A fine example of Late Victorian architecture Queen Anne Style with a romantic flair. The house was constructed of Heart Pine and Black Cypress in 1894 by August Mohr, superintendent of the Cypress Lumber company. It features an all cypress interior with a dramatic circular staircase and tower designed by Mrs. Alice Mohr. The builders were George and John Marshall, who also provided the "Carpenter Gothic" filigree decorations.
In the 1920's, the property was purchased by Anna Riscilli - who named the house Villa Rosa. A small cigar factory was operated in an out- building during those years.
In the late 1930's, Villa Rosa became the home of Alexander and Margaret Key. Alexander Key was a well-known author and illustrator. Among his works are the historical novels Island Light and The Wrath and the Wind, as well as Night on Witch Mountain (later made into a Disney movie). Margaret Key, also an author, supported herself for more than half a century by serving as a reporter for several newspapers, and writing historical articles for numerous magazines. She is lovingly remembered as a very well educated, intelligent, independent, and outspoken woman.
During her later years, Mrs. Key's sister, Bess Lee, a successful commercial artist from Denver, joined Margaret. Bess contributed designs and illustrations to many well-known magazines - such as Popular Mechanics. In Apalachicola Bess was an active participant in the Humane Society and the Button Club. Both Margaret and Bess lived, in the house, until they were well into their 90's.
The late Margaret Key directed in her will that upon the sale of her estate the proceeds be given to the Apalachicola Municipal Library board, of which she was a long time member. Gregory and Sally Leach purchased the house in May 1998, and are currently in the process of restoring Villa Rosa to its original beauty. Villa Rosa has a magnificent wrap around porch on three sides -- featuring a curved roof and balustrade. It consists of three stories and has ten rooms. On the ground floor there is a beautifully decorated living room, dinning room and library (each with its own ornate fireplace), a butlers pantry, and kitchen. Upstairs there are four bedrooms (two of which also have fireplaces) and one bathroom. On the third floor, a huge dusty attic - flooded with light from a turret window - reminds one of childhood mystery novels.</p>
