TEAMKAUFELT | Key West Real Estate and Beyond
Key West Writers and Their Houses
Did You Know?!
Lynn Mitsuko Kaufelt is more than just a REALTOR, she is a published writer alongside her husband, David Kaufelt; a @NYTimes bestselling author.
They moved from NY to Key West where they discovered the island as a haven for prominent authors seeking inspiration, comfort, and creative exploration. To name a few, these writers include Ernest Hemingway, Elizabeth Bishop, Tennessee Williams, and Robert Frost.
What Lynn and David found were that these writers came to Key West for many reasons. For the historic architecture; Bahamian, Cigar Cottages, Shotgun, Queen Anne, Spanish Colonial. For the lawless tradition. Key West has a long history of pirates and laws being broken for “Florida snow” (cocaine) and “Square grouper” (bales of marijuana). To live cheek by jowl knowing they’ll run into each other at the supermarket or at a usual sit in their favorite bar. For the curious mix of people. Key West has always been known for its eccentrics and being home to the very rich and very poor.By collaborating with her literary friends and connections throughout the writer’s community, and with Lynn’s keen interest in historical houses, “Key West Writers and Their Houses” came to fruition.
Her book delves into the significance of the writers' Key West homes. She provides descriptions of the architecture, interior design, and historical context of these houses. For instance, the Hemingway House is a Spanish colonial-style mansion with lush gardens and a distinctive atmosphere. Tennessee Williams purchased an old Bahamian house situated in an unpretentious workingman’s neighborhood, equidistant from Oldtown and Casa Marina sections. Elizabeth Bishop owned a nineteenth-century house, build in the eyebrow style, with landscaping overgrown with palms and tropical shrubs. Robert Frost lived in a cottage in the Casa Marina section.
Through Lynn’s research, personally stories, and photographs, she gives you an inside look at Key West’s picturesque landscapes and architectures, vibrant cultural heritage, and thriving writing community that captivates authors from around the world. Lynn is a woman of many skillsets which includes being a novelist.
Now you know!
To learn more about Key West and the people that live here check out this article: The Peter Pan Theory.
1230 Seminary Street, Key West | Featured Article In NY Times Real Estate Section
Welcome to 1230 Seminary Street, Key West, FL listed for $2.7 Million:
This home has three-bedrooms, three-and-a-half-bathrooms and was built in 1890, on a 0.2-acre lot.
It is on a quiet street, a five-minute walk from a butcher shop, a coffee shop and city hall. It is half a mile from Bayview Park, a green space with a playground and tennis courts, and Horace O’Bryant School, a public school serving students in prekindergarten through eighth grade. Some of the island’s best-known landmarks, including the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum and the Key West Lighthouse, are about a mile away, as are several public beaches.
Key West International Airport is a 10-minute drive. Key Largo, a popular starting point for trips through the Keys, is about two and a half hours away. Driving to Miami takes about three and a half hours.
Size: 1,987 square feet
Price per square foot: $1,359
Indoors:
The entrance to the house is behind a wood gate, off the brick driveway. The front door, at the center of the covered porch, opens into a long foyer with a staircase to the second level and access to a powder room.
To the left, through a wide, arched doorway, is a living room with windows looking out on the surrounding greenery. The dining room is through another arched doorway. The family room, at the back of the house, has expansive windows and sliding-glass doors that open to the rear deck, the pool and the garden.
The sleek galley kitchen, separated from the family room by a breakfast bar, has stainless steel appliances and access to the rear deck.
The primary suite is off a hallway extending from the foyer. The bedroom has glass doors that open to a walkway leading to the pool area. Two full bathrooms are connected to the bedroom.
Two guest rooms are on the second floor. One has a balcony overlooking the neighborhood; the other has built-in bookshelves. They share a full bathroom at the end of the hall.
Outdoor space:
The outdoor spaces were recently updated, with new IPE wood decking and a walkway encircling the house. The pool is at the center of the backyard, surrounded by space for lounge chairs; a covered loggia at one end holds an outdoor bar. There is space to park one car in the driveway.
Article written by: Angela Serratore
To see the full NY TIMES article: NY TIMES REAL ESTATE
To see other Team Kaufelt blog posts: TEAM KAUFELT REPORT
The Peter Pan Theory | Key West, Florida
The Key West “Peter Pan Theory by David Kaufelt” is a fascinating concept that challenges our conventional notions of adulthood and aging. The theory, inspired by the classic children’s story of Peter Pan, argues that our obsession with growing up and becoming responsible adults is not only unnatural but also counterproductive to our well-being. According to the theory, the pressure to grow up and leave behind our carefree, childlike nature leads to stress, anxiety, and unhappiness. Instead, we should embrace our inner child and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
The concept of The Peter Pan Theory by David Kaufelt is inspired by J.M. Barrie’s classic children’s book, “Peter Pan.” The story of a boy who refuses to grow up and instead lives in a magical world of adventure and fantasy has captured the imagination of generations of readers. David Kaufelt, a renowned author and playwright, was particularly drawn to the character of Peter Pan and embraced his inner creativity and youthful self by refusing to conform to society’s expectations.
Taking a step back and listening to David’s words will allow one to realize:
• Childhood is not something to be left behind but something to be cherished and celebrated throughout life.
• The pressures of adulthood are largely artificial and create unnecessary stress and anxiety.
• Embracing our inner child can lead to greater happiness and a more fulfilling life.
• Society should place less emphasis on productivity and more on creativity, playfulness, and imagination.
Ultimately, the goal of this theory is to help us lead a happier, more fulfilling life. In Key West, the magical “Peter Pan” island, this theory is alive and well. People truly come here to be happy and to put differences aside.
Welcome to our island. Welcome to our own version of “Neverland.”
Love Where You Live,
Team Kaufelt
