Key West Home Tours Celebrate Architecture, Preservation and Community
Restored cigar-makers’ cottages and elegant Victorian mansions stand side by side on Key West’s narrow streets, creating an intriguing architectural fusion in the Old Town district — believed to be the United States’ largest predominantly wooden historic district.
Visitors can explore houses exemplifying Key West’s rich architectural tradition, as well as unique examples of contemporary Florida Keys design, during home tours set for January, February and March 2024.
Now in their 64th year, the annual tours are presented by the nonprofit Old Island Restoration Foundation. The foundation was established in 1960 to protect and preserve Key West’s historic architecture and cultural heritage.
Tours are planned Friday and Saturday, Jan. 12-13, Feb. 16-17 and March 15-16. Each one showcases five homes chosen for their historical significance, creative renovations, distinctive modern designs or representations of Keys living. Among them are homes that once served other purposes including a converted mortuary and a former dance hall.
Tour participants can discover unique interiors filled with art collections and antiques, and exteriors with lush gardens and imaginatively configured outdoor living areas. Through the tours, visitors have a rare chance to gain intimate insights into Key West’s lifestyle and culture.
OIRF volunteers serve as guides at each tour stop, providing information about the property’s history, architecture and décor.
All 2024 tours are set for 1-4 p.m., with visitors to travel between homes at their chosen speed via their own transportation. Each month’s tour features a different group of homes and a different experience for participants.
Tickets for each tour cost $55 per person, and a four-tour package is available for $200 per person. Old Island Restoration Foundation members receive special pricing.
Proceeds from the home tours support the foundation’s programming, grants and stewardship of Key West’s Oldest House Museum and Gardens.
Tour information and ticketing: oirf.org or 305-294-9501
Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY
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ABOUT THE FLORIDA KEYS & KEY WEST
The Florida Keys & Key West is a premier getaway destination located at the southernmost tip of Florida and the continental United States. The Keys stretch over 125 miles connected by 42 bridges and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf. Discover the spectacular array of diverse activities offered in the Florida Keys like fishing, diving, natural wonders, fine dining and cultural heritage. From large resorts, secluded waterfront hideaways and courtyard guest houses, visitors can uncover the perfect place for their vacation. Restoration, renovation and preservation have become a way of life in the Florida Keys. Whether you’re driving or flying into the Keys, one thing is for sure: there’s simply no place quite like it. Want more reasons to visit The Florida Keys & Key West? Get inspired at visitfloridakeys.com and follow us @thefloridakeys on social media.
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