1203-1205 Von Phister - Casa Marina - Key West

Simple words can't do justice to the absolutely charming home at 1203-1205 Von Phister Street in the Casa Marina area of Key West. The listing Realtor describes the property this way:

"This wonderful 1940s house is owned by well known artist Debra Yates, who has transformed it into an irresistible and artful 3BR/2.5BA residence plus an 880 SF guest house. The main house has an open living room (with fireplace), dining and kitchen area and multiple sliding glass doors that bring the extraordinary gardens in. On an oversized double lot in the Casa Marina area, the gardens are designed with rare tropical specimens and lots of out door areas for living/dining and a beautiful 35' X 11' heated pool. The guest house has its own private entrance and high open beamed ceilings, great open spaces designed for easy living on two floors with views of the gardens and patio. Two off street parking spaces. Truly special."

I have ridden my bike past this property many times. It is set back from the street and appears almost hidden behind a large privacy fence. But it is the majestic tree canopy that nestles this home and provides privacy that almost makes the house itself disappear. When you walk in the front door you immediately recognize the distinctive flair of a Debra Yates home. While there is lots of geometry going on in this house, none of it is plain. Instead, the eyes search in multiple directions to see what area to look at and be impressed by. I kid you not, you can't wait to get from room to room to see what is next.


The main house and guest house have a combined area of 3185 square feet and sit on a large 9408 sq ft lot. I was surprised to learn that the property was actually built in the 1940s because it is so "modern" in its design. But the original wood floors that have been painted clued me in that which appeared new was old and that which is new appears bold. Yates did what I tell perspective buyers to do: she removed existing interior walls and reinvented the spaces for her use. She ripped out old style windows and added new floor to ceiling windows or sliders that bring much of the outside inside. She expanded living spaces by creating adjacent outdoor spaces that invite you outside.


I repeatedly tell perspective buyers that outside space is so important when buying a place in Key West because that is where we spend so much of our time. This place has multiple outdoor places to read, sun, drink or dine, or just to contemplate the meaning of living life.

Master bedroom suite with large adjacent sun deck

Outdoor dining area just off guest cottage

Poolside terrace in the foreground with additional outdoor dining area off the main living and dining areas at the rear

The guest cottage is itself a site to behold. The two story cottage has an office, bedroom and bath on the ground level and a full kitchen, second bath and living room-cum bedroom area (privacy curtain) on the second level where there is another deck. The guest cottage is fancier than many homes in Old Town. (Your guests may move in and never move out.)

CLICK HERE to checkout the Key West mls data sheet and to view more listing photos of this wonderful property. 1203-1205 Von Phister Street is offered at $1,795,000. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind property like this, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange a showing. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.