Standing prominently in the sought-after Key West Historic Seaport Neighborhood, this iconic Designer Octagon House of Key West, makes a grand architectural statement. Often featured in notable publications with photos of its famous octagon shape front porches, the main structure of the house is in fact rectangular in shape with a multi-sided front. But it is the captivating five-sided front that distinguishes it from the many other remarkable centurion Victorian homes of Key West. Truly a home of fine distinction, it also has an eminent restoration history that began in 1976. Most recently in 2018, it received a sensational interior design makeover that brought it to current 5-Star Quality Resort Amenities standards.
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:
Often referred to as 'The Calvin Klein House,' in truth the iconic Designer Octagon House of Key West was an avant-garde preservation project accomplished by designer superstar Angelo Donghia during 1976 – 1978. Because of Donghia's stellar status in the design world, this single renovation project was transformative for Key West during the 1970's when creatives were beginning to turn neglected wooden centurion relics into elegant homes.
The recipient of many prestigious awards during his lifetime and posthumously, Angelo Donghia was one of America's most influential interior and furniture designers during the mid 1960's through the mid 1980's, with a celebrity client list with the likes of Ralph Lauren, Neil Simon, Diana Ross, Liza Minnelli, and elite projects such as the Metropolitan Opera House in New York and Omni International Hotels in Miami. His time spent in Miami in the 1970's peaked his interest in Key West where he could easily escape from the bustle of the city for respite on an island accepting of artistic individuality and alternative lifestyles. "It's a cross between Nantucket and Papeete, in Tahiti. It's not a prissy resort, like Nantucket, but there's some of Nantucket's old elegance mixed with Key West raunchiness."
"I'm a free spirit and a gambler," is how Donghia described himself in interview, and when he got to Key West in the 1970's he was taken with the hundreds of historic wooden houses and craftsmen who were beginning to restore them. When he found the unique octagon house on Eaton Street, it had been standing for over 90 years. Originally built in 1885 by Richard Peacon, the island's principle grocer at the time, it had fallen into serious decay during economic downturns. As one of his cousins shared with me, Donghia was somewhat reluctant to do the project because of the neglected state of house. But dreamer that he was, in 1976 he purchased it for $45,000, and spent two years restoring it. He turned it into a spectacular show piece putting his indelible signature on the southernmost city.
His approach to the eccentric octagon house had a casual point of view that highlighted renovation and preservation, and the décor reflected his own classic minimalist design style that earned him the nickname the "man with the gray flannel sofa." Using tailor's suiting fabrics, such as canvas, silk, linen and flannel, he 'dressed' the rooms much like a tailor. An often-published photo of the living room displays this famous style that would become permanently embraced in the interior design world – white bleached wooden walls and floors, sofa and chairs in simple white canvas coverings, rattan furniture set on a natural fiber rug. Donghia's renovation project was impeccable to the point where the house sold in 1981 to Calvin Klein for nearly $1 million – 15 times the original purchase and a record price at the time. Today we owe thanks to Angelo Donghia for saving this iconic home while raising the bar on historic home renovation in Key West.
Bedding Summary:
First Floor (Bedroom One) - 1 King size bed
Second Floor – (Bedroom Two) – 1 Queen size bed
Second Floor - (Bedroom Three) Master Bedroom – 1 King size bed
Second Floor – (Bedroom Four) - 1 Queen size bed
Amenities: Impeccable renovation with extraordinary designer decor. Expansive exotic back yard resort-style gardens, large swimming pool, outdoor back porch living room, mature tropical landscaping, expansive octagon verandahs, privacy fences. Fully equipped luxury kitchen, central a/c, 43-inch flat screen TV in living room, a 43-inch TV in the master bedroom, and 70-inch TV in the poolside pagoda. Full-size front-loading washer / dryer is set on the covered back porch, tropical style, hidden by a curtain. Linens and towels are provided. Catering can be arranged. Maid service can be scheduled.
Activities:Heart of Key West's designated Historic Seaport District. Walk to all old town features, no need for a car. Close to Duval St., close to Mallory Square Sunset Celebration,and a few short streets from Historic Seaport (remember it takes 3 to 4 Key West streets to equal the distance of a typical city block). Sailing, boating, diving, museums, nightlife. Conveniently located to Fausto's Food Palace for gourmet grocery shopping with excellent wine selection, sushi deli, and butcher. Close to shopping, art galleries, and a wide variety of outstanding restaurants and coffee shops. Close to the beach.
Area:This estate home is situated on famous Eaton Street, just one block from the docks of the Key West Historic Seaport. This tiny district is where the founding fathers and mothers built the first shipping docks and warehouses, restaurants and grand homes, including this one. Today these homes stand as one of the largest and most impressive collection of turn-of-the-century architecture in the U.S.A. Today this district includes famous waterfront restaurants and bars, retail stores, museums, fishing and sailing charters, a large variety of historic homes.
Parking:There is a bricked driveway to the left of the house as you face the front. There is room to park more than one car if you park end to end. Once you're here, park your vehicles and enjoy walking or biking everywhere—you'll see more that way.
Restrictions:30-day minimum stay. Ideal for families and groups to unite but is not suitable for staging loud parties. We do not accept guests less than 25 years of age unless accompanied by a family group or guardian. Smoke free house.No pets please.
Notes:This property is ideal for professionals, corporate groups, and executives who have discerning tastes looking for a spacious and luxurious accommodation.
