Mermaid's Retreat - Key West, FL

Welcome to Julia Whitehead Guest Suites! Built in the 1890s on the site of what had been a small provisions and butcher shop, this charming building has a rich and captivating history. In the 1930s, while Hemingway was living a few houses down, it was home to a popular Cuban bodega. From the1980s through the turn of this century, potter Charles Pearson created ceramic masterpieces which are still collected today. If you keep a watchful eye, you will find some of his ceramic fish adorning buildings and homes in the neighborhood still.

Its current guardians have spent nearly a decade painstakingly bringing the building back to life, with three one-bedroom apartments, and hosting Dog Tired Studio gallery up front as the proud face of the building. Julia Whitehead, the patron mermaid of the building, has been keeping an eye over this landmark since she first surfaced here in the 1800s, and she invites you to come and live like a local, just steps from Duval, in the shadow of the lighthouse.

Here, at Mermaid’s Retreat, you’ll find a beautifully updated space, with colorful, eclectic decor and abundant natural light. Balconies off both the living room and bedroom upstairs are ideal for languid afternoons with a good book and some sweet tea, while the comfortable living room is a cozy hideout for a quiet evening spent watching TV or using the free WiFi to scroll social media. The full kitchen holds everything you need to whip up meals and snacks. When bedtime calls, head upstairs to drift off in your serene Key West sanctuary.

All three apartments in the building may be rented as Julia Whitehead Guest Suites to accommodate up to six guests.

THINGS TO KNOW

• A booklet inside the apartment features the full story of Julia Whitehead Guest Suites.

• No pets are allowed at this vacation rental.
• Parking notes: No parking available.
• Guest entry instructions: This rental utilizes an E-lock, a digital lock that requires a unique code to enter. This code is reset after each guest's stay.

City/town permit number: LIC2018-000312/LIC2018-000315

County permit number: 25230-136069

Please note: this home resides in a noise-sensitive area and the owners participate in our Good Neighbor protection program. Our smart home technology will alert our team if excessive decibel or occupancy levels are detected, allowing us to reach out directly with a reminder of maximum occupancy and quiet hours. This technology is privacy compliant, and only monitors the presence of decibels and devices-not any personal conversation or information. Thank you for supporting our efforts to be good neighbors!

You must be 25 years or older to rent this property.