William Kerr was born in Ireland, raised in Boston, and left a mark on Key West. Boy, did he ever. This is his house, circa 1875, which still stops traffic on Simonton Street in Old Town.
Kerr was a trained architect. One of his most enduring Key West landmarks is the famed Custom House on the edge of Mallory Square, but meanwhile, back on Simonton Street, Kerr designed his personal home with great flair, featuring Carpenter Gothic quatrefoil brackets that literally dance across the front facade.
Through the years, the house has been loved and cared for, and it shows. The architect himself may have even left a small thank you note in that regard. During a recent renovation, workers lifted an upstairs floorboard to find a draftsman's ink pen from the late 1800's, accidentally dropped, no doubt, during construction.
Key West may be party central these days, but if you know where to look, the houses designed and built by these early residents tell a beautiful story all their own.
What a beauty!