412 Grinnell Street - Old Town - Key West

Just Listed 412 Grinnell Street in Key West. I fell in love with this house the first time I stepped inside nearly two decades ago. I believe this was the first eyebrow house I got to see from the inside. The house was deliciously enchanting. That owner (Richard Sheldon) had renovated the  original house, built a new living room and kitchen addition, and added a pool. The home has changed ownership three times since then. The current owners purchased the house through me in 2012 and undertook a thorough renovation and small expansion of the property for which they were awarded the 2015 Historic Florida Keys Ceramic Star for excellence for preservation, restoration, rehabilitation and new construction. Now 412 Grinnell Street is offered for sale. The current owners feel the need to be near their toddler granddaughter and her soon to be sibling and for this reason this home is now offered for sale. 

Eyebrow houses are particularly unique to Key West. They are two story homes which vary in height, width, and size. These houses get the name "eyebrow" because the second floor windows are sheltered by the front roof eave which extends out over the house and supported by columns or posts.  Before electric fans and later air conditioning, shade and natural air flow cooled homes. The windows of an eyebrow house can be left open during rain storms which allows air to flow to cool the rooms.  412 Grinnell Street is one of the larger such homes on the island.

This home was built in 1895. It looks so cute and sweet from the outside. Then when you step inside you know the place is going to be even better than you imagined. Your eyes are immediately drawn past the entry hall and through the living room out to the pool. And what pool it is - a 30' X 10' foot pool and  a 6' X 6' spa. The rear side has a tall privacy fence with native trees and tropical foliage that has grown to adult height.  Later you will learn there are no neighbors to the immediate rear which is Fletchers Lane - a walking lane accessed off Eaton Street, about 100 feet to the north.

The owners did a bundle of projects during the renovation including replacing the metal; replacing piers where required; and installing heart pine floors (aged 200 to 500 years) which look absolutely perfect. All floors on both levels are flat and flawless. All of the HVAC is new.  The owner updated all of the interior spaces, renovated all bathrooms, added wind impact resistant windows and doors where permissible. Every town has a go-to local custom cabinet maker. Hansen & Bringle is that company in Key West. They installed new custom cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms and wainscoting in living and dining rooms.

The kitchen, while relatively recently new, was still renovated. An all too large bank of windows was removed and replaced with a single new window which permitted the installation of upper cabinets. The laundry closet became a pantry and the washer and dryer were placed under the kitchen counter. New SubZero, Wolf, and Miele appliances were added as were new granite counter-tops. One of the best features is the kitchen door which opens out to a little porch where there is an herb garden. The porch leads down to the brick paved driveway with electrically opening gate.

The owners took down the original guest cottage and built an entirely new 23' X 12' guest house. It is located in a separate building just off the covered rear deck. That deck will probably be the most used space in the house besides the bedroom. The guest cottage has a cathedral ceiling punctuated by a round impact glass window near the top of the gable, natural travertine marble floors, and a wet bar with under counter refrigerator. It has a full bath. This cottage and bath mean the entire home has four or five bedrooms (explained below) each with bath. The owner thinks the guest cottage could be used as a master suite.

The guest cottage is located next to the pool which has a gate opens that opens out to Fletchers Lane. Guests can return from a night out in Key West without disturbing the folks in the main house. The newly resurfaced and revamped pool includes a salt water filtration system, LED light show, and remote control programing. Travertine marble coping surrounds the pool and spa. All new Azec decks were installed including the covered rear lanai. The gardens were replanted with native foliage. The owners added an irrigation system to supplement Mother Nature.

Depending on your need, the main house has either four bedrooms and four baths or three bedrooms and a study.  The study or fourth bedroom is located at the right front of the home. It has two stained glass doors and panels. Everybody who sees it goes "Ooh and Aah". This space would inspire any would-be writer, artist, or thinker of great thoughts, or a grandmother who knits booties (do they still do that?) or a grandfather who smokes a pipe (do they still do that, either?). The room has a half bath that is illuminated by a chandelier. The owners had a new stained glass window made with the house numerals which was place in the transom over the front door. The ceramic star is placed above the transom. Passersby at night admire the colors emanating from this room.

The owners use the main floor bedroom as their master. It is located at the front of the house opposite the study/bedroom. About half of the main floor Dade County Pine walls are natural and the remaining walls are painted. The master bedroom has Dade Pine and has a fairly good sized en-suite bath with large shower complete a marine porthole where you can look out to see tropical foliage. I guarantee you will have a smile on your face every day if you use this shower and that's not a bad way to start your day any day.

There are two more bedrooms on the second floor. Notice the windows near floor level and look out to the street. You will then understand the eyebrow concept. The heart pine floors are gorgeous. Each bedroom has a brand new en-suite bath with shower. The rooms are not big, nor are they small. They are how people lived one hundred twenty five years ago except these rooms are air conditioned, have electricity, and have bathrooms.

