Key West Home Tours Honor Heritage and Island Style

Keys History
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KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Architectural highlights on the continental United States' southernmost island range from exquisite 19th-century cottages and ornate Victorian mansions to clean-lined contemporary dwellings with open floor plans. Visitors can explore them during weekend home tours in February and March 2017.

The annual tours are presented by the nonprofit Old Island Restoration Foundation, which was established in 1960 to promote the restoration and preservation of Key West's historically significant buildings.

The 2017 tours are planned Friday and Saturday, Feb. 17-18 and March 17-18. Each one showcases multiple houses exemplifying Key West's rich architectural tradition, which dates back to the early 1800s, as well as unique modern design.

Tour participants can discover significant historic buildings, creative renovations and contemporary structures featuring lush gardens or colorful outdoor living areas. OIRF volunteers serve as guides at each tour stop, informing visitors about the home's history, architecture, décor and garden.

Many homes are located in Key West's Old Town, believed to be the largest predominantly wooden historic district in the United States with almost 3,000 structures. In part because of the OIRF's work, today scores of the properties are restored and flourish as single-family homes, bed-and-breakfast guesthouses and museum attractions.

The January tours are set for 4-8 p.m. both evenings. Transportation between homes is to be offered aboard Conch Tour Trains or participants can proceed from house to house at their own pace.

The February and March tours are offered 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with visitors responsible for their own transportation.

Tickets for each self-guided tour cost $30 per person ($35 on the day of the tour) and include a list of houses and a map. Tickets for January tours with Conch Train transportation are $35 per person, but seating is limited so early purchase is encouraged.

Tour information and ticketing: oirf.org or 305-294-9501

Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY

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Many homes are located in Key West's Old Town, believed to be the largest predominantly wooden historic district in the United States with almost 3,000 structures.

Many homes are located in Key West's Old Town, believed to be the largest predominantly wooden historic district in the United States with almost 3,000 structures.

Key West's rich architectural tradition dates back to the early 1800s.

Key West's rich architectural tradition dates back to the early 1800s.

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