Key West’s Theodore “Fats” Navarro

Theodore "Fats" Navarro, 1923-1950
Theodore “Fats” Navarro, 1923-1950

Without a doubt, the musician that is most often associated with Key West is the legendary Jimmy Buffett. Long before Parrotheads around the world were singing and dancing to Margaritaville, the world of jazz crowned Key West native Theodore “Fats” Navarro as one its greats.

Navarro was born in Key West in 1923 to Cuban-Black-Chinese parentage. While growing up on Thomas Street in Bahama Village, his mother, Miriam Williams, worked as a cook in the home of Earnest and Pauline Hemingway. Although Navarro began playing piano at age 6, he did not become serious about music until taking up the trumpet at 13. After graduating from Douglas High School and ready to see the world, he joined a dance band and headed for the Midwest.

As a trumpet player, Navarro was a pioneer of the bebop style of jazz improvisation in the 1940’s—playing with Charlie Parker, Benny Goodman, and Lionel Hampton. He is ranked with Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis as one of the most gifted and original stylists in the development of jazz. Theodore “Fats” Navarro died New York City, at the young age of 26, in 1950. Six days before his passing, he gave his final performance with Charlie Parker at the landmark jazz club Birdland.

Keith & Dean

721-F Windsor Lane, Key West, Florida—SOLD $467,125.

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.
The lushly landscaped grounds and community pool are beautiful.
We love the vaulted wood ceiling and accent window.
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.
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

715 Frances Street, Key West, Florida—SOLD $1,360,000.

One of 30 historic eyebrow houses on the island.  Beautiful!
One of 30 historic eyebrow houses on the island. Beautiful!

It has been said that it is the surviving collection of simple, though decorative, well-proportioned houses of great dignity that is impressive and appealing about Key West architecture.

We love that every room is light-filled and inviting.
We love that every room is light-filled and inviting.

The great majority of the homes in Key West’s historic district are classified as examples of either Classical Revival architecture or Key West vernacular architecture. One uniquely Key West modification to the Classical Revival style is the eyebrow house. The eyebrow house was based on the New England saltbox house in that the front wall is commonly a two-story plane and the rear wall a one-story plane. The front roof rests on the front porch pillars, partially obscuring the windows of the upstairs rooms, making the eyebrow effect. This awning like feature keeps out direct sunlight and offers a desirable cooling effect.

Paradise in your own backyard.
Paradise in your own backyard.

715 Frances Street is one of the best examples of the 30 vernacular eyebrow houses on the island. The beautifully light-filled home has been lovingly renovated to preserve the unique character of the home—while offering all the conveniences of contemporary living. We love that the home features two spacious living areas and three bedrooms with en suite baths. The high-end kitchen, with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, opens to the sunny family room. The 6,000 square-foot lot showcases a sparkling heated pool, hot tub with waterfall, outdoor shower, lush tropical landscaping, and highly coveted off-street parking. We could move into this stunning home today—we just love it!

Keith & Dean

Click here to enjoy of virtual tour of this historic eyebrow house.

3730 Sunrise Lane, Key West, Florida—Temporarily Off the Market

The best of Moorish inspired design.
The best of Moorish inspired design.

When people think about homes in Key West, they most often think about the historic, Victorian gingerbread cottages and mansions that cover Old Town. However, there are examples of various architectural styles dotting the island. The spectacular estate at 3730 Sunrise Lane stands out as an unparalleled and truly one-of-a-kind Key West property.

On a recent trip to Marrakech, the exotic splendor of Morocco captured our hearts. Once we returned to our island home, our appreciation for 3730 Sunrise Lane grew even stronger.

Expansive ornamental grounds afford unparalleled indoor/outdoor living.
Expansive ornamental grounds afford unparalleled indoor/outdoor living.

The private, expansive estate captures the magic of the orient in an incomparable setting. The serene tropical gardens are adorned with stunning fountains and waterfalls. Overlooking a lush and tranquil mangrove canal is a dynamically designed, Moorish inspired pool. The grand 3,804 square foot home features elegant, hand-crafted details. Magnificently appointed, the interior combines the very best of centuries-old Moorish design with state-of-the-art luxury and convenience. There are five exquisite bedrooms, four full and two half baths—all on one desirable level. With an outdoor kitchen for entertaining, and a private beach, it is easy to enjoy the pleasures of Key West’s indoor/outdoor lifestyle.

The most exotic of Key West estates.
The most exotic of Key West estates.

The unequaled estate at 3730 Sunrise Lane is an inspired, exotic Moroccan fantasy come to life. Paradise.

Keith & Dean

Click here to enjoy a virtual tour of this extraordinary estate.

Christopher Peterson’s EYECONS at La Te Da in Key West, Florida

Happy Birthday Mr. President!
Happy Birthday Mr. President!

We love Christopher Peterson’s amazing one man/many women show EYECONS at the Crystal Room Cabaret at La Te Da.

Christopher's Judy Garland is spectacular!
Christopher’s Judy Garland is spectacular!

The award winning Christopher Peterson is undeniably one of North America’s foremost female impersonators. His spectacular talent is perfectly showcased in his live cabaret show EYECONS. There is no lip-synching involved as Christopher transforms onstage from one showbiz icon to another. With stellar comic timing and stunning singing skill, Christopher brings an ever-changing array of the world’s most famous divas to life. His Bette Midler impersonation is hilarious, he nails his Kennedy era Marilyn Monroe, rocks Tina Turner, channels Bette Davis, and no one captures the voice and essence of Judy Garland as masterfully. With couture quality costumes (designed and constructed by Christopher) and astounding hair, makeup, lighting, and production values, EYECONS is not to be missed.

Divine Bette Davis!
Divine Bette Davis!

Christopher Peterson’s EYECONS is the perfect match for the elegant ambience of the Crystal Room Cabaret. The cabaret has been a Key West landmark for over 30 years. With its retro décor, cabaret table seating, and cocktail service, you will feel like you have been transported to a 1950’s Las Vegas supper club. The Crystal Room Cabaret at La Te Da undoubtedly presents the reigning queens of female impersonation.

Keith & Dean

Click here to enjoy Christopher Peterson’s fabulous website.

Click here to visit La Te Da’s terrific website.