Bahama Conch House
Year Purchased: 1975
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.
French bakery right around the block from the The Mermaids House on Duval Street that bakes the best pear butter muffins in the world. Their breads and croissants aren't bad either. I love the chocolate almond croissants too.
Great place for food and live local style music. This place is where you can go barefoot at the sand bar.
Great bar for super martinis, like chocolate or pomegranate and live Jazz with Skipper and friends.
In walking distance from house with great freshly made breads and gourmet items.
Owner's Map of Private Homes, Old Town
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.
Property Photos
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- The Mermaids House, Historic Bahama Conch Home in Old Town - Key West Single Family Home Rental
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- Front porch entryway with chairs to watch the world go by. - Key West Single Family Home Rental
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- View from the front door entry looking towards the back door. - Key West Single Family Home Rental
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- Living room with lots of light and seating options.
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- Nice corner in living room for reading and relaxing.
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- Looking towards the front door that have hurricane shutters for no a/c days.
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- Master bedroom with queen size bed.
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- Second Double/Full Bedroom with Antique Iron Bed.
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- Great bathroom with original sink and claw foot bathtub.
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- Bathroom pedestal sink.
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- Private Outside Shower.
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- Kitchen over looking backyard
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- View from back deck of yard and 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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- Tropical Yard with Hammock for relaxing under the 145 Year Old Trees.
Traveler Reviews (11)
Best Place to Ring in the New Year!
Guest: C Milne
(Stamford CT)
Date of Stay: 12/24/11
Review Submitted: 01/11/12
Charming and cozy house, as described. Perfect for 2 couples. Was the perfect location to walk or bike to everything of interest in Key West. Lots of other rentals on the street, but local residents super-friendly too, Kitchen was well-equipped. Back yard, spacious and a delightful place to get out of the bustle of Duval St. Rental agent on location was super-responsive to all our needs and very helpful with suggestions. Would go back to Key West and the Mermaid House in a minute. Thank you for everything - Happy New Year!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.
Downtown at the Mermaid House
Guest: john
(South Boston, MA, USA)
Date of Stay: 11/10/11
Review Submitted: 12/05/11
There were three of us that came down to stay the mermaid house and the house was just perfect! Its so close to everything. We were able to walk just about everywhere in under 15 minutes. Having two bikes readily available to us was great too :) Excellent way to get around. The house was clean and the back yard was a perfect place to sit down and relax for dinner or a nap in the hammock. Everything was great and we will definitely plan to stay here the next time we go down! Thanks Barbara!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway.
The Perfect Getaway!
Guest: Supertramp
(Tarrytown, NY)
Date of Stay: 10/02/11
Review Submitted: 10/12/11
My husband and I stayed at the Mermaid House last week and had a fabulous time. The house is so quaint and comfortable. It was so great to have so many simple amenities like central air, wifi, private backyard for relaxing, BBQ, full kitchen and a washer & dryer! We especially enjoyed the outdoor shower which was a welcome relief after roaming Key West everyday! The location can not be beat. It is a half block off of Duvall and on the quiet end as well. You can easily walk to any location or if your prefer you can rent a scooter from the place right down the street as we did. We enjoyed dining out at many of the restaurants in Key West. We especially enjoyed our dinner at Nine One Five! We also had great breakfasts at the Banana Cafe and Croissant de France. Key West is a fabulous destination to relax by day and party by night.... Or is it the other way around? We did both! Excellent shopping, great places to eat, fun bars (especially Hogs Breath Saloon!!!) and so many great tourists spots to check out! Also, sunset at Mallory Square is a must... I would highly recommend a visit to the Mermaid House it will be our choice when returning.....
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+.
Wonderful cottage!
Guest: Deacons3
(Johnson City TN)
Date of Stay: 07/08/11
Review Submitted: 07/14/11
If you like od preserved cottages, this place is wonderful. Close to everything, yet private. We just returned from there and it was fantastic. Can't wait to go again. Thanks for everything.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.
The Mermaid House March 2011
Guest: kdshell
(Lancaster, PA)
Date of Stay: 03/01/11
Review Submitted: 05/04/11
This was our second month long stay at The Mermaid House. We were pleased with the backyard improvements such as additional decking and new furniture. The backyard is truly a tropical paradise in old town Key West with a great area for entertaining or just relaxing. Barbara also added WiFi and a new washer and dryer to the house and these were greatly appreciated. A new living room sofa and a new granite table top added to the lovely décor of The Mermaid House. The greatest thing about this property is its location. In the entire month we walked or biked throughout Key West and we only drove our car three times the entire month. We are returning next year for another month.
