Tropical Utopia comprises the second story of a quintessential conch home, set back from the street and shaded by gardens and mature trees in a quiet, upscale, gated enclave of six historic Old Key West vacation rentals. The sunlight-yellow exterior blends Caribbean and Victorian influences: crisp white trim, decorative railings, restored original woodwork, and Bahamian shutters.
Climb the exterior staircase to this slice of heaven in the tropical treetops. Sip Cafe Cubano or fresh-squeezed citrus juice on the dreamy balcony as Caribbean breezes rustle palm fronds. You’ll love the charming gingerbread woodworking, the exposed whitewashed rafters, and aqua porch ceilings. Enjoy an evening cocktail on this balcony when nights are fragrant with jasmine and frangipani. Stargaze up at the Southern Cross.
Prepare a home-cooked meal in the modern kitchen. The dining table seats four. Relax on the living room sofa, stream your favorite movies, or watch cable TV. Relax poolside with a Margarita. The central common area, with a pool, picnic tables, and gas grill, is shared by guests of this upscale, gated enclave of six, historic, Old Key West vacation rentals. There’s also a shared laundry area with commercial washers & dryers.
Stroll to great seafood, fine dining, beaches, and iconic attractions like the KW Butterfly & Nature Museum, Southernmost Point, Higgs Beach, and West Martello Tower. Street parking is available. Tropical Utopia is ideal for families, couples, and snowbirds. The home has an all-new water filtration system.
Living:
The bright living space has original heart pine wood paneling, which imbues a rustic island vibe. Relax on the plush sofa to socialize, read, or stream your favorite shows on the wall-mounted SmartTV with Roku. The earthy color palate of driftwood, seagrass, and dune has vibrant splashes of primary colors with fun handpainted furniture and original local art. The living space has a glass-pane door that opens to the breezy balcony.
Kitchen/Dining:
Just off the living room is a modern galley kitchen with sage-green walls, sleek black granite counters, white cabinets, and white modern appliances, including a glass-top stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, full-size fridge, and farmhouse sink. Prepare a tropical feast after a day at the beach! The dining table seats four.
Bedrooms/Baths:
Tropical Utopia has two queen bedrooms and one bathroom. Both air-conditioned bedrooms have nightstands, reading lamps, large windows, ceiling fans, and rattan-style bureaus and furnishings. The bedrooms share a jack-and-jill bathroom. The sage-green bathroom has a custom-tile walk-in shower and an oversized single-sink granite vanity. The bathroom has a large closet, a rain shower head, towels, toiletries, and a hair dryer.
Outdoor Amenities:
A tall exterior fence, lush gardens, mature trees, and gardens provide privacy, security, and a peaceful, tropical ambiance. Enjoy a private treetop balcony with Adirondack chairs and coffee tables. Relax here after a day of sightseeing.
The front garden of Tropical Hideaway features a vibrant, original metal sculpture by John Martini, an internationally renowned artist who resides in Key West. The sculpture is titled “Breton’s Ballet.” Martini’s sculptures are shown in galleries and museums in New Mexico, Paris, and Italy, as well as in Lucky Street Gallery in Key West. Bold, electric colors characterize Martini’s work, which he creates by cutting metal with torches. These torches leave burn marks that are a hallmark of his sculptures.
A garden courtyard and whitewashed fence buffer your private hideaway from a central common area. Cool off in the sparkling blue swimming pool, or doze poolside on a cushioned lounge chair. This swimming pool will delight families, children, the very young, and the young at heart. The pool-side deck features a gas grill and two wrought-iron picnic tables with seating for eight or more. Gather for an afternoon cookout in paradise! Mature palms, mango trees, and vibrant bougainvillea shade the pool deck.
Since laundry never sleeps (even when you're on vacation), the common area offers a laundry shed with two commercial washers and two commercial dryers.
Discover the ultimate amenity: stroll just two blocks to Higgs Beach. Dip your toes in the emerald ocean. Collect seashells and savor serene Caribbean sunsets in pink, violet, and gold hues. Park your car in shaded street parking spots along the side streets. Stroll or bike to attractions.
The Neighborhood:
Tropical Utopia’s proximity to the Casa Marina Hotel and the beautiful beaches adds to the appeal, making it a perfect blend of history, culture, and coastal living. Picturesque south island streets are lined with beautifully preserved Conch-style homes, each exuding character and charm. Lush, tropical landscaping adds to the serene atmosphere, making every walk or bike ride a delightful experience.
A car is not necessary on the island. Make the green choice. Park in shaded spots along the side streets and enjoy the island on foot, by bicycle, scooter, trolley, or bus. The island trolley stop is one block away. The Duval Loop City bus stop is four blocks away.
Stroll .07 miles to The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of America's greatest writers. Enjoy the diverse culinary scene with various restaurants, cafes, and bars offering everything from fresh seafood to classic Cuban cuisine. Local favorites such as Blue Heaven, Louie’s Backyard, and Sloppy Joe’s are within easy reach, providing unforgettable dining experiences.
Don't miss the chance to explore West Martello Tower during your stay! Just a 10-minute walk or a quick 3-minute bike ride from Tropical Utopia, this hidden gem is a tropical garden paradise on a historic Civil War fort site. The gardens, maintained by the Key West Garden Club, are open to the public.
Higgs Beach, approximately 0.5 miles (a 10-minute walk or a 3-minute bike ride), is the closest beach to Tropical Utopia. Enjoy crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming or snorkeling. The nearby White Street Pier offers panoramic sea views and excellent fishing opportunities.
Approximately 1.5 miles away, Smathers Beach is Key West’s largest public beach. This two-mile stretch of sugary sand is ideal for sunbathing, beach volleyball, and water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach, approximately 2 miles away, offers natural beauty and historical intrigue. Visitors and locals gather here and at Mallory Square to celebrate each and every exquisite island sunset.
Seeking family-friendly activities or rainy-day excursions? Check out the Key West Aquarium, the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, The Shipwreck Treasure Museum, and the Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters Museum. Nightlife and live music abound in Key West! Take in a show at the Tropic Cinema. Catch a live band at the Green Parrot.
