December 27th & 28th, 2017, 3pm – 7pm

SURPRISE PACKAGES GREAT AND SMALL

Key West houses – from shotguns to mansions – are like holiday gifts:  delights can be found in packages of any size, shape or wrappings.  The Old Island Restoration Foundation presents five homes that are fine examples of surprises inside.  They are offered as the premier for the Home Tours’ 58th season.

The tour is scheduled for Wednesday & Thursday, December 27 and 28, from 3pm to 7pm.  Tickets are $30 in advance; $35 on tour days.  For credit card purchase, buy tickets online at www.oirf.org or call 305-294-9501.  Tickets are also available for purchase at the Oldest House (322 Duval Street).  During tour hours, tickets will be sold at the featured houses – cash or check, please.

FEATURED HOMES:

112 HUTCHINSON LANE*

Century-old shotgun houses are basic but sturdy. This one, like many others, was picked up and relocated.  Its still humble, albeit renovated, exterior is deceptive.  Behind the façade and cheerful Christmas decorations is found a just-completed, thoroughly 21st C. home. This major renovation and addition is also a tutorial on efficient space-utilization.

1209 JOHNSON STREET 

If it were not for the deep blue paint, you may not even notice this home wrapped in layers of tropical plants.  Rustic posts anchor a stairway to the raised entry point.  An airy c. 1980 pavilion home opens before you. Hidden behind is a 21st C. master suite addition; descend again to the pool and garden.

618 CATHOLIC LANE*

Off the Angela Street side of the cemetery, take the dead-end lane to an exotic carved gate. It shields a tropical garden graced with “treasures” from near and far.   A 19th C. Bahamian cottage (or is it two or three moved together?) seems to have been transported to SE Asia, but it retaines its quirky Key West character both inside and out.

610 GRIFFIN LANE*

A narrow lane shoots off Southard near Grinnell. On an interior lot, tucked aside the lane’s end, a renovated cottage is swathed in flower beds and holiday decorations. The kaleidoscope of colors and textures repeats in the decor, enlivening the modern white interior, and back out the home’s many doors.  The guest house is an extra gift.

511 CAROLINE STREET, CURRY MANSION

Decked out for the holidays, this late Victorian confection beckons you to ascend an imposing stairway to the broad porch.  You may continue upward all the way to the widow’s walk if you are energetic.  An astoundingly well-preserved interior features carved paneling and a collection of period antiques, as well as a Hemingway Room.  You are welcome to linger awhile in the past…and enjoy some refreshments.

You are welcome to split your visits over two days and see the homes in any order. The complete tour circuit is about 4 miles and is suitable for bikes as a transportation option.  *Please do not drive cars down the narrow, dead-end lanes.

Mark your 2018 calendar for these OIRF Events:

• January House Tour:  Friday, 12th & Saturday, 13th 3pm-7pm.
• February House Tour:  Friday, 16th & Saturday, 17th 10am-4pm.
• March House Tour:  Friday, 16th & Saturday, 17th 10am-4pm.

This season is dedicated to the memory of Joan Cornell.  Joan and her husband “Woody” were invaluable organizers of the Home Tours and supporters of OIRF for many years.

Also:  Saturday, March 3rd at Noon:  Conch Shell Blowing Contest

OIRF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of architectural treasures in the City of Key West and the celebration, honor, and recognition of the historical achievements of the Island.  Funds raised from the tours will be used to maintain the Oldest House, for the Foundation’s grants program, scholarships and other endeavors furthering our preservation goals.

OIRF welcomes new volunteer docents and nomination of houses for our annual events.  Visit www.oirf.org to volunteer or for more information.