In the shade of a giant banyan tree, it’s all the space you’ll need in a vacation home. Sleeps
ten—in a location that’s close to the best that Naples has to offer. As you enter, you realize you’re not in a typical Florida house. This author’s home is more in keeping with the homes of Old Key West. In fact, the flooring downstairs is all hand-made Cuban tiles, the very same cement tiles that grace Hemingway’s Key West mansion. One of the tiles actually came from the famous writer’s home and was gifted to this author’s family sometime after they visited with the Hemingways at the Key West Writers’ Festival.

In this house you’ll also find amazing art curated by the writer and interior designer owners that will stimulate your own creative juices. This house sparks creativity—from the cozy cypress guest room to the writer’s den and library, filled with the classics to further inspire. And you’re never far from nature in this home, with the den windows overlooking pagoda bushes favored by hummingbirds and swallowtail butterflies. Or head to the bright and airy upstairs. The glassed-in studio looks out on a massive Cuban laurel tree--home to owls, hawks, iguanas, and songbirds, all of which appear frequently in the author’s work. Nap on the comfy daybed and stare up at the high Florida skies. A large (12 by 50 ft.) sundeck in back waits for you to soak up some essential vitamin D, just before you head downstairs to leap in the pool. Beautiful bougainvillea on two sides assure your privacy here.

When your day is complete, you’ll retire to the master bedroom upstairs and the large West
Indies cane bed. Or to the queen bedroom, with the French doors that open to the balcony. Throw open the doors and welcome the tropical island sounds. The Secret Garden twin bedroom has a mural of Mary and Colin’s magical tree, with flowers, butterflies, and even the famous robin. But this description would not be complete without a mention of location, location, location.
From this writer’s retreat it’s a short walk or bike ride to the beach, the Naples Zoo, parks and greenways, a movie theater, and dozens of world-class restaurants. It’s all waiting for you.