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Tuesday, February 19, 2013

801-807 Fleming Street - Old Town - Key West

 Just listed by Preferred Properties (that's where I work but this is not my listing) 801-807 Fleming Street in Old Town Key West.  I dug deep into the old shoe box and found photos taken back in 1965 that show the houses as they existed then. This was during a period where much of Key West had been neglected for years. The houses were updated several years ago and then significantly updated just recently.
801 Fleming St built circa 1889
807 Fleming Street built circa 1892
801-807 Fleming Street in 2013
 The listing Realtor describes these two properties that are now forever joined this way:
 "This extensively renovated prime Old Town property consists of 2 historic homes that each have 2BR/1BA plus an apartment over the enclosed garage. Added features include a large pool with waterfall located between both homes along with outdoor shower, modernized bathrooms and stainless steel appliances. If people watching is your cup of tea, there are porches off each home that overlook the popular Fleming Street. Within walking distance to famed Duval Street, shops, restaurants, and bars."

The two houses are now combined into one larger property which is currently used as a successful vacation rental with five bedrooms and three baths which are disbursed between the older homes that have been significantly updated. A beautiful new (and sunny) pool sits between the two houses.   There is a total of 91 sq ft of living space under air.  The lot is 95' wide by 44' deep or 4180 sq ft.

CLICK HERE to see more photos of this property. 

The location could not be better for vacationers: the corner of William Street at Fleming Street. From this location you and your guest can be at the Historic Key West Seaport in about five minutes (just two blocks north) or Duval Street which is located three blocks west.  There are numerous cafes and restaurants within fie minutes without going to Duval or the Seaport. And if you just sit on the front porch you will find the people watching is delightful.


CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view listing photos. This property is offered at $1,895,000.  If you would like to see this home or any other property in Key West please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.  





Sunday, February 17, 2013

Sunday Open House - 909 Pohalski Lane - Key West





Now that you know the when and the where, here's why you should come see this home:
  • Completed December 2012
  • 1286 Square Feet of Living Space
  • 700 Square Feet of Outdoor Living Area
  • Two Bedrooms plus Two 1/2 Baths
  • Beautiful Kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances
  • Wind Impact Resistant Glass Doors and Windows
  • Located on an Old Town lane
  • Optionally Licensed as a Duplex
 Offered at $595,000



Friday, February 15, 2013

809 Eaton Street - Old Town - Key West


Just Listed by Preferred Properties, that's where I work but this is not my listing, 809 Eaton Street in Old Town Key West.  The original house dates back to circa 1840 when it was built for Henry Lowe. The house was totally restored and expanded in 2005 when it was featured in the Old Island Foundation House Tour.  The house is typical of other Bahamian styled homes of that era located in the immediate neighborhood.

Many of the Key West's founding fathers were expatriates from the Bahamas. They brought with them the architectural style and construction techniques with which they were familiar.  Bahamian styled houses were placed on piers and had wood frames, tall ceilings and large windows with Bahama shutters which permitted wind to circulate through the house for natural cooling. The houses were built with wood clapboard siding.

I dug deep into the old shoebox and found a photo of the roof of 809 Eaton Street (black and white photo immediately below) that was taken in 1914.  I just love the look of Key West back in the day. You can see that the Historic Seaport is only a couple of blocks away. Note all of the smaller buildings which back then were cook houses or privies.  I found another photo of 809 Eaton Street that was taken in 1965 (black and white photo second below). The house would have been about 125 years old when that pic was taken. Forty-eight years later 809 Eaton Street still looks great (color photo below taken February 2013).
 
 
The listing Realtor describes 809 Eaton Street this way:
"Classic 1800's Old Town property which is a combination of the Henry Lowe House and the Samuel Kemp House, built in 1840. This 5 bedroom / 4.5 bath 3 story home with 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom guest cottage has all the amenities you're looking for! This historic home offers a spacious living area with large open kitchen which is great for entertaining. Additional features include large porches throughout, high ceilings, Dade County Pine, hardwood flooring, large covered deck, fantastic pool and jacuzzi and off-street parking. Converted cistern as wine cellar. There is also a 60,000 watt generator so you're never in the dark. On the National Registry of Historic Places."
 This house has 4712 sq ft of living space in the main house and guest cottage. The lot is an irregular rectangle of of 6079 sq ft (approximately 57' x 125'). The main level includes a spacious living room, dining room, family room and extra large kitchen and pantry. The master bedroom with en-suite bath is also located on the main floor at the left rear of the home.  Multiple sets of French doors line the back of the house and open onto a rear loggia that overlooks the pool.
A gracious staircase leads to the second floor where there are two large bedrooms and baths. These bedrooms open onto the wrap-around second floor porch. A smaller staircase leads to the third floor which has a dormitory style bedroom plus a wonderful bath at the rear which as a view looking toward the Gulf of Mexico. You can see the pool, guest cottage, and garden.This is the kind of view that  people who accomplished great things get to enjoy.
The interior finishes and materials are all of the highest quality. While the house is rich in history and the house itself has several formal living spaces, most of the living areas on the inside and outside are quite relaxed. The combined family room and kitchen provide area for family and friends to enjoy this incredible home.
It is the outdoor living area that will probably entice that special buyer to select this home. The covered rear deck overlooks the lengthy pool and spa which is surrounded by bricked walkways and sunning areas. The guest cottage on the west side was built as part of the 2005 restoration and expansion. The cottage has a separate designer kitchen and bath plus bedroom each of which looks out to the pool. (Your guests will never leave.)    

