Mar-Key Islamorada
History
History of Mar-Key Islamorada
Nestled in the heart of Islamorada, the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, Mar-Key Islamorada stands as a testament to the rich history and vibrant heritage of the Florida Keys. Originally established as the LaBranche Fishing Camp in 1937, this oceanfront estate, also known as Bunny Key, has evolved from a historic fishing retreat into a luxurious private escape. With its storied past, architectural significance, and unparalleled location, Mar-Key offers guests a unique opportunity to experience the timeless charm of the Keys while indulging in modern luxury.
Join us as we explore the legacy of this iconic property and why it remains a premier destination for discerning travelers.
History of Mar-Key Islamorada
The LaBranche Fishing Camp
In 1937, Michel Lucien LaBranche, a prominent New York Stock Exchange member and celebrated fly-fishing authority, commissioned the construction of the LaBranche Fishing Camp on what is now Mar-Key Islamorada. Owned by LaBranche from 1929 to 1955, the camp became a haven for anglers drawn to Islamorada’s world-class fishing waters. LaBranche, an author inspired by the ocean, reportedly penned many fishing tales here, with the property’s 400+ feet of pristine beachfront serving as his muse. The camp’s original structures, including a main home, guest wing, and cottages, were built to embrace the laid-back Old Florida lifestyle, featuring inviting porches and interiors crafted with local materials like Dade County pine and Pecky Cypress. Added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1997, the LaBranche Fishing Camp remains a cherished piece of Islamorada’s angling heritage, preserving the spirit of a bygone era.
History of Mar-Key Islamorada
Architect E. Dean Parmalee
The visionary behind the LaBranche Fishing Camp’s design was architect E. Dean Parmalee, whose work left an indelible mark on the property’s character. Commissioned in 1937 by the LaBranche family, Parmalee was renowned for his ability to blend functionality with regional aesthetics, often incorporating indigenous materials into his designs. Known primarily for designing churches and banks, Parmalee brought a unique perspective to the fishing camp, creating a complex that radiated charm and authenticity. His use of local materials, such as Dade County pine flooring and Pecky Cypress cabinetry, not only enhanced the estate’s rustic elegance but also rooted it firmly in the Florida Keys’ natural environment. Parmalee’s thoughtful design ensured that the camp’s structures harmonized with the surrounding landscape, from the beachfront porch to the stone-countered kitchen, making it a standout example of Old Florida architecture. His legacy endures in the estate’s timeless appeal, offering guests a glimpse into the architectural ingenuity of the era.
Islamorada
The Sport Fishing Capital of the World
Islamorada, known as the “Village of Islands,” has earned its title as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World through decades of angling excellence and extraordinary marine biodiversity. Nestled between Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, this stretch of the Keys has long attracted elite anglers to its clear waters and legendary fishing grounds. The sport fishing legacy here began in the late 1930s with pioneers like Captain Walter A. Starck, and by the 1950s, icons like Captain Jimmie Albright and Ted Williams were shaping its reputation with innovative techniques still used today. Islamorada’s unique location—where the Gulf Stream meets the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S.—offers unmatched variety, from offshore sailfish runs to tarpon-rich backcountry flats. Its waters have drawn dignitaries, celebrities, and champions of the sport for generations. At Mar-Key Islamorada, guests step into the heart of this enduring tradition, enjoying custom fishing charters and curated excursions that blend luxury with the thrill of the chase. Here, the spirit of adventure lives on in the most iconic waters of the Florida Keys.
