In 1931 Ernest Hemingway and his wife, Pauline, moved to their home at 907 Whitehead Street. Here, Ernest lived and wrote for more than 10 years. The Ernest Hemingway home has been a National Historic Landmark since 1968.
Just like locals today, Hemingway found solace and inspiration in the beautiful surroundings and turquoise waters. His studio was on the second floor of the original carriage house, and today the studio remains as he used it. His Royal typewriter, Cuban cigar-maker's chair, and all of his various mementos remain in place. Ernest wrote several novels and short stories in this studio including Death in the Afternoon, Green Hills of Africa, For Whom The Bell Tolls, “The Snows of Kilimanjaro" and "The Short, Happy Life of Francis Macomber."
During Hemingway’s stay in Key West, a local sea captain gave him a cat. This favorite pet of Ernest’s had six toes and today when visitors roam the beautiful grounds of the Hemingway House, they are greeted by many six-toed descendants of this original pet.
Ernest Hemingway’s swimming pool, built in the winter of 1937-38, still retains the distinction of being the largest pool in Key West. This well-known swimming pool was the first residential pool built in Key West. The story of the pool is a favorite told at the Hemingway house. Ernest planned the design of the pool, but was away working as a war correspondent in Spain during construction in the winter of 1937-38. Pauline had overseen the construction and when Ernest returned home, the pool was completed. Upon learning that the cost of the pool was $20,000, Ernest took a penny out of his pocket and put it into the wet cement of the patio and declared, “Here, take the last penny I’ve got.” The penny is still there.
Many interesting residents of Key West were the inspiration for characters in Hemingway’s novel, To Have and Have Not, which was written about Key West during the Depression. In fact, Hemingway and his colorful friends were known as “The Key West Mob”.
It is easy to see why Ernest Hemingway chose beautiful Key West as his favorite location to write and enjoy life. I have some great options for you to consider for the very same reasons! Give me a call today. Jimmy Lane: 305-766-0585