Built in 1870 by Benjamin Baker a Key West "baker" and partime undertaker and salvager. He completed the house for his daughter to be married in, she married Mr. Illingsworth and inherited the home about 20 years later. During WWII it was divided into a rooming house. Around 1970 it was converted back into a single family home. It was then painted "dream cycle peach" with white gingerbread trim. The house has more "gingerbread" than any home in Key West and is known as the "Baker/Illingsworth House", The "Gingerbread House" and the "Wedding Cake House". It was completely restored with new electrical, plumbing etc. in 1995-98. The architech who updated and added supports to the home was Bert Bender and Associates. The home recieved a gold star for restoration in 1997. It has graced more publications and tv ads than any other house in Key West. It is THE most photographed house in all of Key West. Sceond to the "Gingerbread House" in being photographed is the "Southernmost House". Neighborhood Description The 600 block of Elizabeth Street is the BEST street in all of Old Town. It is 2 blocks off of the main street, being Duval Street. within easy walking distance to everything that Key West-Old Town offers. The 600 block of Elizabeth Street boasts and artist, a photograher, an architech, an investor, and a very famous author. Everyone knows everyone on the 600 block and watches out for eachother. House parties are common.
This property is off market, which means it's not currently listed for sale or rent on Zillow. This may be different from what's available on other websites or public sources.
