Designer Octagon House of Key West

Room	Count	Capacity	Details
bedrooms	4	sleeps 8	1 Queen Bed 1 King Bed 1 Queen Bed 1 King Bed
bathrooms	4

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 bedSecond Floor – (Bedroom Two) – 1 Queen size bedSecond Floor – (Bedroom Three) Master Bedroom – 1 King size bedSecond Floor – (Bedroom Four) – 1 Queen size bedAmenities: 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.

Attraction	Distance
Duval Street	4 min walk
Key West Aquarium	11 min walk
Mallory Square	12 min walk
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum	14 min walk
Southernmost Point	4 min drive

Restaurant	Distance
The Waterfront Brewery	5 min walk
Cuban Coffee Queen	5 min walk
Conch Republic Seafood Company	5 min walk
Willie T’s	7 min walk
Fogarty’s and Flying Monkey’s	6 min walk

Transportation	Details
Key West, FL (EYW-Key West Intl.)	Key West Intl.)

Does Designer Octagon House of Key West have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Designer Octagon House of Key West pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Designer Octagon House of Key West?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Designer Octagon House of Key West?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Designer Octagon House of Key West located?

Located in Key West Historic District, this holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of Donkey Milk House and Duval Street. Florida Keys Beaches and Mallory Square are also within 15 minutes.

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policyGovernment-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental chargesSpecial requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteedOn-site parties or group events are strictly prohibitedHost has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the tripHost has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the propertySafety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

Located by the sea, this holiday home is in Key West Historic District, a neighbourhood in Key West. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Florida Keys Beaches and South Beach. Sails To Rails Museum at Flagler Station and The Kite House are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.