The Grande Dame Key West - (the Watson House)
- Minimum stay:N/A
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:No
Grande Dame Key West – (The Watson House) vacation rental estate is an impeccably detailed 3-story Classic Folk Victorian home with 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. An award winning renovation of this stately Victorian mansion has achieved an impressive balance of timeless charm, classic elegance, and modern convenience, making this property both aesthetically alluring and delightfully comfortable.
Originally built by the Watson Family in the 1840's, this mansion has kept the Watson name as homage to the original owners Susan and William Watson. Today this home is one of the most beautiful and unique licensed vacation homes of this size and stature on our island. It is the perfect place for the family or small corporate group with discerning tastes. Located right in the heart of Old Town Key West's historic section of beautifully restored 19th century mansion homes, this vacation rental is situated in the 500 block of Simonton Street, just steps away from famous Duval Street. From here you can easily walk to all features in the historic island village.
If you are familiar with this property, or have stayed here before, we are pleased to announce that during 2012, it received new owners who are giving it many new refits and upgrades. During of Fall 2012, the existing 3 bathrooms on the 2nd floor were renovated to modern luxury standards, keeping with a style that compliments its historic period.
There was one significant change made in the layout of the estate during the first two weeks of December, 2012, in that the cottage next door is no longer included in this property. The next door cottage was divided from the property with an attractive privacy fence, and in its place the large Victorian home has received a 4th bathroom on the 2nd floor, giving the 2nd floor 4 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms. The 3-story house now provides a total of 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. Additional upgrades include new central a/c throughout the home.
Another new feature is an additional bedroom that was added to the 3rd floor. We now recommend the entire 3rd floor, which is set up as a suite complete with kitchen and bathroom with in-tub shower, as an ideal place for a ‘honey moon couple’ traveling with a group who desire a separate private space as described below.
Interior Layout:
The interior of this wooden vernacular Victorian home provides 3 stories of living space. The first floor is comprised of a traditional Victorian parlor style living room, 'game-room' style family room, full dining room, and a fully renovated chef’s kitchen styled with granite counter tops, tile floors, and stainless steel appliances.
Ceilings throughout the 1st floor are an impressive 12+ feet height and the original ceiling architectural detail still exists. There are two bedrooms and two full bathrooms on the 1st floor. One bedroom provides an en-suite bathroom, and is done up in a charming New Orleans style, with a fashionable metal queen size 4-poster bed. The 2nd bedroom on the 1st floor, is set in the original mansion ‘sun room,’ a beautiful architectural space complete with Cuban tile floors, and provides a king size bed. The bathroom for the 2nd bedroom is located just steps from the bedroom.
The graceful 1890’s banister staircase topped with elegant chandelier, leads to the 2nd floor to 4 more bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. All bedrooms on the 3rd floor are styled differently. The spacious front bedroom has a queen size bed and French doors that open to a porch that spans the entire width of the home with a beautiful view overlooking historic Simonton Street. The west side bedroom features a queen size pencil-style four poster bed off-set with knotty pine wainscoting, original Dade pine planked wood floors, and large sash windows to let in plenty of sun light.
The east side bedroom is in honor of Susan Watson, and features vintage white wicker furnishings and a queen size white wicker bed. The back bedroom is more modern, offering a king size bed and double sets of French doors leading to a large covered terrace with a dramatic down-look view of the courtyard garden, and swimming pool below.
Moving up to the 3rd floor, we find a beautiful private split-level ‘pent-house style’ suite with lounging sofa, large screen TV, small kitchen, bedroom, an additional sleeping space, and a full bathroom with tub. Since the upper level of the 3rd floor also provides all these amenities on a private floor, it is an ideal place for a couple who are traveling with a group to find a private “love nest.”
The focus of the space is the media area with lounging sofa and large screen TV on the first level. The scene is set with beautiful hardwood floors. It is built-out to feel spacious with soaring ceilings that are set right up next to the roof line. Double sets of French doors lead to a private verandah and the additional height from the 3rd floor captures even a more dramatic view from the terrace outside that overlooks the courtyard garden swimming pool below.
A split-level floor plan inside gives it added character and dimension. It offers an entertainment area with large screen TV and lounging sofa, and a few steps up to the upper level are a cozy bedroom, an additional sleeping area, the kitchen and the bathroom.
The 3rd floor bedroom is neatly tucked into an alcove. It’s cozy, but becomes an adorable little intimate hideaway space when the double set of doors is closed. It offers a trundle bed that can be made as a king size bed or 2 twin beds. Outside the door, on the opposite side of the room, a 2nd trundle bed, that can also be made up as 2 twins or a king size bed, offers a 2nd sleeping space.
Grounds:
An added feature of the house, is the exterior switchback staircase that starts at ground level from the back yard and leads to 2nd and 3rd floors. Both the 2nd and 3rd floor offer a verandah that expands the width of the house in the back.
One of the nicest features of the back yard is the expansive ground level sun deck and swimming pool scene that connects via French doors to the kitchen.
