If you love old archtecture, plan to join in the Old Island Restoration Foundation Walking Tour on Feburary 17 and 18. Here's more on the tours from Keysnet.com.
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A century-old Bahamian conch cottage, a citadel house with lush gardens and world-class art, even a 1907 fire station complete with stone arches will be on display at the Old Island Restoration Foundation's Feb. 17-18 tours.
Five private residences and the restored firehouse are on tap, along with a bonus admission to GardenFest at Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden on Stock Island.
Tickets cost $25 and are available in advance. For credit card purchase, buy tickets online at www.oirf.org or call 305-294-9501.
Here's the lineup of homes. These are self-guided tours, so visitors can mix 'n match on both days. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
906 Southard Street
A sedate, beautifully restored "eyebrow" conch house sits guarded by large dogs - two sculpted; one real. The secret they protect will be found within: a renovation designed for full enjoyment of tropical weather. A dining porch augments a spacious country kitchen and a refreshing pool cools beneath palm trees; the bonsai collection offers a miniature landscape in a city garden. 8 Passover Lane
Travel down a narrow path to a fantasy tropical get-away. Once the humble abode of laborers and servants, this century-old Bahamian conch cottage has been completely transformed. This home offers an example of carefree "Keysy" living on a small but stylish scale. Owners enjoy a pool for relaxing under a leafy canopy. A restoration of an adjacent cottage next door gives visitors a peek at metamorphosis - a restoration-in-progress - that will be open for a walk-through. 727 Washington Street
Behind gates guarded by bronze lions lies a courtyard worthy of an eastern potentate. The name "Las Casitas" understates the artful arrangement of structures surrounding tiled pools and ponds designed by local firm, Bender & Associates. This home evokes both the Spanish influence on local culture as well as an opulent Florida style developed in recent decades, while fulfilling current-day lifestyle expectations and building code demands. This enclave has been the stage set for numerous fund-raisers and parties. 1717 George Street
Venture to an out-of the-way residential street. Shielded from beach-bound traffic by an intimidating wall, an airy contemporary citadel houses an extensive art collection. Inside, a quiet pool and lush garden greets the visitor. Climb a stairway to airy treetop living. The Gallery on Greene owner, Nance Frank, possesses selected works from local artist she has represented, as well as historic scenes created by WPA artist. 228 Julia Street
Through the portico, behind the garden wall, on the side of town not often seen by tourists lies a compound reminiscent of late 20th century Bohemian Key West. The century-old main house was moved here from another location after a 1970 fire cleared the lot. The guesthouse may also have been a transplant, although it seems to have grown on-site. A patina of artistic sensibility has imbued the space courtesy of past residents and the current owner/journalist, Connie Gilbert. Fire Station #3
Located on the corner of Grinnell and Virginia Streets, this firehouse is nearing completion as a museum, replete with antique fire-fighting equipment, including the pole. Back in its day, a horse-drawn, steam-powered pump charged to the site of conflagrations from behind Romanesque arches made of cast "stone." Firehouse caretakers will welcome a donation towards completing this historic restoration. Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden
Present an OIRF ticket at the gate to this garden on College Road for free entry to GardenFest, Feb. 18-19, The plant and art fair takes place on the grounds of the historic site, which opened in 1936 as part of a WPA plan to revitalize Key West's faltering economy through tourism.
Tickets are also available for purchase by check or cash at: Capital Bank, Old Town and North Roosevelt Branches in Key West; mile marker 30.4 on Big Pine; 2348 Overseas Hwy., Marathon; Audio Video in Paradise, 1124 Key Plaza; Royal Furniture, 3326 N. Roosevelt Blvd. and the Oldest House, 322 Duval St.
During tour hours, tickets will also be sold at the featured houses - cash or check only, no credit cards.
Source: http://www.keysnet.com/2012/02/10/420368/hidden-gems-abound-in-old-island.html