 The owner traced the history of this home back to the beginning of the island. Every detail of  this old house has been committed to writing and detailed so that future generations may share in the history of this home. I think any potential buyer will appreciate the care that has been given not only to the preservation of the structure but also of the history of the house which the owners call "La Casa Ceja", The Eyebrow House. CLICK HERE to view an album of photos of this beautiful Old Town treasure that has been carefully and thoughtfully restored and made better than ever before. You won't have to do a thing except enjoy your home and make reservations for dinner.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet on 412 Grinnell Street offered at $1,999,000. The please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a private showing. I am the listing agent on this very special property. You won't find anything comparable at this price. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

812 Fleming Street #5 - Key West - One Hot Property!

Timmy Tuxedo welcoming passersby at 812 Fleming Street

I expect the newly listed top floor condo at 812 Fleming Street in the Seafoam Condo building will be under contract any day. First, you can't find a better location in Old Town: it is near everything full time residents want and part-time owners demand. Second, it is located on the top floor of an historic building and has commanding views of the nearby neighborhood from its 223 sq ft balcony. Third, the building's incredibly beautiful interiors can be customized to a new owner's desires without getting approval from any governmental bureau (the condo association may need to approve, however). Fourth, the building only has eight residential units plus two commercial units (including Key West landmark Timmy Tuxedo) with long term residential ownership. Fifth the rear side of the building has a wonderful pool and private garden area. And the asking price on this unit is only $299,900. The listing Realtor describes this unit this way:

"Wonderful & charming Old Town condominium with tall ceilings & Dade County pine walls and floors throughout. Rarely is there a unit on the market in this great historic building known as Seafoam Condominiums. Only eight condominiums and two commercial units are in this great piece of the Rock, it's private and feels like Key West. This third floor, one bedroom, one bath unit has 613sf of living space plus a 223sf balcony overlooking Fleming Street. It is in need of some renovation in the bathroom and kitchen but really is a great unit. In the back yard there is a pool and private grounds."

Unit #5 is top floor left side

I have not been inside this building since at least 2005 when the last unit was listed and sold at a significantly higher price. The fact is there have been few units listed or sold. So not many people know about this Key West treasure. The front entry has an electronic keyed entrance. You walk into the entry hall and immediately see the dramatic open three story staircase illuminated by rooftop skylights. The geometry of the place is just awesome.

Unit #5 is less than awesome, however. Some lamebrain tenant who thought he was an artist lived in this space and decided to leave his artistic marks in the kitchen and bathroom. Both spaces need remodeled, but many owners do that nowadays anyway. Everything functions so there is no need to do anything right away, but I'd probably do it immediately myself.

lamebrain art

I would ditch the old bathtub and install a beautiful new shower and sleek vanity in the bathroom. The kitchen would get demolished and replaced with new cabinets and probably higher quality stainless steel appliances. The space is small but not tiny. You can afford to go grand when you don't have to redo a huge space. The end result could be just amazing. I would probably move some the non-load bearing interior walls and rearrange the space to give this unit a more elegant pied-à-terre feel. And finally I would create a wonderful outdoor living room on that balcony. Monthly condo fees are $415 and include building maintenance, pool maintenance, building insurance, water and cable. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet.


I forgot to mention that this building is located on the gayest block in Key West. Four all male guest houses are located in this block including Equator, Coral Tree Inn, Coconut Grove, and the Oasis Guesthouse. Alexanders and The Island House are located in the 1100 block of Fleming Street and the guys normally pass by 812 Fleming Street once or twice each day. You don't have to be gay to buy in a place like this, but if you are gay, this is surely one hot property! CLICK HERE to view more photos I took of this property.

The Gayest Block in Key West

If you would like to see this place before it is gone, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. This One Hot Property will not last long.

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407-409 Petronia Street - Tranisent Licensed - Short Sale - Key West

407-409 Petronia Street - Old Town - Key West

Just listed, but not by me, 407-409 Petronia Street in Old Town Key West. This listing will surely attract a lot of potential buyers because it has many of the items on most potential buyers' wish list including: Old Town Location; Valuable Transient License, a Pool, Off Street Parking (for 2 cars), and it is a Short Sale Priced to Sell Quickly. The listing Realtor describes the property this way:

"Key Lime Calypso is the name of this income producing (transient licensed) 2/1 Conch Cottage with over 13 Ft. high ceilings! The combined LR, DR, & kitchen have french doors leading to the huge private/fenced lot with oversized swimming pool. The house is on one lot (409 Petronia St.) with gated off street parking for 2+ cars and the lot (407 Petronia St.) extends beyond the privacy fences to make up a total of 6,229 sq. ft. of land which backs up to The Bourbon St.Complex. Extensive brick patios and walkways all around the huge pool makes this a hidden secret. This is a short-sale and requires 48 hour notice to show."

