I visited Key West in December 2011 and I loved the slower pace the weekday stay provided, so I booked 4 nights at the Artist House on Eaton Street for the same time period. I had learned about the house on my last visit to East Martello Museum when I met Robert. Of course I had to book the Turret Suite. Upon arrival early afternoon on Monday the 10th I parked across the street. Getting to the house is as simple as it gets just follow North Roosevelt Blvd as you enter Key West, hang a right on Palm Ave which eventually turns into Eaton Street, stop at 534. We went in to check in after climbing a short flight of stairs to the lower front porch. There is seating out front and a couple immediately struck up a conversation with my wife and I, nice start to meeting people. I went in and met Jo one of the owners. She followed me and my wife across the street to my car, popped the trunk and pulled out the luggage. Jo directed me to my prepaid parking for my stay which is $20 per night, it is located about a block & a half away, 3 to 5 minute walk. My wife and I pack heavy and the stairway to our second floor room was steep, keep this in mind if you can't carry a load up steep stairs. You can also access the second floor from an outside staircase to the second floor porch which has tables and chairs with cushions. This stairway is wider for big bags.

As we first entered the room I found it unusual and it actually took a little while to get used to it, but it's pretty functional. There is a nice Queen size bed with nightstands as you first enter. A large dresser is on the wall to your left and just past that is bathroom number 1. It has a toilet and clawfoot tub with a shower. Very nice for middle of the night trips for the person who occupies the bed on the entrance side. Then there is a door leading to the outside, at night the home is illuminated with flood lights and the light shines in. Close the two hinged shutters which cover the door and the light is blocked. Just next to that porch door is a coffee pot with a table to put keys, sunglasses and such. The you enter the living room area which has a sleeper couch, a coffee table and a chair. Its a unique curved room which fronts Eaton street with nice wood blinds. As local workers race to work in the morning it can get a bit noisy at 7am or so then it quiets down again. Just next to the chair & AC unit is a set of double doors which open to a closet which houses an nice sized refrigerator and a microwave. I always travel with craft beers and wine and it kept them plenty cold. Next to that is a storge space with door which is under curving staircase. This houses iron & board, suitcase rack and a space to hang clothes. Continuing around the room is bathroom number two, this has toilet and chair and a large shower with sliding glass doors and two shower heads, one at each end. Showering two at once is easily possible. Now just outside the bathroom next to the bed is a wonderful curving stair case that leads up to the turret. This has a double bed with chair, this has many windows which look down on Eaton St, Roberts favorite spot for glowering at passing school children.

Just out side the room is a case with books and a nice small couch for relaxing with a book. Down the staircase is a hallway leading from the entrance back to the kitchen area. Every morning is a nice breakfast with coffee, juices, and various pastries from a French shop on Duval Street. They also have a variety of cereals with milk. Champange is also available for those so inclined. Just outside and down from the kitchen are many small tables and chairs for enjoying the breakfast. There is a nice heated pool/tube a focal point the area is secluded and has a bricked walking area. This same area is also home to the 4pm to 5pm happy hour. Mixed beers domestic with Coronas were the choices along with 3 different wines. We met many wonderful couples of all ages during our stay. We actually looked forward to out breakfasts and happy hours to chat with our new aquaintances.

The house is very close to Duval Street (maybe 50 yards), and on the corner of Eaton & Duval is a wonderful really old Episcopal Church, which is opened to all to visit or to say a prayer, wonderful experience. I hear the back area burial behind the church is the final resting place to some spirits who have been know to scare Duval drunks who tried to disturb the peace.

Continuously throughout the day and evenings the trolleys stop for a minute and tell a quick history of the house, they do not bother you at all. At night walking ghost tours sit across the street and tell the interesting history of the house. Take the time to go on a ghost tour either walking or by trolley and do visit Robert at the Fort. I've heard that Anne still walks the house at night and Jo told me a woman whom had stayed in our room the night before was awakened by the dresser drawers opening & closing. My stay was quiet but then again me and Robert are tight.......lol