La Hacienda in Key West

Looking as though it were plucked from the glossy pages of Spanish literature, La Hacienda is one of Key West's most distinctive two bedroom/two bath homes. Located on fashionable Southard Street in the heart of Old Town, the first thing you notice as you arrive is the textured stucco façade and the collection of large ceramic pots in various sizes and colors. The pottery, holding large-scale plantings, creates a unique front garden and lends an estate feeling to the elegantly tiled front porch. To the right is a private tropical garden and sculpture park ringed in a decorative wrought iron fence that extends the property all the way to the corner of Grinnell Street. What you can't yet see is just as engaging-the comfortably appointed living space, expansive deck, outside shower, sparkling pool, and hot tub.

Through the pool green shutters and front door, the living space is to the right. The living, dining, and hall areas are set off in polished hardwood flooring that complements the golden hue and texture of the vintage bamboo furnishings. Two comfy couches with colorful pillows, chairs, ottoman, TV, side tables, and coffee table all face each other conversation style and are centered on a fireplace. The focal point is a large and unique mirror above the mantle with a pool green ceramic frame in a gecko motif. The area is full of ambient light from the three-paneled front window and side windows. Of course there's cable, wireless high-speed Internet, stereo system, and a DVD player. This is the perfect space for reading, watching a movie, or enjoying family and friends.

Flowing in an open concept floor plan from the front room is the dining area. The center of this area is a bamboo dining set with glass top and six cushioned chairs. Two arm chairs occupy the corners near another three-paneled window that opens most of the wall to sunshine and outside views. As with all rooms of the home, the walls are adorned with interesting and colorful art work: European posters, water colors of local landmarks, and most interestingly, several paintings of La Hacienda itself.

From here the kitchen is conveniently accessible through a door to the left or through the hall to the right. The cooking area is compact and provides all the top-of-the-line amenities you'd need for preparing a simple lunch or a four-course meal. Appliances in stainless steel stand out against clean white walls, white counter tops, and plenty of white cabinets, while windows on the wall by the stove and another over the sink let in the glow of the tropical sun. Beyond the ideal place to prepare food, one end of the kitchen provides a table and chairs for casual inside eating. Sit here for your morning bagel and latte while you gaze out glass doors to the expansive deck and pool.

Or better still take breakfast outside to the total privacy of the back area ringed in palms. A small portion of the outside is covered but most opens to blue sky and puffy white clouds should some float over while you happen to be looking up. The spacious rectangular pool and separate in-ground hot tub complete the sense of a backyard paradise you won't soon forget. Take a swim in the heated pool or dip into the hot tub or just relax with a book in one of the chaise loungers. Maybe shower off under the open air shower. When you get hungry, you can barbeque some local fish or steak on the grill and eat it alfresco at either of the two tables and chairs provided. Make it an intimate dinner or share with guests. There's even plenty of room for a pool-side party.

By bedtime you can choose the front bedroom with twin beds, plenty of windows, and a generous closet. Or sleep in the master bedroom with queen bed, closet, dresser, bookcase, and en-suite full bath. Conveniently this bath can also open to the hallway. Or across the hall is another full bath. At one end, the master opens through glass doors to the deck and pool. If you need more beds, there's a pullout queen sleep sofa.

Once you've explored you accommodations and put on suntan lotion, it's time to explore your neighborhood and the rest of Key West. The Historic Seaport is only three streets over. Follow the boardwalk along the Gulf of Mexico to find historic tall ships offering day and sunset cruises or take an all-day ferry excursion to the Dry Tortugas. If you're interested in watersports, there's all kinds like diving, fishing, parasailing, snorkeling, and jet skiing. If you get hungry, a dozen or so restaurants of varying levels of informality ring the harbor. Maybe sit under a banyan tree filled with tiny white lights at Schooner Wharf while you eat a fresh Mahi sandwich and listen to local musicians. Continue on to Mallory Square where crowds of visitors and locals alike gather to witness the sun sinking into the horizon. Be sure to applaud as the last round edge of fiery orange disappears at the horizon. Then hang around for the party as artists and street performers entertain the crowd.

From Mallory Square, the famous Duval Street is within two blocks in case you're interested in tours, museums, shopping, over two hundred restaurants, bars, and the Key West Aquarium where you can pet a shark if you dare. If less intimidating animals seem more appealing, try the Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. If beaches call to you, there are two within easy biking distance.This home is Pet (Dog) Friendly**(please see below or our FAQ page for rules and restrictions)

To know what's going on from day to day, check out Historic Hideaways' informative Events page. Other sources for the current music scene, movies, plays, gallery openings, and charitable events include milezerokeywest.com and Paradise, a newspaper that comes out every Thursday and is available for free throughout town.

**For Pet Friendly (dog) homes there are restrictions that include, but may not be limited to, the following: pet friendly means dogs, no other animal is permitted. Dogs are restricted to one (1) large dog or two (2) small dogs per stay. Due to Homeowner Insurance restrictions we are unable to accommodate the following breeds: Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Presa Canarios, Chows Chows, Doberman Pinschers, Akitas, Wolf-hybrids, Mastiffs, Cane Corsos, Great Danes, Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies nor any mixed breed that contain one of the preceding as part of that mix. Guest is responsible for an additional pet fee of $200.
Amenities Include:
- Bed Size 1st/Master: Queen
- Bed Size 2nd Rm: Two Twins
- Beds Pull-out: Queen Sleep Sofa
- Number of Baths: 2 Full
- Parking: On Street
- Square Footage, Est.: 1,100
- Pool: Private Heated
- Spa: Yes - In Ground
- High Speed Internet: Wireless
- BBQ Grill: Gas
- Cable Television(s): Yes
- DVD Player(s): Yes
- Patio: Yes
- Ceiling Fans: Yes
- Stereo System: Yes
- Washer/Dryer: Yes
- Dishwasher: Yes
- Microwave: Yes
- Air Conditioned: Central
- Outdoor Shower: Yes
- Beach Distance: Biking
- Dog: w/ restrictions - see FAQs
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