I am an art critic with the Village Voice Media’s Miami New Times and my girlfriend is an attorney who were eager to plan a vacation away from the hectic pace and vagaries of life in Miami. At the Key-ver House on Summerland Key we discovered an unspoiled slice of Eden with an abundance of natural wildlife, soul-enriching serenity and spectacular fishing. Let’s begin by saying that the owners’ Bud and Grace were both generous and hospitable taking the time to orient us about the surrounding area and all the activities available to visitors. The house itself was spacious, with a private beach and boasted panoramic windows overlooking the ocean that doubled as one’s personal theatrical stage featuring stunning sunrises and frolicking pods of porpoises and the occasional sea tortoise. The house comes well-appointed with every conceivable home amenity, including a gourmet-friendly kitchen, cooking hardware and appliances. The bedrooms are comfortable and all the rooms decorated in understated tropical, Keys fashion. Located between Marathon and Key West---a short 25-minute drive in either direction—Key-ver House is close to some of the finest restaurants in the region and just minutes away from Bahia Honda recognized as one of the top ten beaches in America. The house also comes with a pair of kayaks and bikes to make exploring the area an adventure. We love fishing. So when Bud offered us his nautical maps and shared tips on nearby snapper honey holes to dip our lines in we were enthusiastic. Let’s just say that a short kayak ride from the backyard to the nearby Crab Key provided us with our daily limit of twenty snappers each time we visited. The ridiculously gorgeous spot made for some great meals not to mention fish stories that have left friends and relatives green with envy. Not only did Bud and Grace make us feel at home upon arriving, but the house itself was homey and comfortable in every way imaginable. Before we forget, we have to mention that the Key-ver House is pet friendly and our three girls—a teacup poodle, a dachshund and a Chihuahua had the best time of their lives there, romping in the surf, sniffing out crabs in their holes and chasing iguanas. The place is even fronted by a private canal to park your boat and houses some of the fattest snapper we bagged during our vacation. I can’t think of a better place to relax and unwind, uplift your spirit or communicate with nature. This quiet, waterside retreat fit what we were hoping for flawlessl