This creates an ideal setting to move comfortably between the deck and kitchen for pool- side dining and entertaining. The back yard grounds are completely fenced for private pool-side lounging and sun bathing.
The front of the home has beautiful curb appeal with large front porches on the first and second floor that overlook the estate neighborhood of Simonton Street, expansive brick driveway courtyard, and private off street parking. An historic wrought iron fence graces the front of the property.
Bedding Summary:
• First Floor - 1 king size bed, 1 queen size bed
• Second Floor- 3 Queen size beds, and 1 King size bed
• Third Floor – 2 trundle beds (can be made to 4 twin beds or 2 king beds)
Keywords: Private Victorian Estate
Property Type
- 3 story
- Estate
- 5047 sq. ft.
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Onsite Services
- Housekeeper Optional
Suitability
- Non Smoking Only
- Minimum Age Limit For Renters
Bedrooms
- 7 Bedrooms, Sleeps 16, Beds for 14-16
- Bedroom 1
- Bedroom 2
- Bedroom 3
- Bedroom 4
- Bedroom 5
- Bedroom 6
- Bedroom 7
- Other (See Description)
Bathrooms
- 7.0 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
- Bathroom 2
- Bathroom 3
- Bathroom 4
- Bathroom 5
- Bathroom 6
- Bathroom 7
Kitchen & Dining
- Dishes & Utensils
- Catering Available
- Kitchen
- Coffee Maker
- Toaster
- Cooking Utensils
- Ice Maker
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
- Freezer
- Stove
- Microwave
Amenities
- Iron & Board
- Parking Off Street
- Washing Machine
- Clothes Dryer
- Parking
- Linens Provided
- Hair Dryer
- Towels Provided
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- DVD Player
- Books
- Television
- Satellite / Cable
- Stereo
- CD Player
Communications
- Broadband Access
- Internet
Pool & Spa
- Heated Pool
- Private Pool
Outdoor Features
- Balcony
- Deck / Patio
- Porch / Veranda
- Outdoor Grill
Theme
- Romantic
- Family
- Historic
- Tourist Attractions
- Luxury
Location & View
- Car Not Necessary
Activities
- Churches
- Wind-Surfing
- Golf
- Fishing
- Cycling
- Sailing
- Pier Fishing
- Snorkeling
- Jet Skiing
- Deepsea Fishing
- Parasailing
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Fitness Center
- Wildlife Viewing
- Shopping
- Boating
- Sight Seeing
- Walking
- Antiquing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Restaurants
- Live Theater
- Museums
- Cinemas
- Swimming
- Tennis
Other Activities
Reviews
Write a reviewRates
Winter: Dec 15-Apr 30 .. $1800/Night .. $9650/Week, Requires a 7 Night Minimum Shorter Stays of 3 Nights Minimum Subject to Availability. Shoulder: May 01-Aug 15 & Dec 01-Dec 14 .. $1600/Night .. $8500/Week 3 Night Minimum Available on Reservations Made Within 60 Days of Arrival. Summer: Aug 15-Dec 01 .. $1400/Night .. $6950/Week, 3 Night Minimum. Available Any time. Holiday and Festival Rates Are 20% to 25% Higher. Please Call to Confirm Rates.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
This owner accepts: Credit cards.
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.
Calendar
Sorry this information is not available. Please contact the owner/manager for more information.
Location
Owner info
Contact us
- Primary: (305) 294-7358 (Florida, USA)
- Secondary: Toll Free (888) 404-2802
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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Front view of the Grande Dame Key Estate Estate
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Living room and parlor on first floor of Main House
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Renovated kitchen on the 1st floor. Open to dining room and outdoor pool deck.
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Dining room looking to den.
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First, 1st Floor bathroom
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En-suite bath for 1st floor master bedroom
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Bathroom 1 - 2nd FL
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Bathroom 2 - 2nd Floor
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Bathroom 3 - 2nd Floor
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Bathroom 4 - 2nd Floor
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Entire 3rd floor provides a private 'honeymoon suite.'
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French doors on 3rd floor create private 'love nest' bedroom.
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Elegant Victorian staircase leads to the 2nd floor from front door entrance
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Elegant Victorian Front Parlor on 1st floor of Main House
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Swimming pool and pool deck looking back at the house.
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First floor guest bedroom has king size 4 poster bed.
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Master bedroom on 1st floor has en-suite bathroom and queen bed.
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Susan Watson bedroom on 2nd floor features white wicker & historic wall paper.
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2nd bedroom on 2nd floor features pencil-style wooden queen size 4 poster bed.
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3rd bedroom on 2nd floor offers a queen size bed.
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4th bedroom on 2nd floor features a king size bed and private en-suite bathroom.
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2nd floor balcony overlooking swimming pool and deck below
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3rd floor can also be used as spacious media room. Has 2 trundle beds.
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Down view of swimming pool from 3rd FL Balcony
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Date last modified - Monday, April 29, 2013
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