Southernmost Beach Resort in Key West proudly reveals a $12.5 million renovation of The Guesthouses, transforming four Victorian homes into a modern, luxurious retreat that blends history with contemporary elegance.
KEY WEST, FLORIDA – Nestled in the sun-drenched tropical paradise of Key West, the award-winning Southernmost Beach Resort unveils its exquisite $12.5 million transformation of The Guesthouses. This luxurious retreat, comprised of four meticulously restored 19th century-styled Victorian homes – La Mer, Dewey, Avalon, and Duval Gardens – now stand as a beacon of modern elegance, intertwined with the rich historical tapestry and charm of the Florida Keys.
The Guesthouses, an adult-only sanctuary within the larger Southernmost Beach Resort, are the crowning achievement of the resort’s comprehensive transformation to an elevated destination experience in the heart of historic Key West. These architectural gems, each with a storied past, have been reimagined to offer the pinnacle of beach lodging. The meticulous renovation honors the homes’ original 19th-century Victorian-style architecture, blending timeless charm with contemporary sophistication.
Common space
Big Time Design Studios, a renowned Miami-based design firm, masterfully orchestrated the transformation. The design narrative weaves together the legacy of Key West with a refreshed luxury aesthetic. The newly introduced color palette draws inspiration from the Atlantic’s teal and aqua hues, complemented by warm coral accents echoing sun-kissed beaches. Brass elements, textured rugs, and patterned textiles fuse with traditional dark wood flooring, striking a harmonious balance between old-world charm and modern luxury.
Each guesthouse, overseen by its own innkeeper for its guests, offers a unique blend of a bed and breakfast’s intimate charm and a modern resort’s amenities and service. The interiors, adorned with works by local artists Ellen Begley and Marina Lounis, celebrate the whimsy and vibrant colors of Key West’s conch architecture. Historical and archival black-and-white photography of Key West graces the rooms, inviting guests on a nostalgic journey through the area’s rich heritage.
The shared spaces of The Guesthouses foster a sense of community and connection. Dewey Deck, located on the beachfront, and the newly added The Parlour at Avalon offer serene settings for socializing. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast and afternoon hors d’oeuvres at Dewey Deck, reminiscent of the original houses’ social traditions. The cozy bar at Avalon extends an inviting atmosphere, perfect for savoring an array of hand-crafted cocktails, a selection of local beers and wine.
Steeped in history, The Guesthouses have witnessed Key West’s evolution, from serving as one of the island’s first hospitals and a boys’ schoolhouse to a military stronghold during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Today, they offer guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the locale’s storied past, once walked by figures like Hemingway.
Duval Gardens pool.
Guests of The Guesthouses enjoy full access to Southernmost Beach Resort’s extensive amenities, including three pools, bars, a spa, retail spaces, a private beach, and the renowned Southernmost Beach Café.
In 2022 Southernmost Beach Resort completed an extensive renovation to its exterior façade, breezeways, and 243 guest rooms, preceded by a refurbishment of the resort’s lobby, Pineapple Pool and Bar, and the addition of an exterior patio at the signature Beach Café in 2021. The Guesthouses completes the renovations, now providing an entirely fresh and modern resort experience creating a harmonious blend of history and contemporary luxury.
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