The two bedroom/one bath cottage has 761 square feet of living space that sits behind a white picket fence with gated driveway just steps from Duval Street. The lot backs onto the Bourbon Street Pub complex which fronts on Duval Street. The 400 block of Petronia Street is a mix of mostly commercial businesses and some small condos. Neither you nor your friends or guests will ever have a hard time finding the place, just tell them that it is located next door to Better Than Sex and they can find their way home.

Better Than Sex is located next door...

I mentioned 407-409 Petronia Street has a pool. Well, it's not one of those tiny little pretend pools that some rentals have: it is a real pool bathed in sun and by tropical foliage with brick pavers and decking. Guests want to go back home with a Key West tan and they can get one here.

Day or Night, the location is near where returning guests want to be

Guests will love the location because it is convenient to just about everything tourists and seasoned returning guests want to see or do. Ft. Zach Taylor Beach is an easy hike. Mallory Square, where most first time visitors and returning guests celebrate sunset, is a convenient walk. Many of the attractions first time sightseers visit are located within a few blocks of the property. And, of course, the great restaurants and nightspots are nearby.

407-409 Petronia Street is offered at the short sale asking price of $640,000. The house was built new in 1982. The prior building at this location was the Hi-Hat Cafe. If you would like to see this house or any other property in Key West, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida.

The Lap of Luxury - Key West

90 foot lap pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean

Preferred Properties just listed the house with the longest lap pool I have seen in the Key West area. You might call this place the lap of luxury. The 3384 sq ft home is located on Cudjoe Key at Mile Marker 20, about a 20 minute drive out from Key West. The house sits just at the end of a canal that provides immediate access to the Atlantic Ocean. The house is located on an 18,960 sq ft lot with all major views oriented toward the water. The master suite is located on the east side and the guest rooms are on the west side of the house. The living and entertaining areas are located in the middle and separate the two wings to provide total privacy for the owners.

Living room

Informal dining area

When I first entered the home my eyes were immediately drawn to the left beyond the bring living area shown above and past the informal dining area to the mangroves and water. Just to the right was the formal dining room and beyond it was the large kitchen with a large window with an incredible view of the pool and open water beyond.

I couldn't wait any longer. I had to step outside to see for myself how wonderful the outdoor space was to be.

The family room is seen above

The spa and 90 foot lap pool

The master suite is larger than some of the two story homes in Truman Annex. And the views are just incredible. The master suite has immediate access to the pool area, but there is an inside spa in the master bath.

The home has its own 125' private dock with two davits

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view more listing photos of this luxury Key West area home that is offered by Preferred Properties at $1,875,000.

If you would like to view the lap of luxury up close or if you would like to see any other home in Key West, I would appreciate your phone call. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. Please call me Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule your showing.

Seascape Tropical Inn - Guest House - Key West

Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. (that's where I work but this is not my listing) just listed the ever-so-cute Seascape Tropical Inn. Seascape is located at 420 Olivia Street - about 100 feet from Duval Street and it's famous neighbor to the west is the Ernest Hemingway House. Seascape Tropical Inn was praised by the New York Times and named the "Best Value of all Key West Bed & Breakfasts" by Florida Keys Magazine.

The new pool is easily accessible from all rooms

Breakfast in the morning and complimentary cocktails in the early evening

Sunworshiper's paradise on most days

All seven guest rooms have private baths and each room has been updated to provide top quality lodging including A/C, refrigerator, cable TV, and wireless Internet service. The beautiful pool is easily accessible by all rooms. (And it meets all current State of Florida health requirements which will save a new owner from huge expenses.) The current owners have upgraded all rooms and have increased year round occupancy from 72% in 2009 to 88% in 2011. This is a great opportunity for a prospective guest house purchaser in Key West.

Each room is unique

I used to town the former Eaton Lodge Guest House at 511 Eaton Street. I know from experience the value of owning a guest house that is located near Duval Street and the importance tourists place on proximity to nearby attractions. Once guests are settled in their rooms, they know they can walk out the front door and be anyplace they want to be within a few minutes walk. South Beach is a couple of blocks to the south, great restaurants can be found on Duval or any number of the intersecting streets, bars of all sizes and for all sorts are located everywhere. The Waterfront Playhouse and Red Barn Theatre are a ten minute walk north on Duval Street. Sunset at Mallory Square or fishing trips from the Historic Seaport are all within easy walking distance.

Pretty as a picture - and near everything important

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on Seascape Tropical Inn that is offered at $2,250,000. Contact me for detailed information and more photos by sending an email request to me at kw1101v@aol.com.

Reception Parking - not many guest houses have this!

I consider my experience as a guest house owner in Key West to be a valuable asset in helping a potential purchaser find and buy the right guest house. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 if you would like to schedule a visit to see Seascape or any other guest house. Viewing any guest house is difficult because owners do not want to disturb guests. It is important that we schedule appointments in advance. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc.