Historic Old Town home with three apartments, balcony, & lighthouse view
Welcome to Julia Whitehead Guest Suites! Built in the 1890s on the site of what had been a small provisions and butcher shop, this charming building has a rich and captivating history. In the 1930s, while Hemingway was living a few houses down, it was home to a popular Cuban bodega. From the 1980s through the turn of this century, potter Charles Pearson created ceramic masterpieces which are still collected today. If you keep a watchful eye, you will find some of his ceramic fish adorning buildings and homes in the neighborhood still.
Its current guardians have spent nearly a decade painstakingly bringing the building back to life, with Dog Tired Studio gallery up front as the proud face of the building. Julia Whitehead, the patron mermaid of the building, has been keeping an eye over this landmark since she first surfaced here in the 1800s, and she invites you to come and live like a local, just steps from Duval, in the shadow of the lighthouse.
Made up of three individual one-bedroom apartments, the suites are the perfect choice for several couples or families traveling together. Each of the three features a full, modern kitchen, AC splits, TV, and free WiFi.
At charming Coral Cove, you'll find an updated, modern space with colorful, beachy decor and a cozy bistro table on your enclosed patio. In the upstairs Seagrass Suite, enjoy peaceful mornings with coffee on your private balcony, with a view of the Key West Lighthouse. Interior space combines modern updates with antique accent pieces, eclectic art, and cheerful pops of color.
Finally, at Mermaid's Retreat, you'll find a beautifully updated space, with colorful, eclectic decor and abundant natural light. Balconies off both the living room and bedroom upstairs are ideal for languid afternoons with a good book and some sweet tea. When bedtime calls, three serene sanctuaries offer a restful night's sleep. It's time to make that Key West getaway a reality at Julia Whitehead Guest Suites - all that's left to do is book.
THINGS TO KNOW A booklet inside the apartment features the full story of Julia Whitehead Guest Suites. There is no parking available at this property.
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Key West
Located by the sea, this holiday home is in Old Town Key West, a neighbourhood in Key West. Southernmost Point and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Florida Keys Beaches and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory and MLK Community Pool & Community Center are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and ecotours nearby.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
South Beach - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
Southernmost Point - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
Getting around
Key West, FL (EYW-Key West Intl.) - 12 min drive
Restaurants
Circle K - 3 min walk
Old Town Tavern - 3 min walk
Moondog Cafe & Bakery - 3 min walk
Cuban Coffee Queen (Duval) - 4 min walk
Rams Head Southernmost - 4 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Historic Old Town home with three apartments, balcony, & lighthouse view pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Historic Old Town home with three apartments, balcony, & lighthouse view?
As of 31 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Historic Old Town home with three apartments, balcony, & lighthouse view on 16 July 2026 start from AU$835, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What time is check-in at Historic Old Town home with three apartments, balcony, & lighthouse view?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Historic Old Town home with three apartments, balcony, & lighthouse view?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Historic Old Town home with three apartments, balcony, & lighthouse view located?
Located in Old Town Key West, this holiday home is steps away from Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum, Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Florida Keys Beaches and Southernmost Point are also within 10 minutes.
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
My husband and I stayed with our two, young adult sons for a weekend in July 2025. Having the 3 separate apartments allowed us to have our own space in the same locale. Each apartment was cute and comfortable and one block off Duvall near the quieter end. Would definitely stay here again - thank you!
Kathy E.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Ryan I.
13 Dec 2023
Great Place for a Group
Great place if you are renting all 3 apartments. Stairs lead up to two doors that split into two separate apartments. All apartments are very nice and new amenities. The free coffee and tolietres was so nice to have with staying from out of town.
Ryan I.
Verified
6/10 Okay
Melissa D.
5 Apr 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in, communication
Location
The check in process was painful and if Vacassa next door wasnt there im notnsure we would have been able to get in. Basically there are 5 codes and we got one snd it wasnt even to thr gate to get in. Location is great! Its clean. The three living rooms are seperate, so not a shared space.
Melissa D.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Apr 2024
Hi, Melissa, thank you for your review. We appreciate you taking the time to provide us with your valuable feedback.
We're sorry for the unexpected delay in getting you checked in and for the miscommunication. We hope that after the proper code has been issued, the remainder of your trip unfolds with ease. We hope for the opportunity to host you again in the future!