“New houses in Old Town; Old Houses in New Town: ride the Conch Train to see a selection of post-Historic private homes. Two of the stops are private residences of OIRF Board members.

Tour at your own pace over two dates, or ride the Conch Train and see them in one evening. The tour is scheduled for Friday & Saturday, January 15 & 16, from 4pm to 8pm. Tickets including transportation on the Conch Train are $35 available in advance. Due to distance between houses, riding on the Conch Train is highly recommended. Please reserve a train seat online at oirf.org or by calling 305-294-9501. Choose a starting time of 3:45, 4:15, 4:45, 5:15 or 5:45pm and plan on arriving at the Oldest House 20 minutes before departure time.

Featured addresses:

1316 Villa Mill Lane – A few decades ago, some homes sprung up down an unnamed alleyway behind a commercial building on United. Through division and addition, the metamorphosis of one house was complete. A guest house spread its wings to become a stunning contemporary Mediterranean courtyard residence behind a deceptively modest exterior. Direct access to outdoor living defines this home.

1014 Catherine Street – What appears to be a typical Greek Revival cottage occupies a corner in an 1880’s neighborhood dominated by a large cigar manufacturing building. But looks deceive. This is a 2006 reproduction. Even the interior could be mistaken for a renovated historic house. The traditional yet casual décor completes the illusion.

4125 Eagle Ave. – Look for this grand Spanish Colonial Revival with its stucco walls and terra cotta barrel tiled roof hiding in the 3800 block. It was constructed and numbered c. 1926 – one of only a handful of homes that stood at this far end of the island before WWII. Its welcoming loggia fronts a homestead that has aged gracefully.

3720 Duck Ave. – Pink is an iconic South Florida hue: an appropriate accent color for this 1953 home; emblematic of Key West post-WWII “suburban” development. Taking advantage of a sprawling lot, the mid-century modern home was expanded and reconfigured over the years but still had plenty of room for a hotel-sized pool. Current owners have carefully retained and restored defining architectural features while leaving their creative marks.

3713 Pearlman Terrace (not Court) – Thoroughly modern is the only way to describe this 1980’s version of a mid-Century rambler. Having an extensive art collection and cooling pool may be more common in this town than having a garage and carport. Shelter for collectable cars and glass brick effectively piercing concrete walls were the two features that sealed-the-deal for the current owner.

Non-train tickets are also available in advance for $30; $35 day of tour. For credit card purchase, buy tickets online at www.oirf.org or call 305-294-9501. Tickets are also available for purchase at: Capital Bank, (Old Town & North Roosevelt Branches in Key West; MM30.4, Big Pine; 2348 Overseas Highway, Marathon); Royal Furniture (3326 N. Roosevelt Blvd.), and the Oldest House (322 Duval Street). During tour hours, tickets will be sold at the featured houses – cash or check, please.

OIRF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Funds raised are used to maintain the Oldest House, awarded as scholarships to local students, and granted to support preservation efforts by other local non-profits and individuals.