Vacation Rentals by Owner

MARCH & APRIL STILL AVAILABLE!

Sun, fun, and relaxation are the mainstays of life on the little island of Key West. To enjoy this tropical haven for yourself, the first step is securing the right accommodations. If a single-family home with three bedrooms, two full baths, a sparkling private pool, two dedicated parking places, and a fabulous Old Town location are appealing, Amelia's Bungalow would make your perfect spot.

Nestled on one of Key West's charming lanes not even a block off the world-famous Duval Street, the front of the Amelia's Bungalow is freshly painted in white and azure blue. Tropical foliage, some in terra cotta pots and some planted in the ground, edge the front of this one-story bungalow. Up three brick stairs brings you onto a generous covered front porch with inviting Adirondack chairs in a matching azure hue. You can easily imagine sitting here with your morning coffee or evening cocktail. That is unless, like most visitors, you're more drawn to the sparkling and very private pool oasis out back.

The pool is not the usual "cocktail" sized so prevalent in Key West, but a pool you can actually frolic in. It's rectangular, heated, and bordered on one side by a decorative tiled wall. Fences and foliage fill in beautifully around the whole outside area. Dip your toes, go for a lap swim, or just lounge poolside in one of the comfy woven chairs provided. A natural stone deck rings the pool creating plenty of relaxation space for napping, reading, sharing conversation, or playing cards. Nearby there's an electric grill in case you decide to put on your BBQ apron and try your hand at preparing some fish or veggie meal featuring fresh, local ingredients and Caribbean spices. Then serve your masterpiece al fresco at the poolside table with six chairs and market umbrella above. A small outbuilding right next to the pool area serves as the laundry room and place to store rental bikes or other sporting equipment. It also features a toilet and shower for the convenience of sun worshipers hanging out on the deck.

As if designed with outdoor living in mind (and of course it was), the deck has two sets of French doors that access back into the house. One set opens out from the master bedroom and the other from the kitchen. The master bedroom has a king bed, ensuite full bath, a wall-mounted TV, and plenty of shelf space for storing your travel belongings. It is flooded with ambient light until that time of day that you decide to close the blinds. But this room is especially delightful with the French doors wide open to the deck, so sultry tropical breezes can waft through.

Across from this bedroom is the kitchen and sitting nook with couch and coffee table. The kitchen itself is cloud white with stainless appliances, all the amenities you'll need, and copious cabinets for storing whatever food or drink preparation gadget you're not using at the moment.

On one side of the kitchen is the second full bath. And on the other side is the second bedroom. The bed is a king with lamp tables on either side. A ceiling fan with light circles above, while an area rug creates a soft place for your bare feet. The wall-mounted TV makes watching your favorite late-night show easy and comfortable. The third bedroom with a queen bed, two sets of louvered closets, a wall-hung TV, and lamp tables with lamps is right behind a pocket door close to the front door.

Down the center of the open floor plan is the living room with cushy chairs and colorful pillows, TV, cable, and high-speed internet. When you decide you want to come in out of the sun to relax, this is the place. Maybe watch a movie or map out the rest of your day or the rest of your time in Key West. Or better still, make plans for your next trip down.

After you unpack, you may want to walk half a block to Duval, the address for many of the wonderful things Key West has to offer. A left turn will head you towards the shores of the Atlantic, and a right turn will head you towards the Gulf of Mexico. In between are all the things that make the Conch Republic so famous: beaches, tours, museums, shopping, over two hundred restaurants, bars, and the Key West Aquarium where you can pet a shark if you dare. Nearby is the Southernmost Point buoy, the most photographed spot on the island.

If the arts interest you, you've come to the right town for music, movies, plays, art galleries, lectures, artists in residence, and more. Don't miss the opportunities for all kinds of water sports along the Historic Seaport boardwalk and Mallory Square. Locals and tourists alike say you haven't really "done" Key West until you've been to the daily sunset celebration at Mallory Square. Join the crowd to watch and applaud as a fiery sun sinks into the Gulf of Mexico. Or if you'd rather experience sunset at sea, take a cruise aboard one of the harbor's tall ships where you can sip spirits and munch hors d'oeuvres as your vessel carries you into sunsets like you've never seen before. Then hang around for the festivities that follow featuring local musicians, street performers, art vendors, jewelry vendors, and food and drink carts right there on the dock. A good guidebook will present you with more entertainment opportunities that you can possibly enjoy in one visit.

To know what's going on from day-to-day, you can check out Historic Hideaways' informative Area Guide/Events page at http://www.historichideaways.com/key-west-events/. Other information on the current music scene, movies, plays, gallery openings, and charitable events can be found at milezerokeywest.com (calendar section) or in the print publication Paradise, which is available at various locations around town every Thursday.

Free delivery and setup (over $75) of beer/wine/liquor is available from Kwest Liquors, 705 Duval Street. Historic Hideaways guests receive a discount on pricing. Order in advance and have your vacation home fully stocked upon arrival. Contact the Historic Hideaways office in advance for details.