Authors Retreat - Downtown Key West

This 2 bedroom, 1 ½ bath condo in the Campbell historic building offers a new translation for the word “vacation.” The vocabulary begins behind a white picket fence with a courtyard of cozy cottages nestled around a sparkling pool. The setting is perfect as a postcard: quiet yet located two blocks from Key West’s world-famous Duval Street. Walking, biking, a pedi-cab, or uber work nicely as ways to get around. A coveted parking space for one small vehicle (must be under 16 ft.) is provided.

The story starts at the compound gate. Right inside is a bike rack and lots of green and flower plantings to remind you that you are in paradise. A few steps more bring you to the entrance of this residence. If you turn around, you get the full aha! view of the shared pool. Straight head is the small porch area and another larger, quite charming porch to the side.

Once inside the door, you’ll find the living and dining area which has plenty of natural light, high ceilings, and a glass brick accent wall reflecting light back into the room. There’s plenty of comfy couch and chair seating to make a congenial conversation area. If you are more up for being entertained, there’s a smart TV w/ high speed internet access perfectly positioned for streaming from the seating arrangement. It is equipped with the YouTube TV streaming service which includes the typical expanded basic TV channels plus the ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and PBS network affiliates from Miami (our broadcast TV market). You can also stream your TV subscriptions or log into your Netflix or Amazon Prime TV accounts. The flatscreen TV sits on an artisan, three-shelf cabinet with ratan-weave doors. The shelves provide space for important things that you want close at hand but don’t want creating clutter in the open. Also in one corner is a table and chairs suitable for meals or for playing cards or board games. Overhead a ceiling fan creates tropical ambience and air circulation. Of course there’s central AC, high-speed internet, three flat-screen TVs, with efficient and attractive ceiling fans throughout.

Next in the floor plan is a guest half bath. Then comes the full bath opening out to the den. Here also is a second streaming TV sitting on a roomy storage cabinet. A wardrobe provides room for clothing and office supplies. A daybed provides extra seating or a comfortable accommodation for a third guest. An upholstered conference chair with arms provides the perfect place if someone wants to consult or chat. Also a bookcase stands nearby. It’s a compact, multifunctional room with many windows letting in plenty of Key West’s naturally beautiful light.

Next comes the King bedroom again flooded with natural light. A chest with many drawers stands ready to store whatever you need stored and serves as a perch for the third TV. A closet for hanging this and that is partially formed by the unique glass brick wall.
On to the kitchen…all the appliances you’ll need for cooking and cleanup are supplied in stainless. Cabinets and shelving above and below help avoid clutter. Pots and Pans are artistically hung from the ceiling, as are utensils on the wall. The windows give glimpses of the soothing pool just outside. Faustos, a local grocery store since 1926, is less than a block away if you want foodstuffs to fill up the refrigerator or pantry. All appliances are new in 2024. Or maybe the kitchen will be mostly for warming left overs from meals out at one of the island’s myriad eating establishments.

If you like to swim or are a sun worshiper, you still haven’t explored the best part of this condo: the courtyard and pool. The pool, which is for the exclusive use of Campbell Courtyard guests, is no small dipping or cocktail pool as is prevalent in Key West. Rather, it’s heated (in winter) and generously sized. The pool and deck area are ringed with a white picket fence and plenty of tropical foliage to create beauty, privacy, and a kind of tranquil peace-of-mind that only nature can provide. Chaise lounges and chairs sit invitingly next to the pool, as does a dining table and chairs. If shade is more appealing, claim your spot under the gazabo-style seating area at one end.

The whole set up at Campbell Courtyard is alluring but there’s more--a whole storied island awaiting your exploration: the emerald water of the Atlantic and of the Gulf of Mexico, beaches, conch-style houses, civil war forts, museums, famous hangouts like Sloppy Joe’s, Elvis look-alikes, an expansive waterfront park, and sharks for petting at the Aquarium. From your central Old Town location, most things are easily accessible by foot or bike or the Duval Loop bus. For example the island’s main artery—Duval Street where you’ll find shopping of all sorts, art galleries, tours, open-air restaurants, bars and much more—is less than two blocks away.

A few blocks in another direction you’ll find the Historic Seaport with tall ship sunset sails and water sport opportunities like diving, fishing, parasailing, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and more. Or try one of the waterfront restaurants that ring the harbor. Set your timer so you don’t miss the nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square where visitors and locals alike gather to applaud gently as the sun slips below the horizon. It’s a MUST experience.

Maybe your taste runs more towards the arts. If so, you’re in the right place for music, movies, plays, art galleries, lectures, and more. If you like beaches, your accommodations are within biking distance to a favorite locals’ beach, Fort Zachery Taylor, where you can rent chairs, umbrellas, and snorkeling equipment. Bathrooms, showers, a snack bar, and picnic tables are also available. Or maybe you’ll decide to skip the beach in favor of exploring the adjacent Civil War-era fort, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973.

If this is your first trip to the Conch Republic, a guidebook from Books & Books on Eaton Street or a stop at the Chamber of Commerce Information Center on Greene Street will help make sure you don’t miss anything. Other info on the current music scene, movies, plays, gallery openings, and charitable events can be found at milezerokeywest.com (calendar section). Historic Hideaways' informative Area Guide/Events page located on our website also has a Calendar of Events. We DO NOT guarantee that the information VRBO (and affiliated sites) scrapes from our site to display on theirs is 100% accurate, particularly the amenities. If you come to us through them, be sure to look at all the information on our site related to your rental once you book to be sure you have accurate and up to date information. Campbell Courtyard COA does NOT allow renters to have pets.