Whitmarsh Lane: Five Historic Cottages on One Quiet Key West Street

A Lane With a Name and a Story

Whitmarsh Lane takes its name from the Whitmarsh family, woven into the island’s street-name lore alongside neighbors like Love Lane and Poorhouse Lane. It sits near the gentle rise of Solares Hill — long claimed by Key Westers as the highest natural ground on the island, which on a coral island two miles by four is a point of real local pride. The lane runs quietly north toward Angela Street, close enough to walk to everything yet tucked far enough away to stay peaceful. It is, in short, exactly the kind of place the phrase “hidden gem” was made for.

Cottages Built for Island Life

The homes along lanes like this one trace back to the Bahamian settlers, spongers, and shipbuilders who shaped Old Town in the 1800s. Their conch and shotgun cottages — narrow, porch-fronted, built to catch the breeze — are the architectural heart of the historic district, many now lovingly restored. Staying in one is the closest thing to living the island’s history rather than reading about it. On Whitmarsh Lane, five of those cottages are ours to share.

Five Homes, One Charming Lane

Poinciana Garden

(1BR/1BA, sleeps 3) — the bright, ground-floor home of the Poinciana duplex, with a covered front porch made for morning coffee, a king bedroom with ensuite bath, a snug gas-range kitchen, and brand-new mini-split air conditioning. Best of all, it comes with its own private outdoor hot tub and a parking spot — a rare luxury this close to Duval. Pet-friendly, too.Ideal for: A couple or small family who want a ground-floor cottage with a private hot tub, steps from the action.

Poinciana Treetop

(1BR/1BA, sleeps 3)— the sunny upstairs retreat of the same duplex, where French doors open from the bedroom onto a covered terrace with a treetop view. Vaulted ceilings keep it airy, the king bedroom has its own ensuite bath, and this unit has its own private outdoor hot tub as well. Book Poinciana Garden and Treetop together as Poinciana Paradise for the whole house. Ideal for: Couples who love a breezy perch in the treetops — or groups who book both Poinciana floors together.

Solaris Cottage

(1BR/1BA, sleeps 2) — the front half of a first-floor duplex owned by a working artist, whose original pieces hang throughout. Expect sunny walls, eclectic art, a full kitchen with gas range and dishwasher, and a covered front porch. The shared side deck sits beneath a giant banyan tree. Pet-friendly. Ideal for: A couple seeking a sunny, art-filled hideaway under the banyan.

Solaris Garden

(1BR/1BA, sleeps 2) — the bohemian back cottage of the Solaris duplex, with the same artistic spirit and access to the lush, banyan-shaded shared deck. Pair it with Solaris Cottage as Solaris Pair-A-Dise when two couples want to stay close while keeping their own space. Ideal for: Couples who want the artist’s bohemian back cottage — or two couples booking both Solaris units together.

Butterfly Cottage

(2BR/2BA, sleeps 4) — freshly and beautifully reborn, this one features two king ensuite bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen with granite counters and a center island, and an open-concept living space. Unwind in the private hot tub or on the front-porch swing, fire up the grill on the spacious deck, and enjoy the rare convenience of an on-site parking space. (This home is not pet-friendly.) Ideal for: Two couples or a small family wanting twin king ensuites, a private hot tub, and a turn-key, freshly renovated home.

Take the Whole Lane

Here is the part that makes Whitmarsh Lane special for groups: because all five cottages sit within a few steps of one another, you can gather a wedding party, a family reunion, or a circle of friends on a single quiet lane — everyone together, but each couple or household with a porch and a front door of their own. It is a rare way to share a Key West trip without sharing a roof. Our local team is happy to help coordinate multiple homes for the same dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Whitmarsh Lane in Key West?

It is a quiet one-way lane in historic Old Town, just a block or two off Duval Street and north of Truman Avenue, near the rise known as Solares Hill. It is walkable to most of the island’s shops, restaurants, and attractions.

How many homes do you have on Whitmarsh Lane?

Five: Poinciana Garden, Poinciana Treetop, Solaris Cottage, Solaris Garden, and Butterfly Cottage. The two Poinciana units can be booked together as Poinciana Paradise, and the two Solaris units as Solaris Pair-A-Dise, for larger groups.

Can I rent more than one cottage at the same time?

Yes. Because the homes share the same lane, they are ideal for weddings, reunions, and group getaways. Contact our local team and we will help you coordinate availability across the cottages.

Stay Where History Lives

Whitmarsh Lane is Key West in miniature — a quiet, storied street of historic cottages, a short walk from everything yet a world apart. Historic Key West Vacation Rentals is locally owned and locally managed, with a hand-picked collection of homes across Old Town, Truman Annex, and the Historic Seaport. When you are ready to settle into the lane, book direct and save with the team that calls this island home.