Visiting Hemingway Home & Six‑Toed Cats

Visiting Hemingway Home & Six-Toed Cats: A Journey Through Literary History in Key West

Nestled in the heart of Old Town Key West, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is more than just a historical building; it is a literary sanctuary, a glimpse into the life of one of America’s most iconic authors, and a haven for a quirky feline legacy. From the lush tropical gardens to the unique six-toed cats that roam the premises, every corner of the estate tells a story. For literature lovers, history buffs, and curious travelers alike, visiting the Hemingway Home is a must when exploring the Florida Keys.

A Step Back in Time

The house itself is a stunning Spanish Colonial-style mansion built in 1851. With its thick limestone walls and red-tile roof, the structure was considered an architectural marvel when it was constructed. Ernest Hemingway purchased the home in 1931 for $8,000 (a bargain even in those days), and he lived there for nearly a decade with his second wife, Pauline Pfeiffer.

The Hemingway Home has been beautifully preserved and restored to reflect the time period in which he lived there. Walking through the home, visitors can see Hemingway’s personal furniture, a writing studio that appears frozen in time, and memorabilia from his travels in Europe, Africa, and Cuba.

The Literary Legacy

Hemingway wrote some of his most famous works while living in Key West, including To Have and Have Not, Green Hills of Africa, and parts of A Farewell to Arms. The solitude and beauty of the Keys provided him the peace and inspiration he needed. His writing studio, perched above a converted carriage house, is a highlight of the tour. The room still holds his typewriter, a vintage Royal, and bookshelves filled with classics and worn novels.

Visitors often speak of feeling a deep connection to Hemingway’s creative energy within this space. Guides share anecdotes about Hemingway's writing habits, his love of the sea, and the tumultuous relationships that colored his life.

The Six-Toed Cats of Key West

One of the most beloved attractions of the Hemingway Home is its six-toed cats, also known as polydactyl cats. These cats are descendants of a white feline named Snow White, who was given to Hemingway by a ship’s captain. Polydactylism is a genetic trait that causes cats to be born with extra toes—some have as many as seven on one paw!

Today, over 50 cats live on the estate, many of which are direct descendants of Snow White. They are cared for by a dedicated staff and have the run of the property. You’ll find them lounging on beds, curled up in the shade, or playfully interacting with visitors. Each cat has a name, often inspired by famous celebrities, writers, or historical figures—Hemingway had a tradition of naming his cats after notable people.

These cats have become symbols of the museum and a treasured part of the home’s identity. Despite the passing of time, the feline legacy continues to thrive, adding a whimsical charm to the historical site.

Guided Tours and Highlights

A visit to the Hemingway Home includes a guided tour, offered every 15–20 minutes throughout the day. The tour guides are passionate storytellers, weaving together tales of Hemingway’s adventurous life, literary achievements, and personal struggles. The tour covers:

• The main living areas and bedrooms of the home.

• The lush gardens, which include a 60-foot swimming pool that was once the most expensive in Key West.

• Hemingway’s writing studio.

• The gravesites of many of the Hemingway cats, marked respectfully throughout the garden.

The swimming pool deserves a special mention—it was built in the late 1930s at a cost of $20,000, a staggering amount at the time. Legend has it that when Hemingway returned from a trip and found out how much it had cost, he flung a penny onto the concrete and said, “Well, you might as well take my last cent.” That penny is embedded in the cement near the pool to this day.

A Tropical Garden Oasis

Beyond the literary and feline appeal, the property is a botanical haven, featuring over 40 varieties of palm trees and vibrant tropical plants. The lush landscape provides shade and tranquility, making it easy to understand why Hemingway loved this place. The gardens are a serene retreat, often filled with butterflies, birds, and the occasional meow from a roaming cat.

The preservation of both the house and the grounds is a testament to the efforts of the Hemingway Home Foundation and museum staff. They have kept the estate as authentic and close to Hemingway’s time as possible, offering a genuine glimpse into his private world.

Hemingway’s Key West Legacy

Hemingway’s influence still lingers in Key West. He helped put the island on the map for generations of writers, artists, and adventurers. His love of deep-sea fishing, bar-hopping on Duval Street, and mingling with the locals earned him a permanent place in the island’s lore.

Every July, Key West hosts the Hemingway Days Festival, celebrating his life and works. The festival includes look-alike contests, literary readings, and fishing tournaments. It’s a fitting tribute to a man who once said, “My aim is to put down on paper what I see and what I feel in the best and simplest way.”

Tips for Visiting

If you’re planning a visit to the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, here are a few tips:

• Hours: The museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including holidays.

• Admission: Tickets can be purchased at the door—no reservations required. Adults, seniors, and children have different rates.

• Photography: Visitors are welcome to take photos (without flash).

• Accessibility: While the ground floor and gardens are accessible, the upper floors require stair access.

The museum does not allow pets (due to the resident cats), but service animals are permitted.

Final Thoughts

A visit to the Hemingway Home and Museum is more than a typical tourist stop; it's a pilgrimage for those who admire literature, history, and eccentric charm. Whether you come for the legacy of a great American writer, the magic of the tropical gardens, or the endearing six-toed cats, the experience will leave a lasting impression.

Key West is a place of many wonders, but few attractions capture its spirit quite like this historic home. It’s where stories were written, where lives were lived boldly, and where paws still quietly pad across wooden floors—keeping Hemingway’s legacy alive, one toe at a time.