Tropical Village: The Southern Cross - Quiet & gated. Pool/Porch/Pet friendly

There are stars in the southern sky! The Southern Cross takes its name from the “crux” constellation that guided sailors and from the original (but long gone) Southern Cross Hotel on Duval Street, which once lit up the night for wayward travelers.
Anchor yourself here at The Southern Cross, where contemporary elegance blends with island-style comfort and character of Old Key West. Stargaze over nearby open ocean. Nights are fragrant with jasmine. Stroll to great seafood, finedining, and iconic attractions like the KW Butterfly & Nature Museum. Relax poolside with an icy beverage. Grill and dine alfresco as Caribbean breezes rustle palm fronds. Savor Cuban sandwiches or evening cocktails on the porch overlooking a garden of orchids and bromeliads.
This gated, quiet, private gem is set back from the hustle-bustle. The 1,152 sq ft interior is thoughtfully adorned with tasteful, tropical art. Remodeled bathrooms have luxurious details. The home has an all-new water filtration system. The Southern Cross is ideal for families, couples, and snowbirds.

Living:
Bright, sunny, open concept kitchen/dining/living space: high ceilings, whitewashed exposed beams & large windows. French doors open out to a courtyard boardwalk to the shared pool area. This comfortable, tropical living space has bamboo flooring, ratan-style armchairs, a coffee table, and a plush, designer sleeper sofa. Relax here to socialize, read, or stream your favorite shows on the SmartTV with Roku. The earthy color palette of driftwood, seagrass, and dune has accents of powder blue, aqua, sunset red, and alocasia green.
Gaze up! You can’t miss the custom-painted, retro beach cruiser bicycle mounted mid-air in the whitewashed rafters above the living space. This original art piece, painted by renowned local artist Tony Gregory, complements the colorful, vibrant island aesthetic. Conch cruiser bicycles are iconic in Key West! This one-of-a-kind bike was hand-painted as part of a charity fundraising auction for the Studios of Key West. Let this charming cruiser inspire a tranquil bike ride through this tropical neighborhood!
Kitchen/Dining:
The sleek, fully equipped galley kitchen has granite counters, hardwood cabinets, tile floors, and stainless appliances, including a glass-top stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, full-size fridge, and farmhouse sink. Prepare a tropical feast after a day at the beach! The open design ensures that a chef is never isolated from the group.
The dining table seats four beside window views of lush gumbo limbo trees. The covered porch is a sublime spot to sip morning cappuccino or fresh-squeezed citrus juice. A wrought iron porch table seats six. Two shaded poolside dining tables seat eight.
Bedrooms/Baths:
The Southern Cross has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The main floor features a King primary suite, bathed in the iconic hue of key lime- the essence of Key West! This King primary has a large closet, a bureau with a mirror, a SmartTV, and an ensuite bathroom with a single-sink granite vanity and a tub/shower combo.
Climb the open staircase to a loft with one Queen bed. The loft has a shaded skylight, a SmartTV, matching nightstands with reading lamps, and a hand-painted bench.
The main floor bathroom, just off the living area, has a single-sink vanity and a glass door walk-in shower. Both bathrooms have rain shower heads, handicap bars, towels, toiletries, and hair dryers.
Outdoor Amenities:
Serve hors d'oeuvres or cocktails on the breezy front porch. Afternoons are fragrant with frangipani. Cool off in the sparkling blue swimming pool, or doze on a poolside on a cushioned lounge chair. This swimming pool will delight families, children, the very young, and the young at heart. The poolside deck features a gas grill and two wrought-iron picnic tables with seating for eight or more. Gather for an afternoon cookout in paradise! Mature palms, mango trees, and vibrant bougainvillea shade the pool deck.
Since laundry never sleeps (even when you're on vacation) the outdoor common area offers a laundry shed with two commercial washers and two commercial dryers. The laundry area is tucked away in a rustic, whitewashed outbuilding with rolling farmhouse-style barn doors.
Discover the ultimate amenity: stroll just two blocks to Higgs Beach. Dip your toes in the emerald ocean. Collect seashells and savor serene Caribbean sunsets in pink, violet, and gold hues. After a day at the beach, shower off in your private outdoor shower at The Southern Cross. This tropical outdoor shower has hot water, a rain shower head, and a shower bench.
Park your car in shaded street parking spots out front. Stroll or bike to attractions.

The Neighborhood:

The Southern Cross is ideally situated in Key West's Casa Marina neighborhood, offering guests an authentic taste of island life and convenient access to local attractions. Picturesque south island streets are lined with beautifully preserved Conch-style homes, each exuding character and charm. Lush, tropical landscaping adds to the serene atmosphere, making every walk or bike ride a delightful experience.
A car is not necessary on the island. Make the green choice. Park out front in shaded street parking and enjoy the island on foot, by bicycle, scooter, trolley, or bus. The island trolley stop is one block away. The Duval Loop City bus stop is four blocks away.
Stroll .07 miles to The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of America's greatest writers. Enjoy the diverse culinary scene with various restaurants, cafes, and bars offering everything from fresh seafood to classic Cuban cuisine. Local favorites such as Blue Heaven, Louie’s Backyard, and Sloppy Joe’s are within easy reach, providing unforgettable dining experiences.
Don't miss the chance to explore West Martello Tower during your stay! Just a 10-minute walk or a quick 3-minute bike ride from The Southern Cross, this hidden gem is a tropical garden paradise on the site of a historic Civil War fort. The gardens, maintained by the Key West Garden Club, are open to the public.
Dog Beach is the closest beach, just two blocks away, behind iconic Louie’s Backyard Restaurant. Higgs Beach, approximately 0.5 miles (a 10-minute walk or a 3-minute bike ride), is the next closest beach to The Southern Cross. Enjoy crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming or snorkeling. The nearby White Street Pier offers panoramic sea views and excellent fishing opportunities.
Approximately 1.5 miles away, Smathers Beach is Key West’s largest public beach. This two-mile stretch of sugary sand is ideal for sunbathing, beach volleyball, and water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach, approximately 2 miles away, offers natural beauty and historical intrigue. Visitors and locals gather here and at Mallory Square to celebrate each and every exquisite island sunset.
Seeking family-friendly activities or rainy-day excursions Check out the Key West Aquarium, the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, The Shipwreck Treasure Museum, and the Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters Museum. Nightlife and live music abound in Key West! Take in a show at the Tropic Cinema. Catch a live band at the Green Parrot.