The Long Journey Home
Step down a quiet Old Town street in the Florida Keys and you will find a home unlike any other. At 408 William Street, the walls whisper of a journey across the sea and of builders who viewed risk as opportunity. According to local accounts, the house known as the Richard Roberts House was originally constructed on Green Turtle Cay in the Bahamas and transported to Key West in 1847.
That is right. This is not a home built in place. It was dismantled, shipped by schooner and steamboat in the mid 19th century, and reassembled on Key West soil. It is a story of resilience, of early Conch ingenuity, and of an island town rising from shipwreck trade and rebuilding after hurricanes.
From Wreckers to Wood Homes: A Bit of Context
To understand why such a remarkable journey would be attempted, we must look at the historical undercurrent. The island of Key West thrived in the mid 1800s thanks to Bahamian shipwreckers, salvagers, and settlers. On Green Turtle Cay, homes and communities were deeply tied to the sea. According to the Abaco Sun,
“Some former Green Turtle Cay residents dismantled their former homes and transported them via schooner to Key West.”
This move was more than romantic. It was practical. After storms destroyed many structures in Key West, skilled Bahamian carpenters saw opportunity. One of them, Richard Roberts, is credited with relocating his house to 408 William Street, a physical testament to the links between the Keys and the Bahamas.
A Home Steeped in Story
Today’s listing for 408 William Street captures the home’s dual identity of character and comfort. With the original structure relocated in 1847 from the Bahamas, the listing notes:
“The Richard Roberts home, originally transported from Green Turtle Cay, Bahamas in 1847, stands as a cherished Key West icon.”
From the listing description:
• Four or five bedrooms, three baths, plus an office or fifth bedroom
• Four inviting porches, two on each side
• Warm wood pine walls, heart pine floors throughout
• A redesigned kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances to bring modern comfort into this historic shell
• Outdoor spaces include a side yard deck and jacuzzi that flow from the downstairs great room or primary suite, an unexpected layering of historic craft and modern leisure
Why This Home Matters
There are many charming old houses in Key West, but few carry as literal a story of migration and reinvention as 408 William Street. The house does not simply rest on its lot. It rests on two shorelines, the Bahamas and Key West. It is a physical manifestation of the maritime culture, the adaptability of settlers, and the layered history of the Conch Republic.
Living here means being just three blocks from the waterfront and Duval Street, yet tucked into a quiet walkable neighborhood of galleries, restaurants, and heritage. The home’s story adds a layer of depth to its location.
A Look Inside
Upstairs a generous suite occupies the third floor or could be divided into two bedrooms. The layout is flexible, four bedrooms plus office or five bedrooms depending on your needs. At the same time, this house does not pretend to be brand new. It wears its history well, from the woodwork to the glimpses of its Bahamian origin.
Why Now
In the context of Key West real estate, homes that offer both authenticity and modern amenity are increasingly rare. This home checks that box completely, not simply for its old charm but for its living history.
Owning 408 William Street means owning a tangible piece of Key West’s past. It is not just a house, it is a legacy that has crossed oceans, survived centuries, and been continually restored for modern living. Its craftsmanship tells the story of those who built Key West with their hands and hearts, while its updates make it a comfortable retreat in the heart of Old Town.
For those seeking more than a property, for those seeking meaning, provenance, and connection; this is your opportunity. 408 William Street is not just a home to live in, it is a home to preserve, celebrate, and proudly pass on to the next generation.
Who You Work With Matters,
THE SPOTTSWOOD TEAM
Terri Spottswood, John Spottswood, Ted Stewart
305-432-4848
[email protected]
Truman & Co. Real Estate
