Southernmost House
Southernmost House Hotel Historic Bed and Breakfast is a historic bed and breakfast in the City of Key West, Florida in Monroe County, United States. Five U.S. Presidents have stayed there.[1] It is located in the Upper Duval district.
History
Southernmost House Hotel
The love story begins when Judge Vinning Harris built the Mansion on the sea now called the Southernmost House Hotel in 1897. His wife was the youngest daughter of William Curry one of Florida’s first millionaire. The Curry families were builders with eight mansions in the Historic District of Key West.
Today the love story continues within the mansion hosting over 25 weddings, family reunions, parties and events a year. It is the only bed and breakfast on the ocean in Key West. This impressive Queen Anne Victorian style house was designed as a one-bedroom mansion. What it lacked in bedrooms it more than made up for with its open water views, elegant public rooms, two story balconies, and large stained glass windows to catch the ocean breezes.
The Southernmost House was the first home in Key West with electricity which was a novelty and a luxury in the 1890's. Mrs. Harris wanted the best and was able to engage Thomas Edison to oversee the electrical design and installation for the house.
In the 30’s Air Conditioner was installed another luxury and today it is the only hotel in the Florida Keys with artificial intelligence. Still on the cutting edge and in true luxury fashion. The Harris families were prominent citizens at the turn of the century and had invested in Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad to Key West. They often entertained him at the mansion during the construction of what is thought to be one of the transportation engineering feats of the day.
During the Prohibition period from 1919-1933 the mansion served as a "speakeasy." The first floor was a restaurant; the second floor was used for casino gambling and the third floor for "socializing." During this period, celebrities and notorious gangsters who were in route to Havana often visited the mansion. In the 1940's the mansion was operated as a night club called "Cafe Cayo Hueso," hosting such notables as Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Gore Vidal, Truman Capote, Tallulah Bankhead, Gloria Swanson, Louis Armstrong, and Charles Lindbergh.
In 1949 the mansion was completely renovated for use as a private residence. Since then many dignitaries and heads of state have been welcomed at the mansion. Among these are King Juan Carlos of Spain and five American Presidents: Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter.
Today the Southernmost House Hotel is an 18 room Bed and Breakfast staying true to its beginning with 5 star services, Luxury historic rooms and the only bed and breakfast on the ocean in Key West. Floating in the infinity pool with a view of the ocean is truly relaxing. The bar tenders by the pool makes sure every drink is poured in style. The love in the home and throughout the history of the home carries through today. The Ramos family and Michael Halpern with his wife Michelle spent countless hours and lots of love refurbishing the Mansion. It’s a true testament to the love people feel in the home because of all the love and nurturing that it takes to maintain a Mansion. It breath’s its life and history into everyone that enters its door and is transported back into the days of true luxury. You will find antiques throughout the Mansion with Tiffany Chandeliers, Hemingway writings, and paintings from the turn of the century. The history continues in true style. To take a tour go to www.southernmosthousehotel.com or call 305-296-3141.[1]
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External links
Coordinates: 24°32′49″N 81°47′47″W / 24.54686°N 81.796505°W