6 Pinder Lane, Key West - A Magical Secret Garden

Located in the Heart of Old Town but tucked away and hidden from view is this enchanting home and secret garden that once belonged to author Nancy Friday. The home seems to rise from the garden with a wrap-around-porch and broad deck that circles the nearby pool and spa. This very private home has three bedrooms and two baths including the treetop master bedroom with private bath. 

This is no ordinary "quintessential" Key West home. And the lot on which it is built is not just an ordinary lot. No, not by a long shot. Pinder Lane is a dead-end lane located mid-distance between Fleming Street to the north and Southard Street to the south just east off William Street in the very Heart of Old Town. The lot itself is tucked in a corner at the very end of the lane. A path leads away from the lane to a tall gate with what looks like an ancient cow bell. You need to pull the clanger to announce your presence at the gate. Lift the wrought iron lever, push the gate forward, and be prepared for a surprise. You are entering a magical setting known as 6 Pinder Lane. 

 A brick path encircles the house as it meanders through the garden. The garden is now so dense it almost seems like you are walking through the forest primeval. The sky opens over the pool which is located on the south side of the property. French doors open out to the deck from both the living room and a ground floor bedroom. 

The wood deck continues around the back side of the house until it meets the brick path on the north side which then returns to the front porch which wraps the covered front entry. A rather large building parcel is located adjacent to the back deck. I found a photo of what I believe was an old cottage that once occupied that space. I think the space would make an excellent location on which to build a guest cottage - that is if a new owner would want to share this precious space with others. 

This is the house I believe once stood on the now empty building lot

6 Pinder Lane before the wrap-around decks and second floor addition were added

 I was told that local architect Tom Pope designed the renovation to this home many years ago. The original cottage was expanded at the rear and a second floor was added where the master bedroom and tree-top bath is located. Multiple sets of French doors were added on the main level that open out to the magnificent deck. I have shown this house many times over the years. The French doors have always been open. It's as if each owner just lives inside and outside continually. It is, however, the wrap-around covered deck that is magnificent. There is not another house in Key West that has anything similar. 

Main floor north bedroom

Main floor south bedroom

The master bedroom is like a Hollywood movie set. It is as if someone created the perfect version of a little love nest up in the sky. The wood walls and floor are painted white. Three sets of windows look out to the towering trees and gardens below. The space is ever so comfy! You just want to curl up and read a book, take a nap, or have a little afternoon romance. Whoever buys this house please don't mess with this! The bathroom is one-of-a-kind. The white porcelain bath fixtures standout against the dark green tiles. When you stand in the shower you can see smidgens of the tin roof on a neighboring house, but mostly you see the tree tops and patches of blue sky. CLICK HERE to view more photos of the property.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls database on 6 Pinder Lane which is offered at $1,549,000. There are three bedrooms, two baths, a living room that spans the front of the house, and a wrap-around deck without equal in this little island town. The lot is huge for Old Town - 7564 sq ft. There is room upon which a new owner might build a guest cottage. And now the property includes a dedicated bricked parking space located on Pinder Lane. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing on which I am the listing agent.

927 United Street, Key West, Florida - Just Listed

Just Listed by Preferred Properties Key West 927 United Street, Key West. This home was renovated and expanded a couple of years back and is now offered for sale at the asking price of $1,495,000.  It is a mix of old and new, charm and utility, pool and parking, and it looks great!

The listing Realtor, not me, describes this home this way:

"An exceptional property awaits you in Key West. Come experience an harmonious blend of historic craftsmanship and modern conveniences. Downstairs is a the master bedroom with luxurious en suite bath and two private covered porches. The gourmet kitchen is highly functional and designed for entertaining with style. Vaulted ceilings and an open floor plan of the living and dining areas are impressive. French doors lead to a covered porch with enclosed laundry room and views of tropical gardens and swimming pool. Upstairs are two beautiful bedrooms with a stylish shared bath. The grounds are lush, with mature Frangipani and champion Mango Trees. A bricked driveway provides an elegant entrance to the house, and parking for two cars."

