Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty
If you’re looking to live on the edge — literally — here’s an opportunity to own a slice of history and a piece of paradise.
The southernmost home in the continental United States is up for grabs for a cool $18.5 million in Key West, Florida.
This mid-century gem, boasting 4,000 square feet, stands right where the Atlantic Ocean kisses the Gulf of Mexico, offering idyllic views in every direction.
Just a stone’s throw from the famous southernmost point landmark, property records obtained by Mansion Global show that the seller is Cecilia Joyce Johnson, the widow of the late sculptor Seward Johnson II, who passed away in March 2020.
The Johnsons, part of the famed Johnson & Johnson family, snapped up the house in the ’90s and made it their sun-soaked retreat.
Ellen Gvili of Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty, who’s handling the sale, told the outlet the home is a “rare find in Key West.”
“Most waterfront lots are either Navy bases or hotels, so to have that as a private residence in such a location is hard to find.”
Spanning three combined parcels and a whopping 17,000 square feet, this five-bedroom property is packed with old-school charm.
Picture wood cathedral ceilings in the kitchen, coral stone flooring, wooden shutters and a Florida room with sliding glass doors leading to a spacious ocean-facing deck. There’s even a 50-foot pool fortified by a seawall, and the permissions to add a dock.
The deck proudly declares “North America Begins Here” in a mosaic design. A plaque at the front reads, “The Southernmost Southernmost Home,” solidifying its unique status.
Though the Johnsons used the home themselves, it’s licensed for nightly rentals, offering a lucrative investment opportunity.
The property does need some TLC, including partial restoration of the seawall.
Seward Johnson II left his mark on the art world with his life-size sculptures, including the famous “Double Check” businessman statue that survived the 9/11 attacks. His works grace various locations in Key West, such as a striking Marilyn Monroe statue at the Tropic Cinema.
With other properties in Key West, the Johnsons found this home too expansive for their needs, said Gvili.
They couldn’t be reached for immediate comment.