February 2007
Rating : 10 out of 10
Tariff : Admission for 6
Location
This fantastic property right in the heart of Key West on nearly an acre lot was once the home of Ernest Hemingway and one of his 4 wives for almost 10 years. That period is said to be the time of his most prolific writing and visitors can see his writing studio, which is separate from the house in what was once the carriage house. The house is a lovely, square, two story building with high ceilings, tall windows, and porches upstairs and down. It was originally built by Asa Tift in 1851. In 1968 it was dedicated as a National Historic Landmark. It is furnished with much of Hemingway's actual furniture but the walls have since been covered in additional art and photographs. (The website offers some photos and much information about the individual contents of the home.) The gardens are lush with tropical foliage, a front lawn area, and winding brick pathways. Additionally a brick wall borders the estate. There is a beautiful swimming pool (with a good story behind it, I might add!), and nearby is a small gift and book store for tourists.
Tour & Guide
Our guide was a knowledgeable man with a dry sense of humor and lots of tales to tell about the home and its furnishings, the numerous cat residents, as well as Hemingway's life and four wives. We all immensely enjoyed his relaxed but informative tour. Afterward we were free to roam the house and gardens at our leisure.
The Cats
The second most famous residents of the estate, numbering between 50 and 60, the Hemingway cats have free roam of the place, including the master bed! Visitors snapped pictures of Archibald, a large orange and white cat, cleaning himself nonchalantly in the center of the bed, which was cordoned off to protect it from humans. (Photos of the cats appear on the web site.) The cats have feeding stations, litter boxes, and little houses to afford them privacy from the tourists if need be. They have caretakers and a veterinarian. They generally lounge, sleep, and stalk the entire property. Along one pathway we lifted up a large tropical leaf only to find two cats curled up sleeping underneath it. When one visitor asked if they ever try to leave the estate grounds, the guide wryly remarked, "Would you?" Some, but not all, of these cats are called polydactyl, which means they have extra toes. Their paws appear mitten shaped due to the extra toe or toes. These are believed to be descended from a cat given to Hemingway by a ship's captain.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
907 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
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