Discover an Historic Key West Inn in the heart of Old Town (2024)

About The Artist House

The world famous Artist House is one of the most photographed houses in Key West and the former home of Robert the Doll. This historic Key West inn is half a block from the popular Duval Street and Old Town Key West restaurants, bars, art galleries and attractions. All rooms are air-conditioned, and The Artist House features WiFi internet access throughout. Children aged 5 and older are welcomed to share a room where sofa beds are available.

This Key West Guest House is a restored Queen Anne Victorian mansion, a true world famous masterpiece in the centre of Old Town, just steps from the famous nightlife, water activities and beaches. Virtually no other Inn on the island is as true to its original design, layout and character. Indulge yourself in spacious rooms with 12′ ceilings, richly detailed original design wall coverings, splendid woodwork and en-suite bathrooms.

The Artist House has been operating as an island favorite since 1978. We are one of the oldest continually operating guest houses in Key West and have developed a fully satisfied following. Today, many of our guests have stayed with us repeatedly throughout the years, and have graciously recommended us to many others.

History of The Artist House

Built between 1890-98, and formerly the home of the celebrated Key West painter, Robert Eugene Otto, and his wife Anne, a concert and jazz pianist, The Artist House is an architectural gem. Its Colonial Queen Ann style, with numerous graceful columns, verandas and gingerbread, is highlighted by the magnificent presence of its turret.

One of only a mere handful of authentic, truly original buildings on the island, and all of Florida, our historic Key West inn is considered by many architectural historians as one of the “great” historic homes on the island. Evidently, visitors and locals to the island seem to agree … with the exception of the “Hemingway House,” The Artist House is probably the most photographed and illustrated home in Key West. It is a centerpiece of conversation among the Historic Walking Tour, the Historic Bike Tour, and featured prominently on the world-famous “Conch Train” and “Trolley” tours. We are even on the Ghost Tour, although none of our thousands of guests have reported anything but a wonderful stay. Television credits include recent appearances on worldwide broadcasts of The Discovery Channel, A&E Television, ABC Television’s “Good Morning America”, CBC (Canada), and Home & Garden Television’s “Extreme Homes”.

Recent essays of The Artist House have appeared in: New York Magazine, the Miami Herald, the Ladies Home Journal, the Tampa Tribune, and countless travel books both foreign and domestic As interesting and appealing as the building, is the history of the Otto family that built The Artist House. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Otto, both native Key Westers, formally moved in to the grand home on Eaton Street in 1898. The youngest of three sons, Robert Eugene Otto would eventually inherit and live in this beautiful structure.

Gene, as friends called him, studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Chicago and the Art Students League in New York before travelling to Europe where he developed a personal style decidedly his own. It was while painting and continuing his studies in Paris that he met Annette Parker, a native of Boston, who was studying music there at that time. They were married in Paris on May 3, 1930. After Anne finished her studies in Paris, the couple moved to New York for several years during which Anne performed at the celebrated Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center as an accomplished pianist. Several years later, the Otto’s moved back to Key West, where Anne dedicated her time to more domestic aspects of life at 534 Eaton Street, their home for the next 40 years. Gene died in 1974, and Anne two years later, but they live on in his art and in their beautiful and beloved house and garden. The spirit and the influence of Gene and Anne and the entire Otto family are still very much a part of the fabric and foundation of The Artist House, and the City of Key West as well. The building, antiques, garden, and “spirit” of The Artist House are a treasure for everyone to enjoy.

Ghostly Residence

Over the years our Key West bed and breakfast has been the focus of several enchanting stories. We can’t vouch for all the stories but they have made the rounds in Key West and around the globe. Every so-called “encounter” was friendly and either involved the “spirit” of Anne or Gene’s stuffed doll and alter ego friend Robert.

Excerpts from Key West Citizen, September 24, 1997 – written by Ramon Rios, Key West citizen reporter – A ghost of a chance – Some Key West houses have guests who aren’t exactly earning their living!!!

If you rent the Turret Suite at this Key West Guest House, you’ll find all the usual modern conveniences, and if you’re lucky, you may spot a distinctly unmodern inconvenience. All is well as you relax on the ample king size bed, then – quietly, a semblance of a beautiful women walks down the meandering staircase in her wedding dress. A ghost in the room! If apparitions and the strange pique your interest you are not alone.

The Discovery Channel was intrigued enough to feature the Artist House on a program called “Would you Believe It” It reported that Anne has been seen descending the turret room staircase. She was described as beautiful and wearing her wedding dress.

The Artist House was also featured on William Shatner’s “Weird or What” as well as Travel Channel’s “Mysteries at the Museum”.

Parking in Key West is at a premium as the island is small and very popular. However, situated where we are in Old Town, once you park you most likely won’t get back into your car until the day you leave. When you arrive to the Artist House, please utilize our 15 minute unloading spot in front of the house and bring your luggage in. At check-in, we can show you where you may be able to find free on-street parking in the residential areas that begin in the next block. We cannot guarantee availability of spaces.

Here are a few other suggestions which should help.

• Pay-to-Park Meters: $4/hour
• Old Town Parking Garage at 300 Grinnell St.: Approx $36 per day
• 201 Simonton Street (privately run lot 2 blocks away): Approx $35 per day
• 408 Caroline Street (as above with similar charges)
• Click here for the City of Key West’s Parking info