Over 150 years ago, Key West was the future. In the mid 1800’s clipper ships from Europe and the Caribbean carved a trusted path of international commerce to the Key West seaport, and the island flourished in the Golden Age of Sail. With opportunistic wreckers and treacherous pirates in the wake of the fleets, pre-Civil War Fort Zachary Taylor military complex was built at the mouth of the harbor for protection.
During those times, who could imagine that Fort Zachary Taylor would become todays’ Historic State Park, where 46 acres would be developed into the luxurious gated waterfront neighborhood of Truman Annex, Key West? And who would expect to find the fabulous Key West Amphitheater perched right there at the ocean's edge? Certainly not the 1800’s professional architect Robert Mills, who was commissioned to design the original building where we find the Truman Treasure vacation rental. Built in 1845, as the Marine Hospital building, the historic structure would be architecturally transformed into an impressive landmark complex. It is here we begin our story about this unique luxury Key West vacation rental.
A bit of history. Key West is a tiny island with such a rich history, and it’s fascinating to learn that Robert Mills was not only the first native born U.S. architect, he was the same esteemed designer who engineered the Smithsonian Institute and the Washington Monument! To his credit, the U.S. Department of Interior included the building on the National Registry of Historic Places. Now known as ‘Mills Place,’ in his honor, the complex is still sometimes called the ‘Old Hospital Building.’
Mills Place wasn’t built-out as a residential complex until the mid 1990’s, when the Truman Annex neighborhood was developed. There are a few of us Key Wester’s who remember admiring and exploring the shell of the original structures before they were thoughtfully redesigned following federal and local historic restoration guidelines. With a special façade and impressive roof line, all the ‘bones’ were there for unique upscale homes. The contemporary architects did a masterful job refitting the historic structures and creating the Mills Place residences with high ceilings, custom windows and doors, decks, and surrounding them with stately landscaping that includes a large heated swimming pool. We can only wonder what Robert Mills, our nation’s first born architect, would think about the adaptive restoration of his Key West creation.
Interior Layout and design:
First Floor: The home has two entrances. The main entrance is through a manicured garden pathway leading to the front porch, and the back entrance is off the wooden deck and garden adjoining the kitchen. We begin our tour at the front door leading directly into the beautifully decorated open concept living room, dining area, and upscale U-shape kitchen bar.
The elegant kitchen is finished with white bead board cabinetry trimmed with crown molding that nearly reaches the ceiling. Top quality stainless steel appliances and gray granite counter tops make a clean-line space for cooking family favorites and serving up cocktails. A beautiful wooden dining table is conveniently situated between the kitchen and living area. However, al fresco dining and grilling is one of the nicest features of living in the tropics, and if this is part of your vacation plans there is a dining deck and BBQ grill adjoining the kitchen through a set of double French doors. The washer/dryer is conveniently hidden in a laundry closet tucked neatly under the stair case between the kitchen and living room area.
The interior designer took full advantage of every inch of space on the first floor, adding custom crafted plantation shutters throughout, to enhance the grand feeling of the room, and then painted it in soft tones of green and yellow. Semi-formal cane and wicker furnishings with tropical print fabrics and white canvas, set an upscale Caribbean mood. The entire first floor is tiled with terracotta throughout.
The first floor also has one guest bedroom and a half-bath. Situated to the left of the front entrance as you enter the house, bedroom one and the half-bath are located on the other side of the living room wall where you see the sofa in our slide show. Decorated with soft tropical colors and wood and cane furnishings, this bedroom provides a queen size bed and large wall mounted flat screen TV with sound bar.
Second Floor: There are two more bedrooms located upstairs, accessed by the curved switch-back style staircase accessed at the front entrance. Both bedrooms offer full en-suite bathrooms and both provide large windows that invite in the light. Both bedrooms are painted in soft sunshine yellow, furnished in island wood and wicker furniture, plantation shutters, and hardwood floors. Another nice feature offered in each upstairs bedroom is an exterior door that leads to a balcony, perfect for stepping out to stargaze, take in the sensual fragrance of the tropical dawn, and catch a glimpse of mother ocean.
At top of the stairs, toward the front of the house, is bedroom two. Furnished with two beds, one is full size and the other one twin size. Above the wood and wicker dresser, there is a large flat screen TV mounted on the wall. Another custom feature, is the large walk-in tiled shower in the en-suite bathroom, decorated in vibrant Caribbean blue inspired by the ocean.
Across the hall, we find the more spacious master suite, identified in our slide show with the playful ‘Surrender The Booty’ pirate artwork above the queen size bed. There’s plenty to treasure in this space, with an in-room refrigerator, computer desk in addition to the large flat screen TV with sound bar. The en-suite master bath provides two sinks, set in black granite tile counter and back splash. A large walk in shower, and pretty chrome bath fixtures create a luxurious feel.
Grounds: The private resort-style swimming pool for the Mills Place complex is steps away, around the corner and down a long pathway shown in our slideshow. The poolside garden setting is immaculate, beautifully landscaped and set with lounge chairs for sunning and a table and umbrella for relaxing in the shade.
Bedding Summary:
Amenities: Heated resort-style swimming pool, perfectly manicured tropical landscaping, private porch, BBQ Grill, fully fenced, fully equipped kitchen. Central A/C, washer / dryer, flat screen TV's in the great room and each bedroom, WiFi, C/D player and stereo. Linens and towels are provided.
