617 Ashe Street, Key West - Quixotic Old Town Home

I know I'm not the only person who upon arrival in Key West the very first time was amazed at the number of incredible old homes packed together in the Old Town area. I walked the streets up and down and back and forth looking at the  houses. I took pictures of the places I thought were amazing as if to build my dream book of places I would like to live someday. I took pictures of forlorn places thinking they could be fixed up and made right. Key West back then was much different than it is today: there were more houses that needed saved than houses that had been renovated. Like many first time visitors I stayed on the main streets and did not venture too far from Duval. It wasn't until maybe ten years after my first visit that I even heard of Ashe Street. I saw a house on Ashe Street in the mls book. Remember the old days when Realtors had to carry around a mls listings book with one tiny black and white photo with scant information each listing? My Realtor drove me to Ashe Street tucked between White Street to the east and Frances Street to the west. Ashe is accessed off Southard Street to the north and ends at Olivia Street at the south. It's a narrow street with parking allowed only on the west side. I loved this little hidden street partly because I knew I'd never see a Conch Train or trolley car nor would I see many tourists - the street just seemed to be reserved for the people who were fortunate enough to live there.

Just Listed by Preferred Properties Key West - 617 Ashe Street. The listing Realtor describes this quixotic home this way:

"Located in one of the most desirable and prestigious streets in the Key West Historic District. The property is landscaped for privacy with the most magnificent arched bougainvillea, accenting the front facade. As you enter the serene setting you see stunning wraparound front porches to spend your lazy afternoons. Greeted by a spacious floor plan with tall ceilings, antique tile floors, Dade County pine walls and French doors that open to the heated pool, lanai and guest cottage. There is one gated off street parking."

I dug around in my old shoebox and found the black and white photo below which shows 617 Ashe Street in 1965. The two dominant architectural features clearly shown in the photo are the symmetrical design and the almost lace-like gingerbread trim. The design suggests the house was built in the latter part of the 19th Century. I went to the Historic Sanborn Fire Maps to see if I could find the approximate date of construction. While other houses on the 600 block of Ashe are shown in the 1899 and later maps, the map creator chose to put a compass point right smack dab where 617 Ashe Street was probably located on each map. So the maps are useless. But the Victorian style meshes with five other houses on this particular block which I suggest is a bit atypical for Key West where plain cigar maker cottages, vernacular houses, eyebrow houses, and grand conch houses are more frequently seen around Old Town.

 The house itself sits behind a white picket fence and is elevated just a bit to give the old girl a bit a "presence". Today tropical foliage blocks a clear view of the houses itself. The porch wraps around the old fashioned front room. Notice the gingerbread trim on the porch and screen door. Today many houses are built as cheaply as the developer can put them up and find someone to buy them. Spaces are often small and trim and adornment is often minimal. Other times developers build huge Mc Mansions with lots of space but I think a lot of these houses offer little character or charm. That's not the case in this old house which has lots of ornate trim throughout this 2106 sq ft home. This place just oozes charm left over from two centuries ago. The good thing is that the old style charm and the solid construction of this old house make it a very good buy for today's discerning buyer. There is gated off street parking to boot situated on this 5400 sq ft lot (60' X 90').

The front room has large windows on three sides. Since the porch wraps this room, views of the outside are muted just a bit. You won't be seeing blazing rays of sunshine projecting through the windows. Instead the muted tones of the sky and greenery will provide a serene view of the outdoors. Inside, the symmetry of the front room gives this space a certain dignity in style. Crown molding and bright white trim set the tone that carries throughout this somewhat formal abode. The front room folds into the extra wide center foyer which provides access to the guest bedroom on the north side and the den and master suite on the south side.

The kitchen and adjacent dining room are next. A beautiful chandelier marks the center of the dining room which has French doors with transoms above and sidelights which provide views of the guest cottage, pool, and sunny deck. Another set of French doors opens out to the rear dining portico. I took more photos of this home which you can see if you CLICK HERE.

The guest cottage provides additional bedroom space.  You will note the guest cottage, master bedroom and kitchen/dining rooms are additions to the original house. The additions reflect the earlier style but do not copy it. These new additions provide more open spaces and taller ceilings than often found in old homes. The pool provides a large, sunny, and private space for getting a great Key West tan.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos on 617 Ashe Street that is offered for sale at $1,800,000. After you have taken a look online please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a look in person. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

Bank Owned House in Key West - 920 Pohalski Lane

Today's blog is a bit of a mixed message. There really is something to cheer about - a two bedroom, two bath home in really good condition located in Old Town for under $500,000.  The not so much a thing to cheer about it that I represented a buyer that had this under contract who decided to pull out of the deal a few days before closing. The with drawl had nothing to do with the house whatsoever. I think this is a really good buy and hope readers will take a quick look at this as a possible buy.

920 Pohalski Lane was designed and built by a local architect that built this property for his personal home. Today it is Bank Owned and now offered for sale at just $463,000. Today the house has 920 sq ft of living space divided between the first and second floors. The house sits on a good sized lot of 1925 sq ft (55' X 35'). There is off street parking in front, a large decked rear yard, and a side side yard on the north side of the property. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet.

The listing Realtor describes the property as:

"Redesigned 2/2 historic home with a unique floor plan. Upper level master suite, french doors from living room and kitchen open to a private deck with an in ground spa. Fully fenced for privacy." 

