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Welcome to the Sport Fishing Capital of the World - Islamorada, Florida Keys
Welcome to the Sport Fishing Capital of the World - Islamorada, Florida Keys
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History of "The Last Resort"
This Florida Keys wood "Conch" house was originally built in Tavernier by pioneers Roger and Sarah Albury in 1922, who lived there for almost 40 years, surviving two major hurricanes - the famous 1935 "Labor Day" and "Donna" in 1960. The house was lifted off its foundation and floated some distance both times, but remained intact. It stood vacant for ten years until 1971 when it was purchased by multi-millionaire industrialist Cyrus Eaton and his wife Anne for $1 - on the condition that they move it off the land.
Anne had already chosen a spot on Lower Matecumbe, 14 miles to the south. The original 35' x 50' house was sawed in half and trucked slowly down Overseas Highway in the middle of the night. The narrow bridges, just 18 feet wide allowed a scant 3 inch clearance on each side. The house was set up on the Eaton's new oceanfront property and completely restored to its 1922 pristine condition.
The Eaton's called their new retreat 'The Last Resort' because nothing was plumb, level or quite fit right. After her husband's death, Anne made this her permanent home from 1980 until her own death in 1992. She is remembered as a courageous woman, who, though stricken with polio at 25, spent her life campaigning for world peace and the preservation of the natural and historic surroundings she dearly loved, and in fact 'Anne's beach' in Lower Matecumbe is name after her as a tribute to her conservationalism.
The house was purchased by a German national and his Miami based model wife following Anne's death.
In 2000 'The Last Resort' was bought by the current owner Gregory Feeley. Together with his Irish wife, Michèle Rosborough they lovingly maintain the historic ambience of the historic property, while upgrading elements to ensure guests have a true Keys experience worthy of this exceptional property. That includes a whole lot of help from family and local friends. Again the property has survived 2 major hurricanes, one that took two Irish guests by surprise on their last day. At least they were smiling as they took photographs, up to their knees in water in the front garden. The other hurricane (Rita) transformed the beach of sand into a beach of seaweed. Luckily the house has survived through all of mother natures' wrath since 1922.
One of Greg & Michèle's goals is to maintain an interesting albeit casual historical timeline for this property. One that focuses on the experiences of real people through the life time of the house.
One or two interesting instances that happened at 'The Last Resort'.
The original owners of the house the Alburys, had to tie their children to the beds during the labour day hurricane to 'prevent them floating away'.
Anne Eaton played host to George Bush Senior, Barbara Bush & George Bush Junior for a brief vacation at the house.
Prior to the hurricane that water-logged them, Irish friends, Mr. David Ennis organised a 'suprise attack' proposal on Ms. Fiona O' Herlihy with a very romantic moonlight and candlelight catered dinner on the beach. She accepted, we all cried!
Greg & Michèle hosted a 6 day celebration culminating in their marraige on the beach in November 2006. Sixty family and friends from New York, California, North Carolina, Ireland & England attended.
Anne had already chosen a spot on Lower Matecumbe, 14 miles to the south. The original 35' x 50' house was sawed in half and trucked slowly down Overseas Highway in the middle of the night. The narrow bridges, just 18 feet wide allowed a scant 3 inch clearance on each side. The house was set up on the Eaton's new oceanfront property and completely restored to its 1922 pristine condition.
The Eaton's called their new retreat 'The Last Resort' because nothing was plumb, level or quite fit right. After her husband's death, Anne made this her permanent home from 1980 until her own death in 1992. She is remembered as a courageous woman, who, though stricken with polio at 25, spent her life campaigning for world peace and the preservation of the natural and historic surroundings she dearly loved, and in fact 'Anne's beach' in Lower Matecumbe is name after her as a tribute to her conservationalism.
The house was purchased by a German national and his Miami based model wife following Anne's death.
In 2000 'The Last Resort' was bought by the current owner Gregory Feeley. Together with his Irish wife, Michèle Rosborough they lovingly maintain the historic ambience of the historic property, while upgrading elements to ensure guests have a true Keys experience worthy of this exceptional property. That includes a whole lot of help from family and local friends. Again the property has survived 2 major hurricanes, one that took two Irish guests by surprise on their last day. At least they were smiling as they took photographs, up to their knees in water in the front garden. The other hurricane (Rita) transformed the beach of sand into a beach of seaweed. Luckily the house has survived through all of mother natures' wrath since 1922.
One of Greg & Michèle's goals is to maintain an interesting albeit casual historical timeline for this property. One that focuses on the experiences of real people through the life time of the house.
One or two interesting instances that happened at 'The Last Resort'.
The original owners of the house the Alburys, had to tie their children to the beds during the labour day hurricane to 'prevent them floating away'.
Anne Eaton played host to George Bush Senior, Barbara Bush & George Bush Junior for a brief vacation at the house.
Prior to the hurricane that water-logged them, Irish friends, Mr. David Ennis organised a 'suprise attack' proposal on Ms. Fiona O' Herlihy with a very romantic moonlight and candlelight catered dinner on the beach. She accepted, we all cried!
Greg & Michèle hosted a 6 day celebration culminating in their marraige on the beach in November 2006. Sixty family and friends from New York, California, North Carolina, Ireland & England attended.
Recent History
Memories
A truly historic house