A Piece of Key West History – The Hemingway House

History is never boring in Key West! The colorful legends and characters of Key West make local history one of my favorite subjects. I never tire of visiting the home of Ernest Hemingway, which has been a national historic landmark since 1968.

When you visit the Hemingway home, you step back in time, and can feel the presence of this honored and respected American author. As you wander through the lush landscape surrounding the home, you are greeted by more than sixty cats. Some of these cats are descendants of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite pet, a cat with six toes given to him by a local sea captain.

Ernest Hemingway first visited Key West in the late 1920s and was immediately attracted to the world of big game sport fishing. His established routine was to avidly write in the mornings, and explore Key West in the afternoons. He finished his novel, A Farewell to Arms, during this first stay.

In 1931, Ernest and Pauline Hemingway moved to the home at 907 Whitehead Street. Here, Ernest lived and wrote for more than 10 years. He found solace and inspiration in the beautiful surroundings and turquoise waters. Hemingway’s studio was on the second floor of the original carriage house. The studio remains as he used it, with his Royal typewriter, Cuban cigar-maker's chair, and all of his various mementos in place.

One of my favorite stories about the Hemingway home involves the swimming pool. In fact, this pool was the first residential swimming pool built in Key West, and it is still the largest pool in Key West. Ernest planned the design of the pool, but was away working as a war correspondent in Spain during construction in the winter of 1937-38. Upon his return, the pool was completed; Pauline had overseen the construction. When Ernest learned that the cost was $20,000, he took a penny out of his pocket and put it into the wet cement of the patio and declared, “Here, take the last penny I’ve got.” The penny is still there.

Hemingway and his colorful friends were known as “The Key West Mob.” Many interesting residents of Key West were the inspiration for characters in his novel, To Have and Have Not, which was written about Key West during the Depression.

When in Key West, stop by for a visit to the Hemingway house. It is easy to see why Ernest Hemingway chose this beautiful location to write and enjoy life. Beauty and lifestyle are the perfect reasons for you to enjoy a home in Key West. I have some great options for you to consider – give me a call today, and we’ll get started. Margarita Villoch: 305-304-8505.