Key West Vacation Home Ownership

Ever dream of owning your own piece of paradise?

Many of the home owners at Rent Key West Vacations started out as renters before deciding to make the plunge into investing in Key West real estate. The homes that are licensed for transient rentals (less than 30 days) have become hot commodities in the Key West real estate market and are a part of many homeowners’ investment portfolios. Many of our owners are no longer looking to retire into their home, but rather only looking at the investment aspect of owning in Key West.

Paul Hayes and Shad Knapp, Owner and Property Manager respectively at Rent Key West Vacations, have teamed up as Sales Associates with Beach Club Brokers, Inc. to help customers learn the value of investing in a vacation property in Key West.

Exclusively listed through Beach Club Brokers, we have a new listing of one of Rent Key West Vacations’ premier vacation homes. This newly redecorated, transient licensed, 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath luxury townhome is part of a six home community called Townhomes on Windsor Lane, in the heart of the Old Town, just 3 blocks to Duval Street. The townhome boasts 1750 SF of living space, more than most detached homes in Key West. The first level features an open floor plan living space with 10-foot ceilings, travertine floors, a gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances and granite counters, and sliding glass doors to a decked rear yard with private cocktail pool. There is also a guest bedroom with en suite bath as well as a half bath off the kitchen. The upstairs also features 10-foot ceilings & wood floors with a large master bedroom retreat on the rear of the home with a small porch overlooking the pool. The master bedroom has a large en suite bath and a sitting area (with sofa sleeper). The second floor guest bedroom has a private bath with tub and another porch overlooking Windsor Lane. This desirable home has a strong financial projections for 2016 and 2017. Off-street parking, a whole house generator and an X-zone flood location make this home an ideal investment. Exclusively offered at $1,750,000.

Let us show you how investing in Key West real estate can be part of your portfolio and how the numbers work. Stop by when you check in to your vacation property to the Beach Club Brokers office at 1075 Duval St. Suite C-11, Key West, along side Rent Key West Vacations office.

Key West Sea Turtles

Protect Florida’s Endangered Sea Turtles

The Florida Keys are home to countless species of land and sea wildlife. While many birds, mammals, reptiles, fish and sea life flourish in our beautiful islands, some are endangered species that are protected by state and federal wildlife conservation efforts.

One of the largest protected species in the Keys is our beloved sea turtles. We even have a special non-profit whose main purpose is the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of these majestic shelled creatures, The Turtle Hospital located in Marathon.

If you’ve had the rare opportunity to witness a sea turtle in the wild, you know exactly how majestic they are. Sightings are rare because they spend most of their time underwater coming to shore only to lay their hatchlings in the months of March – October. There are five species of turtle we have in the Florida Keys: the Hawksbill, green sea turtle, loggerhead, leatherback and Kemps Ridley. All of these species are listed on the Endangered Species Act.

Swim with Sea Turtles in Key West

Sea turtles can range from 80-1400 lbs! They can swim up to 25 miles per hour and can migrate to and from feeding and nesting areas reaching as much as 1400 miles. These prehistoric reptiles are excellent navigators and rely on the earth’s magnetic field changes to navigate. It’s no wonder these guys are a rare sighting while paddleboarding or snorkeling in our turquoise blue waters.

Visit Dry Tortugas

Dry Tortugas is the most active turtle nesting location in the Keys, however, nesting areas can be spotted on any beach in our back yards in Key West. Very few of the eggs will hatch and make their way into the sea and grow into adulthood due to natural conditions and predators. Volunteers will “comb” the beach during nesting season to spot signs of nesting areas. Once spotted, the areas are blocked off to protect the endangered hatchlings and to give them a better chance of survival.

Visit the Turtle Hospital located in Marathon

Key West is a fabulous island to explore (we may be a little biased!), but each of the Keys has something different to offer. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to learn more about our seafaring friends head up to Marathon and schedule a guided experience. You’ll meet some of the turtles in residence, tour the hospital facilities, and get a sneak peek behind the scenes at the hospital’s efforts in rescuing and rehabilitation.

In Hawaii, the sea turtle is a symbol of good luck and a long life. With such rare sightings here in the Keys and a lifespan up to 80 years, it’s easy to see why!

Experience the Energy of Florida’s Majestic Sea Turtles!

The Origin of the “Sea to Sea” Rainbow Flag

The “Sea to Sea” Rainbow Flag Story

In 2003, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the rainbow flag (which symbolizes LGBT pride) a volunteer team constructed a 1.25-mile rainbow flag in Key West that is believed to be the world’s longest. During Pride 2003, about 2000 volunteers unfurled the flag along the entire length of Duval Street, stretching it from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean.

