One of the highlights of our recent trip to Key West in Florida was a nosey around Ernest Hemingway’s beautiful home. As you might expect, all things Hemingway are big news in Key West and this stunning house is a main attraction. Tucked away behind a high brick wall, shrouded in palms and mature trees, this is where Hemingway spent 10 years of his prolific writing life.
Visiting the house was an absolute treat. We took advantage of one of the free tours and found ourselves educated and entertained by an extremely knowledgable and even more extremely enthusiastic guide who led us in and out of all the rooms which are open to the public. Full of anecdotes and stories, and an obvious love of Hemingway’s writings he managed to bring this house to life in such a way that I almost wouldn’t have looked twice if the great man himself had appeared, all sunburnt and perhaps a little worse for wear.
The kitchen, lounge, dining room, bedrooms and writing room are all open. Walls are adorned with pictures and memorabilia and there is so much to see and read that after the tour we found ourselves wandering around again, unaccompanied and unhindered. Despite the large number of visitors the house remains in pristine condition and still manages to feel peaceful and inviting.
This was one of my favourite views, the pen and notebook, the typewriter with paper in it. The chair slightly pulled out from the table as if he had just got up to get a drink and would return any moment.
Around 50 six toed cats all descendants of Ernest’s original cat Snow White are in residence here. As you can see from the picture below they are unfazed by the myriad of visitors and can be seen lolling around in sun and shade all over the house and gardens. They are very much part of the home and are all individually named and cared for.
I adored the verandas surrounding the upper floor. Cool and shady, shutters painted in green to match the lush tropical foilage. Long views across the gardens and down to the swimming pool. The perfect place to enjoy an early evening cocktail whilst watching the sun go down.
Such a beautiful home and so wonderfully preserved. I could quite easily see myself taking up residence with the cats, the books and of course the lovely pool to dip into when the heat became just a little too much.
Images 1, Hemmingwayhome.com; all others, changing pages
fascinating to see a home of such a great writer #farawayfiles
Author
Yes, I love visiting the homes of writer, and always come away inspired.
I visited a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the cats! Key West is such a unique island. #FarawayFiles
Author
Hi Amanda, yes its a unique place isn’t it. We had a great trip to Key West, loved the sunsets, snorkelling, dolphins and especially Hemingway’s House
How wonderful Angie, I would love to have been a fly on the wall in that house when Hemingway was alive. He’s one of my favourite writers of all time. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Author
Wouldn’t that have been great fun. The visit to his home certainly reignited my enjoyment of Hemingway, I had been to Cuba the year before and read The Old Man and The Sea. Cuba and the novel are now firm favourites!
I absolutely love this, Angie. How wonderful that the descendants of his cat are all still walking around here. I’d really like to got to Key West and visit Hemingway’s home. I’m surprised by how stylish and neat it all is – I would have expected a lot more mess, clutter and less tasteful objets d’art to be honest. Thanks for taking us on this tour for #FarawayFiles
Author
Hi Clare, Key West is lots of fun, a great place to go for some winter sun, thoroughly recommend it. I know what you mean about how stylish the home is, Hemingway does not give the impression of someone who lived an ordered life!
Oh – give me those tiles now! This looks a very interesting day out in Key West – a place that I am dying to get to! This west coast girl hasn’t been to Florida in a VERY long time! Thanks for sharing with #FarawayFiles, Erin
Author
Thanks Erin. I know aren’t those tiles fabulous. Hope you manage to get to Florida soon….