The property has two off street parking spots: one adjacent to the front entrance and a second at the rear.  The whole house generator will provide electricity to keep you comfortable and cozy in the event of power failure elsewhere on the island. CLICK HERE to view a slide show of photos of this incredible Key West property.


CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos of this special Key West home which is offered at $2,850,000. If you area qualified buyer and would like to see this special home, please call me, Gary Thomas 305-766-2642 or send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. This is a home not to be missed.




Thursday, February 14, 2013

1115 Packer Street - Key West - Sheer Genius


The new two bedroom home at 1115 Packer Street is sheer genius, and you can buy it for only $639,000.This newly listed home is described by the listing Realtor this way:
"Picket fence paradise in Old Town, located strolling distance to Duval and; the beach. Meticulously restored this home is drop your bags ready. Home is energy efficient and eco-friendly. Outdoor living embraced with lush, native landscaping, outdoor shower, cut coral patio. Many custom touches including; chef's kitchen with Corian counter top, stainless steel appliances and gas stove, slow close drawers. Hand scraped Birch floors throughout except for gorgeous marble floors in bathrooms. Tray ceilings, spa showers, interior - washer/dryer, extreme insulation. Practically a brand new house inside and out, with new siding, electric,plumbing, roof, impact windows and doors, etc. 2 off street parking, X Flood zone. PERFECTION."
Landscaped Cut Coral Patio
  When viewing the facade of this newly listed home you might expect a typical Key West cottage style home with a typical cottage style interior. But that would be faulty thinking. Instead, this home is smartly designed and finished for today's informal yet style conscious living. When I first entered the house my eyes were wowed by the abundant light from multiple windows and doors that played off against the tray ceiling. What might be boring interior space turned into an innovative treat. It made me want to go forth to see what other bits of genius the developer had created.


I soon found another eye opener which were twin windows located on either side of the gas range that were located just at counter top height and which occupied that short space between the counter top and the upper hanging kitchen cabinets.  I have seen similar windows before, but only in million plus homes.
 The house has two good sized bedrooms and two baths. The master bedroom has a side door that opens out to a private deck area that also includes an outdoor shower.  When you finally move to Key West and buy your home you will learn one of the reasons people love living here is their outdoor shower. I pity people who don't have them. Seriously.  It is a life essential as far as I am concerned. I am glad this developer put one in.  The second bedroom has access to another side deck which is visible from the living area.
Guest Bedroom
Guest Bath
Master Bedroom
Master Bath
Outdoor Shower located at the rear of  Private Deck Area
 One of the most frequent questions I get asked is whether a new owner can tear down an old house in Old Town and build a new one. The answer is "No" with some minor qualification. Instead, many developers buy a place like this house and rebuild it.  Over the years I have seen lots of renovations, remodels, and re-builds. I have seen all manner of quality and workmanship. I have seen style and I have seen greed. Sometimes I have seen greed, granite, and caulk go hand in hand to create the illusion of a quality renovation. I know crap when I see it and I have warned my buyers not to fall for it.  This house, is quality through and through. The workmanship and materials used are all first class.
CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view listing photos of 1115 Packer Street. This home is offered furnished with the items currently shown in the photographs. And CLICK HERE to view photos I took of this really charming Key West cottage style home.

If you would like to see 1115 Packer Street, I really wish you would like to see it with me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.When you see this property you will surely agree with me that it is sheer genius.


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The information on this site is for discussion purposes only. Under no circumstances does this information constitute a recommendation to buy or sell securities, assets, real estate, or otherwise. Information has not been verified, is not guaranteed, and is subject to change.
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