Since that day, 100-foot sections of the flag have been displayed at Pride events and festivals throughout the world. Photographs of the flag in all its glory have been shared by thousands.

This flag is a symbol not only of LGBT pride, but also of the mantra of One Human Family and the acceptance, openness and pride of Key West.

Key West Nightlife

You’ve all heard about Duval Street and the endless flow of adult beverages it hosts. You should know there is so much more of Key West nightlife to enjoy! There are plenty of places to look for fun after the sun goes down, but here are a few of our favorites.

Begin your evening with a soothing and relaxing sunset cruise. Sebago Watersports offers a champagne sunset cruise aboard a spacious catamaran. This two hour cruise includes free champagne, margaritas, beer, wine, and soft drinks. If you prefer something more intimate, schedule a three-hour private dinner cruise also offered by Sebago. Begin your fully customizable menu by selecting beef, fowl or seafood. Head over to their website to check out sample menus for your dinner choices. Rated the #2 sunset cruise in North America by Coastal Living Magazine, Danger Charters hosts an upscale and relaxed sail appropriately nicknamed “Wind & Wine”.

Dare to be scared on your choice of one of a kind Key West ghost tours. Head out on foot to be spooked with The Original Ghost Tours of Key West. These walking tours depart twice nightly and last 90 minutes. The 1.5 mile walking tour is featured on the History Channel, Travel Channel, Discover Channel, Learning Channel and the BBC. Reservations are highly recommended. Be prepared; this tour runs rain or shine! If walking isn’t for you, try the Ghosts and Gravestones trolley tours. Discover some of the spookiest secrets about the island and its past residents. Wear comfortable shoes- there is a small walking portion. These tours also run rain or shine.

For a different approach, try a casual dinner at one of our fine restaurants. Nibble on delicious delights and sip a fine wine at Nine One Five. Located on Duval Street, this award-winning Victorian style venue serves up fancy feasts until 2 am. Enjoy your alfresco dinner on either of their two wrap around porches. Our favorite dishes include the Tuna Dome or the Sizzling Thai Whole Fish. Try a tapas style dinner at Santiago’s Bodega. Indulge in many savory bites such as the spicy shrimp bisque or the steamed middle neck clams. Choose from a large wine selection to compliment your meal. This hidden gem fills up fast, so make reservations. Perhaps you’d prefer to make dessert your main meal. You’re in luck! Wednesday through Sunday (hours are 6 pm – 1 am) satisfy your sweet tooth at Better Than Sex. Dare to try the sinful chocolate rimmed wine or champagne. Live jazz musicians set the mood every Wednesday and Thursday nights. The setting is so intimate; parties over 7 people will be split into multiple tables.

Follow your ears to the number of terrific music venues. You’ll find a variety of performers of all genres on daily basis. Whether it is along Duval Street, tucked away in alleyways and side streets or street performers, we have plenty to entertain you with. For a schedule of performances and locations pick up a copy of the Conch Color (entertainment column), the Paradise section of The Citizen on Thursdays or Key West Key Noter.

Fall in love with Key West

You’ve already fallen in love with our Key West vacation rentals. Now it’s time to fall in love with exciting events in Key West this October and November!

Kick off your stay with the Southernmost Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K. Pick a distance and prepare to take in ocean views and pass by historical Key West landmarks. Race day is October 11th, but festivities begin the 9th and end the 13th.

One of the largest fundraisers in Key West is the Royal Coronation Ball on October 17th. 2014 marks the 26th annual quest for the coveted crown. Contestants compete in the weeks leading up to this event in an effort to raise top dollar for AIDSHelp. Purchase tickets at KeysTix for reserved seating and dinner or standing room only.

Fantasy Fest is our largest annual party held near the end of October with a new theme every year. This year’s theme of Anime-ted Dreams & Adventures kicks off October 17th with a week full of fun events. Check out the list of events and locations at FantasyFest.com.

The 34th Annual Super Boat International will be held November 2nd-9th. Watch teams from all around the world compete in our beautiful Key West waters surrounding the Truman Waterfront. For schedule and details visit Super Boat International – Key West Schedule.

Theatre season also kicks off November with The Beach Boys and the very special Key West version of the Nutcracker in December! See what shows and plays are coming to your favorite Key West theatre at Keystix.com.