615 Southard Street - Key West - Dream a Little Dream

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 So many people come to Key West and fall in love with this little town. They imagine how simple and wonderful their lives could be if only they could live here - someday.  Most people return to their jobs up north in America and go back to the daily grind. They plod along and do their jobs, go to their kids' school and sports events, practices, or whatever.  They go to meetings and drive in traffic for hours on end. But even if they live a simple life,  they probably close their eyes and envision owning a little place on the island they someday want to call home. 

Just listed by Preferred Properties Key West, but not by me, 615 Southard Street which the listing Realtor describes this way:

"Come and see this perfect Key West Conch House today! With two bedrooms, two baths and a private swimming pool in this location, 615 Southard Street will certainly sell quickly. A few years back the property underwent a thorough and quality renovation. The current owners purchased the property in 2001. Features include custom woodcarvings, restored hardwood floors, high ceilings, updated baths and kitchen, central air and heat pump for pool. Property is being sold turnkey (fully furnished) with lovely tropical furniture and accessories. The location is in the heart of Old Town, and only 1.5 blocks to Duval Street and a leisurely stroll to the Historic Seaport. This updated Key West Old Town classic will sell quickly. Don't miss the boat."

I got a chance to show this home a couple of days ago. Shortly after I entered the front door and headed down the long hall on the left side of the house I saw the pool at the rear of the property. I knew instantly that I had showed this house many years earlier when the house was still a virgin cigar makers cottage in need of renovation.  I even remember the potential buyer - a doctor and his wife. They were looking for a place they could "fix up" and have a place to come to on their vacations. I told them that the location was about as good as you can get in Key West. After all, it is an easy walk to Duval Street but far enough away not to be a part of the loonieness that sometimes happens over there. I told them there was plenty of room for a pool. They went back up north to wherever it is they lived. They did not buy.  But someone did. There were a couple of deed transfers after that. The house was renovated (for which it received a ceramic star for excellence in renovation in 2000) and has been occasionally rented as a vacation rental since then.

I don't remember all potential customers as well as I remember that doctor and his wife. They missed a huge buying opportunity. The house sold in 1999 for just $265,000.

615 Southard Street Key West - 1965

615 Southard Street Key West - 2014

I looked in the historic Sanborn Fire Maps and learned that 615 Southard Street first appeared in the 1892 edition. It was not there in the 1899 edition so I assume the map is correct as to the approximate age of construction of this home. During the renovation new windows and mechanical systems were added.  The pool was built then as well. A new addition was placed at the back of the original house where the kitchen and dining area is now located. Doors at the rear open out to the garden and pool.

The formal living area is located at the front of the house. This former cigar makers cottage is rich with Dade County Pine walls throughout the property. Notice the extra tall ceilings and large baseboards that give the rooms a sense of strength and permanence.  Each room is painted a bit differently, but all rooms blend harmoniously. Since this home is offered furnished, it's nice to note that the house just feels "like home". 

The broad hallway on the left leads to the two bedrooms. The first bedroom has an en-suite bath. The second bedroom has an entry door into a second bath which also has a door that enters from the hallway. This second bath is used as a guest bath as well.

Once you near the kitchen the back addition opens into view. You see the pool, of course, but more importantly you see all sorts of visual stimuli that immediately lets you know this is a home.  Yes there is whimsy everywhere. There's a comfy sofa and chair, art, and bric-a-brac galore. The house looks both lived in but not outlived its presence. Who wouldn't love to spend a month here?

The rear doors open out to the kidney shaped pool and rear garden where there is abundant space to get a famous Key West tan (on a sunny day).  I took more photos on a semi-cloudy day which you can see if you CLICK HERE.

If you have been dreaming about buying a perfect place in Key West, a place that you might perhaps rent as a monthly vacation rental to help offset the cost of home ownership, you really ought to consider 615 Southard Street.  It has a successful rental history.  All furnishings and personalty convey with closing as do the advance rental reservations. The asking price is $998,000. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing of this special Key West home.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. This home may be the home of your dreams.