Recommended for:Tourists without a car, adventure seekers, age 55+.
We loved our stay!!
Guest: Jeff & Dale
(Grand Rapids, MI USA)
Date of Stay: 01/19/11
Review Submitted: 01/30/11
My partner & I just returned from a 50th birthday celebration in Key West and I'm so glad I chose Barbara's house! I must have looked at 100 rentals before hand and I wanted something special for the occasion (and the Mermaid House was it)! First off, you can't beat the location...a block off Duval St.and it's the quiet part of the street (not the crazy touristy area by Mallory Square). Everything's a short walk away or bike ride (and we used the bikes every day). The house is beautifully furnished and very comfortable. The kitchen has everything you could possibly need and we enjoyed cooking dinner there on several nights. We only used the out-door shower...it's incredibly cool. On the one rainy day we had, we loved just hanging out at the cottage, reading and watching movies. The front porch is fun place to people watch and the back deck & garden are a peaceful oasis. Three restaurants we loved: Blue Heaven / Pepe's & El Siboney...avoid eating on Duval unless you like paying premium prices (however, the French bakery around the corner on Duval is heaven on earth). Thanks again Barbara..we can't wait to return!!
Owner response:Hello Jeff and Dale, Happy 50th Day of Birth! What a perfect place to be to celebrate your special day.Thank you for the beautiful words. I am so glad you got to enjoy the magic of The Mermaids House and her wonderful location. We can't wait for you to return and to tell all your friends about her. Thanks again. Barbara The Mermaids House, Old Town Key West
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, age 55+.
Paradise with the Mermaid
Guest: Ken
(New Orleans area, LA)
Date of Stay: 10/26/10
Review Submitted: 11/03/10
We've been coming to Key West almost every year since 2000 and have never stayed in the same place twice. My wife and myself agree, your Mermaid House is the BEST!!! The house has magnificent character, but the back yard blew us away. I don't remember seeing it in your pictures.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.
The Allen's, (Louisville, KY)
Guest: Angie
(Louisville, KY)
Date of Stay: 07/07/10
Review Submitted: 08/04/10
My husband and I lived in Key West for a few months back in 2002, so needless to say we know our way around the island well. We travel back to Key West about once a year and have stayed in a varitey of places: friends, B&B's, condos, etc. This was our first time renting a house. Let me tell ya, Barbara's got a real gem. It's clean, charming, peaceful, with the right about of space. Most importantly the location is perfect! Very convenient. We stayed with my in-laws and my mother-in-law liked to read and nap in the hamock in the back. The outdoor shower was awesome, and we cooked up our fresh catch in the kitchen. The only thing I was reluctant about was paying in full up front. I'm always suspicious of scams especially since Barbara doesn't live in KW. I would have preferred to pay half up front and half when we arrived, but it all worked out nonetheless. Amber, whom looks after the house was easy to get a hold of, very responsive, prompt and friendly. All in all we were extremely happy with our stay at the Mermaid's House, it helped make our vacation a most memorable one!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Mermaid House March 2010
Guest: kdshell
(Lancaster, PA)
Date of Stay: 03/01/10
Review Submitted: 04/27/10
We stayed at the Mermaid House for the month of March 2010. It was the perfect location, right in the center of things but peaceful and secluded. With the fence surrounding the property and with the beautiful tropical plants and trees the back yard was very private. The fence had a front gate that locked providing security for our bikes in the front of the house. The house itself was modernized with its historical character preserved. We especially liked the original Dade County pine floors, the high ceilings, and original well. The outdoor shower was the best. Relatives came down for a few days and with two bedrooms we did not feel crowded. It was a wonderful place to stay in Key West and we are planning to return next year.
Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.
Guest: Glenda H. Clark
(Pensacola Florida)
Date of Stay: 11/09/09
Review Submitted: 11/09/09
Barbara, Thank you so much for the use of your beautiful home in Key West during the festival. We had such a lovely time enjoying the islands culture and history. The Fantasy Fest was the best. So much to take in !!!! There's no hotel, motel or other that could compare to "The Mermaid House". She was so compfortable and accomodating. So close to everything, but quaint and quiet enough to enjoy a quiet evening of steak and shrimp on the lovely deck. The Mermaid is truly like a home away from home. I never expected what I found when I arrivied. It's the best way to stay and enjoy the island...and We'll be back for more... Your Friend Robert and Glenda Clark Gulf Breeze, Florida
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #129511
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