Those who are looking for private seaside living will fall in love with Sunset Key off of Key West’s coast. This island-off-an-island boasts an extremely exclusive real estate scene coveted for its resort-style living. Here’s what to know when searching for Sunset Key houses for sale.
About Sunset Key
Sunset Key was first known as Tank Island when the US Navy dredged the spot in 1965. Its original vision was to be a fuel tank depot. The island was auctioned off in 1986 when the Navy changed plans. The island changed ownership one more time in 1994, sold to current owner Tom Walsh. Since then, it has grown into the resort spot that makes it so popular.
Sunset Key is an intimate 27 acres of residential neighborhood only 500 yards off the coast of Key West. Just 280 yards to the south is Wisteria Island, which is federally owned and uninhabited. The Australian pines growing on the island have given it the nickname Christmas Tree Island. The lifestyle in Sunset Key is calm and relaxed.
Private residences mainly feature million-dollar homes alongside the Westin Hotel, which is the island’s luxury resort. The Key West Victorian architecture adds to its unique energy. Sunset Key homes commonly feature verandas, tin roofs, and generous architectural detailing. Vehicles aren’t allowed onto the island, which is only accessible via a five-minute ferry ride.
Sunset Key is an intimate 27 acres of residential neighborhood only 500 yards off the coast of Key West. Just 280 yards to the south is Wisteria Island, which is federally owned and uninhabited. The Australian pines growing on the island have given it the nickname Christmas Tree Island. The lifestyle in Sunset Key is calm and relaxed.
Private residences mainly feature million-dollar homes alongside the Westin Hotel, which is the island’s luxury resort. The Key West Victorian architecture adds to its unique energy. Sunset Key homes commonly feature verandas, tin roofs, and generous architectural detailing. Vehicles aren’t allowed onto the island, which is only accessible via a five-minute ferry ride.
360 degrees of shoreline
The main perk of Sunset Key is the shoreline that completely borders the island. The white sands are lined with mature palms, offering shady patches to lie out on the sand. Visitors can also relax on chaise lounge chairs positioned under umbrellas. Soak in the gulf views, which are especially breathtaking at sunset.
Since the community is small, beaches remain calm and uncrowded. The crystal waters are great for swimming. Visitors can also ask the island’s concierge for a fishing rod and bait to spend an afternoon on the docks. Try to hook one of the few mangrove snappers or yellowtail. A barracuda may also surprise those who fish.
Since the community is small, beaches remain calm and uncrowded. The crystal waters are great for swimming. Visitors can also ask the island’s concierge for a fishing rod and bait to spend an afternoon on the docks. Try to hook one of the few mangrove snappers or yellowtail. A barracuda may also surprise those who fish.
Freshly sourced cuisine
With direct access to the ocean, the cuisine offered in Sunset Key is fresh and flavorful. A must-visit restaurant on the island is Latitudes, which offers fine dining with a view of the Gulf. This restaurant is open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Diners here also have access to a curated wine list with international gems.
Residents can fuel up with the eggs benedict topped with butter-poached Caribbean lobster. This savory dish bites through with the arugula and key lime hollandaise. Start off lunch by the beach with a refreshing gazpacho or a plate of artisan cheese. Then, order entrees like the sauteed yellowtail snapper on a bed of saffron rice. Dinner is just as elegant with starters like the char-grilled octopus. Enjoy seafood dishes alongside prime meats like the braised beef short rib.
Residents can fuel up with the eggs benedict topped with butter-poached Caribbean lobster. This savory dish bites through with the arugula and key lime hollandaise. Start off lunch by the beach with a refreshing gazpacho or a plate of artisan cheese. Then, order entrees like the sauteed yellowtail snapper on a bed of saffron rice. Dinner is just as elegant with starters like the char-grilled octopus. Enjoy seafood dishes alongside prime meats like the braised beef short rib.
Living on vacation time
There’s no rush when setting foot on this island. The lush tropical greenery immediately relaxes visitors, encouraging them to stop and admire the view. A mix of colorful blooms, bougainvillea, frangipani, and hibiscus decorate the neighborhood. The ocean breeze gusts through the island, offering a breath of calm gulf air. Sunny weather is the norm, perfect for a bright morning and lazy afternoon.
As you wander through the Island, families may notice “the conch cruiser.” This local delight delivers frozen treats for guests. The hotel provides a large pool to relax next to. For an exciting water adventure, try out excursions for diving and snorkeling, fishing charters, parasailing, and sailing. Westin also provides residents with tennis courts and complimentary rackets and balls for guests.
As you wander through the Island, families may notice “the conch cruiser.” This local delight delivers frozen treats for guests. The hotel provides a large pool to relax next to. For an exciting water adventure, try out excursions for diving and snorkeling, fishing charters, parasailing, and sailing. Westin also provides residents with tennis courts and complimentary rackets and balls for guests.
Spa day with ocean views
Another perk that makes Sunset Key homes for sale the perfect getaway is the oceanside spa. The Spa at Sunset Key is the epitome of serenity. Reconnect with your inner calm with a nurturing treatment. The spa is open all day from 9am to 4pm for a range of face, body, and massage treatments. Refresh your complexion with the customized deep cleanse. This treatment includes a skin-renewing peel, facial massage, and hand and nail treatment.
Treatments also include signature hydra facials to cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and hydrate your skin. Or take The Revitalize Journey, a personalized massage across the whole body. This relaxing treatment is enhanced with a foot scrub and acupressure foot massage. Full body massages feature enhancements including hot stones to melt tension, aromatic oils, and more.
Treatments also include signature hydra facials to cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and hydrate your skin. Or take The Revitalize Journey, a personalized massage across the whole body. This relaxing treatment is enhanced with a foot scrub and acupressure foot massage. Full body massages feature enhancements including hot stones to melt tension, aromatic oils, and more.
Exclusive luxury living
Investing in Sunset Key real estate means partaking in exclusive luxury living. The offerings at Sunset Key Guest Cottages alone elevate this island. The 4-diamond resort provides ample amenities and essential services for comfortable living. It’s easy to enjoy a day island hopping between Sunset Key and Key West. At the end of the day, residents can always count on Sunset Key’s relaxing and quiet community.
Those in Sunset Key are right next to Key West’s amenities as well. Once stepping off the ferry at Margaritaville Key West Resort and Marina, there’s plenty of ways to fill a day. Explore Bahia Honda State Park at the Looe Key Snorkeling Tours. Those who enjoy a scare can go on the Key West Ghost & Mysteries Tour. A venture out to Key West also features great shopping, restaurants, cafés, and a lively beach experience.
Those in Sunset Key are right next to Key West’s amenities as well. Once stepping off the ferry at Margaritaville Key West Resort and Marina, there’s plenty of ways to fill a day. Explore Bahia Honda State Park at the Looe Key Snorkeling Tours. Those who enjoy a scare can go on the Key West Ghost & Mysteries Tour. A venture out to Key West also features great shopping, restaurants, cafés, and a lively beach experience.
Ready to search Sunset Key?
Island living on the Florida coast is unbeatable when visiting Sunset Key. This intimate and exclusive island encourages residents and guests to slow down. Relish views of the gulf and neighboring islands. Or indulge in all the amenities the island’s resort provides. When searching for the right home, it’s best to work with local experts like OceanSIR. They know the ins and outs of this island and can help you secure one of the limited listings. If you’re ready to find the perfect island getaway, contact one of their agents to guide you through it.
