Historic Meadows Compound

Key West

“Great space should be relaxing as well as stimulating, incorporating pure shapes, honest forms and a dramatic use of light and space.” In Key West’s Historic Meadows District, this 1931 cottage-style Conch Compound resides quietly in a distinctive design of its own. From landscaping to lifting the ceilings, remodeling the pool and an entire spatial redesign, the design philosophy combines architecture, art, landscaping, views and light. Yates reinterpreted the Conch houses, creatively linking two together. One cottage became the private master suite and home office. A new artist studio, screened porch and sculpture studio were designed by Yates surrounding a majestic Mango Tree and connected by sculptural walkways. The curtained simplicity of the front porch allows the dappled light to take center stage. The reconfigured pool is now smaller but more sculptural and dramatic, accented with a salmon colored fountain wall. Black pool finish and mosaic circular step accentuate the pool’s elegant curves. The rear loggia/deck flows from lounging to dining with ease. Shades of white, frosted Venetian glass pendants and gray-washed wood floors blend while brushed stainless touches accent the open living room\Kitchen. White, functional baths with high ceilings have an expansive feeling. The uncluttered and clean-lined minimalist garden, an integral part of every project, and the interior spaces become one unified entity, the garden serving as an extension of the old town home.

Photographs by Barry Fitzgerald