I researched the historic Sanborn Fire Maps and could not locate this house on any of the four old maps available and could not find any indication that this house existed prior to 1912, but that does not mean it was not in existence but only that it was not cited on a map. I did, however, find a photo taken in 1965 that shows us what the house looked like before renovation. Then I found a photo I took right after the renovations were completed. The lower photos show the clean lines and classic look of both the old house and the new addition. You'll probably amazed at how large and how quickly the landscaping has grown compared to the current photos in today's blog.

The original house is now used entirely as the great room or open living area, dining space, and kitchen. The front door of the old house is now only an opening to the front porch where today
you can barely see thru to the street because the landscaping is so lush.

French doors off the dining area open out to a large covered rear veranda that looks out to the long pool and gardens. The garden area extends across the back of  property (which most houses do!) where there is a similar rear covered porch off the main floor master suite.

When you look at the photos I took (CLICK HERE) you will appreciate the quality of interior finishes and materials used. For example, the large master bedroom has a big closet which lights up when the doors are opened. A well thought-out closet organizer offers differing shelves and hanging possibilities that provides real utility to the owner. I tell buyers you do not need as many clothes down here as you do up north in America, but you need to be able to find the clothes you do have. Also look at the stainless steel door knows, the high sheen white paint job, the large baseboards and crown molding. These elements combine to provide a real classy look that is also relaxed.

There are two bedrooms on the second floor of the new addition. The multi-angle gables add lots of drama to this space.It has the feel of an old fashioned garret but the real modern day utility. Both bedrooms have separate doors that open into the shared Jack-and-Jill bath.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing of this really clean and very interesting home. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

Buy a Piece of Old Key West

If you have been thinking about buying a small house in Key West but have decided you have been priced out of the market, you might consider buying a much smaller place like the one above built by  Ronny Bailey.  You can do so at the 30th Annual Arts and Crafts show this Friday and Saturday between 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Whitehead Street between Fleming and Caroline Streets. CLICK HERE for more information on the show.

Ronny Bailey dropped by my office last week to show this new piece which is one of three he will be showing the first time at this show. This piece is his recollection of the historic home that was actually located at 702 Thomas Street in the Bahama Village section of Key West. The original building no longer exists. Unfortunately, I could not find a photo of the old house.  I think Ronny told me it burned to the ground. (My history lesson on this building is totally deficient. The art makes up for my lack of attention to detail.)

Each piece was made by using pieces of wood removed from old homes in Key West. Ronny always includes three words on each piece he creates: love, joy, and peace. They are easy to see if you look in the right place.These are the watchwords that Ronny lives by. I don't think I have met a kinder man in Key West. He always has a big smile and kind tones when speaking with others. Love.Joy. Peace. Right!

526 Southard Street, Key West - Business For Sale

Okay, Dear Readers, you've toyed with the idea of leaving your hour long commutes to work and moving to Key West. You've wondered how you might make a living here that does not involve waiting tables, cleaning toilets in hotel rooms, ferrying tourists from Toledo around on Conch trains, or being a greeter at KMART or HOME DEPOT. Those are all good jobs and keep a lot of people here employed. Preferred Properties Key West just listed an alternative business that would be perfect for a single person to operate with the assistance of an occasional back-up staff person. That business is The Cottage located at 526 Southard Street in Key West.

The listing Realtor described the offering as a:

"Beloved retail business for sale with strong local customer base. Perfect for an owner/operator. Future expansion possibilities include a retail website, interior design consulting and a social media presence. Favorable lease terms. Business opportunity only, real estate not for sale. Inventory additional."

CLICK HERE to read the Key West mls datasheet on 526 Southard Street (business only, not real estate) which is offered for sale at $95,000. Please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to show you this property and provide additional information. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.