An Author’s Florida Home - Hemingway House, Key West

The home the Hemingways acquired was built in 1851, in the Spanish Colonial style, and it was the first house in Key West to have indoor plumbing. The home was in real bad shape, but both Ernest and his wife, Pauline could see beyond the rubble and ruin and appreciated the grand architecture and stateliness of the home. The restoration and remodeling took place in the early 1930’s and the couple lived in the house until 1939. This is where he wrote classics including ‘For Whom The Bell Tolls’ and ‘To Have And Have Not’. The couple divorced in 1940 and Hemingway moved to a home in Cuba with his third wife, Martha Gellhorn. He continued to visit Key West during the 40’s and 50’s until death in 1961. Throughout the years, Key West has been home to many writers and artists, but none whose presence and influence is as profound as Ernest Hemingway’s.

Here is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

Originally, there was a catwalk between the second floor of the main house and Hemmingway’s second floor studio.

A visible and living link to the past are the descendants of Hemingway’s cats. The story goes that Hemingway met a sea captain who owned an unusual six-toed tomcat, which Ernest liked. The captain gave the cat to Hemingway when he left Key West. Today many of the cats that inhabit the grounds still possess the unusual six toes.

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Beautiful lighting in the entrance hall

Memorabilia in the dining room

What the docent called the 'wife wall' in the dining room

The dining room

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The kitchen

Even the cats have cocktail glasses

First floor bathroom

The living room

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On the second floor landing

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In the master bedroom

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Second floor bathroom designed by Pauline Pheiffer in 1931.

This is the location where the catwalk connected to the studio.

The second floor wraparound patio

The house exterior from the grounds

The grounds

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One of many cat houses on the grounds.

Part of this unusual fountain was one of the bar’s urinals gifted from the owner of Sloppy Joe’s when it moved locations. The story goes that Hemingway said he spent enough money there, that he should own a part of it. Pauline made the best of the situation and the fountain / cat watering spot was created.

This cat house is a replica of the Hemingway home.

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The pool was built in 1937-38 at the staggering cost of $20,000. It was the first in-ground pool in Key West, and the only pool within 100 miles. The exorbitant construction costs once prompted Hemingway to take a penny from his pocket, press it into the wet cement of the surrounding patio, and announce jokingly, “Here, take the last penny I’ve got!”. The penny can still be seen embedded between flagstones at the north end of the pool.

Embedded in the concrete by the pool is this 1934 penny.

Ernest’s presence can still be felt here, in his studio where he produced some of his most well-known works.

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Inside the writer’s second floor studio

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What you should know:

• Restrooms are available.

• There is no dedicated parking. On the street parking or parking lot options are available. Be sure to check posted parking regulations signs.

• You could spend a few hours here depending on your level of interest.

• Tickets can be purchased on site.

• Check website for days and hours or operation, and any special events.

• Admission includes guided house and self-guided grounds and gardens tours.

Location: 907 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040

For more information: Hemingway House