The Windsor Village Compound—tucked away behind a tropically landscaped gate on Windsor Lane—is one of Key West’s best kept secrets. Brick pathways wind through stunning gardens to eleven individually owned cottages nestled around a large and tranquil pool. Built in the 1950’s, it is one of the oldest compounds on the island. Peaceful living abounds in this community established for those 55 years of age and older. Just two-and-a-half blocks from the heart of Duval Street, the conveniently located Windsor Village sits high and dry near the top of the highest point in Key West, Solares Hill.

The lushly landscaped grounds and community pool are beautiful.

We love the vaulted wood ceiling and accent window.

Ideal for a couple or single person looking for a charming Key West pied-à-terre, 721-F Windsor Lane is a move-in-ready island cottage. Beautifully designed, the home utilizes its 591 square feet to maximum effect. A welcoming front porch invites you to while away the hours with a good book. Leading directly to the kitchen, the bright entry hall separates the living room from the bedroom. The living room features accent windows, a vaulted wood ceiling, and French doors leading to a private garden. Opening to an outdoor dining space, the sparking new kitchen showcases custom cabinets and stainless steel appliances. The light-filled bedroom features a high ceiling, French doors, and a newly renovated en suite bath. With the added bonuses of an outdoor shower, laundry, and storage loft, the small-scale cottage undoubtedly lives large. We adore this hidden Key West treasure!

The custom kitchen is gorgeous.

Windsor Village became commonly known as the Windsor Village Writer’s Compound when acclaimed writers, John Hersey, John Ciardi, Richard Wilbur, and Ralph Ellison purchased winter homes there in 1976. John Hersey was a celebrated writer and journalist, winning the Pulitzer Prize for his 1944 novel, A Bell for Adono. John Ciradi was a poet, translator and etymologist. Ciradi worked in television and radio with his show Accents on CBS and is reporting on NPR’s Morning Edition. Richard Wilbur is a poet and literary translator. The second U.S. Poet Laureate, Wilbur won the Pulitzer Prize for poetry twice, the National Book Award, and received the National Medal of Arts from President Clinton. Ralph Ellison was a novelist, literary critic, scholar, and writer. Ellison is best known for his novel, Invisible Man, for which he won the National Book Award in 1953.

Keith & Dean