The Oldest House

The Oldest House in Key West is an historic site operated by the Old Island Restoration Foundation. It was originally the home of a sea captain and wrecker and is the oldest home in Key West. Today, the museum features historic wrecking documents, fine antiques, ship models and paintings with maritime scenes. The house is located at 322 Duval Street. It is a unique Key West home because it is one and half stories and features a pitched roof for three dormers of varying sizes. The galleried porches are deep set and located at both the front and rear of the home. The interior of the home is just as unique as the exterior and the downstairs hallway divides the four first floor rooms into equal parts. It is more like an eighteenth or nineteenth century Gulf Coast cottage from Pensacola than it is a classical Revival style house, the type that is more common in Key West. There is also a detached kitchen near the rear entry that still has its original Bee Hive oven. This is the last one in existence in Florida. The home is open everyday from 10 am until 4 pm except Sunday and Wednesday. Both the home and garden are free to tour. There are guides and docents on staff that will provide historical information and answer questions tourists have about the home.