Activities: Short walk to the Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and Beach and the Key West Truman Waterfront Park. This park features the Key West Amphitheater, the Eco-Discovery Center and The USCGC Ingham Maritime Museum. Five minute walk to Duval Street, shopping, restaurants, night life, museums, sailing, boating, snorkeling, diving, beach, theater, and family activities. Fifteen minute walk to Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square. Old Town features are within walking distance. Leave your car at home.
Area: Down Town Key West. Located in “Truman Annex” Just steps away from all Key West Old Town features. Grounds throughout the gated "Truman Annex" complex are park-like - exquisitely landscaped and manicured to picturesque perfection, making it a delightful neighborhood to walk and bicycle. From here you are just a few minutes’ walk to Duval St. and the center of downtown Old Town Key West. White picket fences, freshly clipped hedges, green grounds and fountains create an impressive back drop for your stroll around this unique neighborhood. Original military officer's homes that display romantic classic Italian and Greek revival architectural styles have been renovated into large private luxury mansions. Just out the gate towards the ocean is Fort Zachary Taylor, now a State Park with one of the nicest beaches on Key West. And just outside the main Truman Annex front gate and off to the right is the colorful and historic Bahama Village neighborhood- home to some of the island's most interesting cafes and restaurants of many stripes, especially along the Petronia St. corrider.
Parking: A convenient feature of this residence is one private designated parking space which is located about 200 yards from the front door, just past the swimming pool. However, from here you really never need to get in your car. Enjoy walking or biking everywhere you'll see more that way.
Restrictions: Smoke Free House. No pets (please don't ask). We do not accept guests less than 25 years of age unless accompanied by a family group or guardian. This property is offered as an exclusive vacation rental in Old Town Key West. The property is located in a private gated residential complex and is definitely not suitable for staging loud parties.
Book Direct For The Best Price Guaranteed
Dates | Weekly | Nightly | Terms |
---|---|---|---|
Dec 19, 2024 - Dec 27, 2024 | $7557 | $1079.00 | 7 night minimum |
Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 3, 2025 | $7557 | $1079.00 | 7 night minimum |
Jan 4, 2025 - Jan 10, 2025 | $6412 | $916.00 | 7 night minimum |
Jan 11, 2025 - Jan 17, 2025 | $6412 | $916.00 | 7 night minimum |
Jan 18, 2025 - Jan 31, 2025 | $6412 | $916.00 | 7 night minimum |
Feb 1, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025 | $6412 | $916.00 | 7 night minimum |
Feb 15, 2025 - Feb 21, 2025 | $6412 | $916.00 | 7 night minimum |
Feb 22, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025 | $6412 | $916.00 | 7 night minimum |
Apr 12, 2025 - May 28, 2025 | $4800 | $685.00 | 7 night minimum |
May 29, 2025 - Jun 8, 2025 | $4800 | $685.00 | 7 night minimum |
Jun 9, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025 | $4800 | $685.00 | 7 night minimum |
Aug 11, 2025 - Oct 1, 2025 | $3900 | $557.00 | 7 night minimum |
Oct 2, 2025 - Oct 16, 2025 | $4800 | $685.00 | 7 night minimum |
Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025 | $7557 | $1079.00 | 7 night minimum |
Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 2, 2025 | $4800 | $685.00 | 7 night minimum |
Nov 3, 2025 - Nov 10, 2025 | $5267 | $752.00 | 7 night minimum - Sat/Sat Only |
Nov 11, 2025 - Nov 20, 2025 | $4800 | $685.00 | 7 night minimum |
Nov 21, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025 | $5267 | $752.00 | 7 night minimum |
Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025 | $4800 | $685.00 | 7 night minimum |
Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025 | $7557 | $1079.00 | 7 night minimum |
Dec 28, 2025 - Jan 5, 2026 | $7557 | $1079.00 | 7 night minimum |
Rates and Terms are subject to change without notice. Above rates do not include taxes and fees. Click here for more details on additional fees. Please contact us for specific pricing and to confirm rates. Rates in US Funds. (305) 294-7358 Ext 1 - info@vhkw.com
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VHKW offers promotional specials for purchasing trip insurance for stays between Aug 10 and Oct 20. Please call for more details.
“The Truman Treasure is an amazing place to stay- immaculate, comfortable, well-appointed, peaceful, great location. Communication was clear and responses were quick. LOVE this accommodation.
“Great place to stay. Easy check in/ check out. Beautiful area. Pool was clean.
“Absolutely Beautiful Home. Arrived and it was just what I expected. The pictures are true to the home. Perfect location you can walk just about anywhere from there and the plus was when we arrived Saturday evening the Green Parrot was right at the beginning of Truman Annex. I would definitely rebook. Also, this is my 5th time booking thru VHKW and I Absolutely recommend them to anyone traveling to Key West. Thanks Again!
“Excellently managed property. Clean floors, clean bathrooms and well equipped kitchen in a very quiet neighberhood that is close to everything. Pool was refreshing and well maintained. TV a little confusing as there were both satellite and xfinity but once you figure it out it gets easy (a cheat sheet would be nice). Would definitely use again without hesitation.
“This was my first time renting a home and not staying at a resort. The house I rented was exactly as described online. The rental/management company was amazing. I had one minor issue with wifi in the house and they were responsive and instrumental in fixing the problem. Very professional! I will definitely use them next time I go to Key West.
* This property may not be available for the dates above due to other inquires and pending reservation.