11 Mar Well Worth The Visit – Key West Oldest House
Typically I’d invite you to my Key West open houses in hopes of a sale, but there is one open house that I encourage you to visit here that is not for sale. When you are on our island, be sure and stop by 322 Duval Street to visit the oldest house in the Keys and Southern Florida.
Now called the “Oldest House Museum,” the home was originally built in 1829 by Richard Cussans who came to Key West from Nassau. Key West had been part of the United States for only 8 years through the treaty with Spain that gave East Florida and the Keys to the United States. Cussans was one of the first immigrants who came to our island after Commodore Porter and his fleet finally rid Key West of a band of pirates who had terrorized the Keys for several years.
In 1829 the home was actually located on Whitehead Street near Caroline because there was no Duval Street at that time. It was moved to the present location in 1832. Richard Cussans was a merchant and ship’s carpenter, and the home’s quality construction reflects maritime features. A ship’s hatch was cut into the master bedroom to open for fresh air. The horizontal boards of the walls were made from Dade County Pine which is now extinct. We locals refer to the house style as a New England Bahama House. I’m told that the official architectural description is “Classic Revival five-bay center hall plan!”
A well-known Key West sea captain and wrecker, Francis Watlington, bought the house in 1834 and lived there with his wife and seven daughters. You will see their photo in the hallway when you enter the home – -I don’t think their stern looks reflect the Key West culture of today! However, the home was a social center in the heart of Key West while the Watlingtons lived there. Captain Watlington first worked as a coastal pilot and wrecker. Next he served as a customs inspector and later captain of his own schooner the Activa. He also served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives.
Today the Oldest House is open to the public and I highly recommend a visit when in Key West! Not only can you see the home and its historical furnishings and artwork, but throughout the home are ship models, artifacts, and documents showing the maritime history of the area.
There is a beautiful garden outside the home where you can sit, relax, and enjoy the Cuban mamoncillo trees, banana trees, and oleander bushes. You’ll also see the cook house which is a separate building. The cook house was kept apart from the main house because of the fear of fire from the open fireplace. It contains a “beehive oven” which is one of only two left intact in all of Florida.
When the last member of the Watlington family to live in the home died in 1972, I am grateful that the home was purchased and deeded to the Historic Key West Preservation Board. In 1975 the Board arranged to have the Old Island Restoration Foundation restore the home and open it to the public. We are fortunate to have this wonderful piece of history intact and available to enjoy.
I hope you’ll accept my invitation to attend the free open house at the Oldest House! This is also a perfect time to explore options for your own Key West house. Give me a call today. Margarita Villoch: 305-304-8505.
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