I looked in my old shoebox and found a photo of 920 Polhalski Lane that was taken about fifty years ago. The house was enlarged with a two story rear addition that now contains the living room with vaulted ceiling, kitchen, laundry room, and second floor master suite with vaulted ceiling and en-suite bath. A set of pocket doors open from the master suite to reveal the spa in the decked rear garden area.

The photos above show the generous usage of wood throughout this home. This is "new" wood as opposed to historic Dade County Pine.  I have shown this house several times over the years. I appreciate the almost "cabin-like" or masculine feel of this home. The living room and guest bedroom and bath share the first floor. A full bath is located off the living room but it is not en-suite to the bedroom. French doors at the rear open out to a partially covered rear deck that leads to the separate kitchen which is separate from the living area.  Pocket doors open to reveal the kitchen tucked into a comfy rear corner of the house.

The second floor master suite is magical. The vaulted ceiling gives this space such an expansive feel. Upper level windows punctuate the lower window and pocket doors to give the interior more light and to provide a dramatic element to the otherwise understated wood room. 

920 Pohalksi Lane is located less than half a block north of Truman Avenue and across the way from the Truman and White Chevron Station. The Coffee Mill dance studio and Zumba fitness is located next door to the north. The best fried chicken in town is sold 24 hours a day at the Citgo gas station opposite the Chevron station. Most of the gyms and yoga studios are located within two blocks of this location. The location will appeal to a hip buyer that appreciates being able to be close to most of Old Town and who wants to buy a place in good condition at an affordable price.The house needs a good cleaning, but otherwise looks to be in good condition. The home inspector that inspected the property for the previous buyer told that buyer that the house was "dry" meaning no moisture or mold and in superior condition.  I took more photos which you can see if you CLICK HERE .

If you would like to see 920 Pohalski Lane, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

2312 North Roosevelt Blvd. Key West - Deveopment Opportunity!

Just Listed by Preferred Properties - 2312 North Roosevelt Boulevard in Key West, Florida. This nearly 20,000 sq ft lot irregularly shaped rectangle (102' X 194') frontage on US 1 as it makes its way into the Old Town corridor. It is located opposite the Key West Yacht Club.

I dug into my old shoebox and found an aerial photo from the not too distant pass taken by Ty Symroski and Wendy Tucker.  I have added arrows to point out the location of 2312 N. Roosevelt which is shown just opposite the Yacht Club. The small Hilton Haven enclave is located on the backside of the Yacht Club.

2312 N. Roosevelt Blvd. Photo in 1999

The two year long widening and enhancement of  US 1 from its entrance onto the Island of Key West to White Street was completed in 2014. Within the next few months the four hotel renovations at the US1 gateway onto to the island of Key West will be compete. They will join in the renaissance that is transforming North Roosevelt Boulevard as it winds its way alongside the Gulf of Mexico toward Old Town. The black and white photo above was taken back in 1965. It shows nearby 1704 N. Roosevelt Blvd. back in 1964. The old Dairy Freeze is history now. Today there is a modern office building in that location. The vast open area behind it is now the athletic field at the Horace O'Bryant Middle School. Some smart buyer will purchase 2312 N. Roosevelt and give that parcel new life and new purpose. 

I walked this lot while I was taking photos. The width and depth of the space is much larger in person than it appears in these photos.  The 102' ft depth is equal to two large modular homes. The frontage is equal to nearly four modulars. I use the modular concept because most of us are familiar with that size. This is a really big parcel. Consider the possibilities if a new commercial space were built at ground level and completed with multiple residential components on the second floor.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet on this property. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, for more information. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. 

2645 Gulfview Drive, Key West Waterfront Property

2645 Gulfview Drive is a smart looking 1600 square foot home located at Gulfview Point (formerly Roosevelt Annex) in Key West where each of the 25 single-family homes and town homes  are located on the water and sited for exquisite views of the setting sun over the Gulf of Mexico. Gulfpoint Annex continues to be an exclusive community with a neighborhood of homes surrounded by water on three sides.  This is the only place of this kind in Key West! Click GOOGLE MAP for an aerial perspective of the property and its relationship to the water.

This development was built by Pritam Shingh who also developed Truman Annex, the Key West Golf Club Community, Parrot Key Resort, and the new Marker Hotel in Old Town Key West. Each of the developments has the look and feel of small town America. After you pass the gated entry the road winds through the friendly neighborhood. Many but not all of the homes have covered off street parking (this one does). 2645 Gulfpoint Drive is located near the far end of the drive.

The main living level provides a lot of living space both indoors and outdoors. The family chef will have water views from the kitchen as he or she looks through the living area and out to the gulf. There is a spare room tucked off to the right side of the living room which has pocket doors to provide privacy when needed.  An owner might use that space as a dining room, home office, den, or maybe as a guest bedroom. (There is a half bath on this floor as well.) There is an expansive covered deck with steps that lead down to the larger open deck at pool side. Just beyond the picket fence is a walking trail that wraps around all three sides of the development. This is a great place to walk the family dog. Some owners have installed floating (non-permanent) docks to moor small boats at waters edge.

On the second floor there are two guest bedrooms at the front of the house. The bedroom on the west side has a door that opens to the front balcony which overlooks Gulfview Drive. Both bedrooms have vaulted ceilings which enhance the spatial feel in these rooms. The master bedroom with en-suite bath is at the rear where there is a covered deck that has commanding views of the water. I had a listing that I sold at Gulfview last year. Each time I took potential buyers out to either deck their jaws dropped - the views are just incredibly beautiful and so serene. So many people dream of moving to Key West and imagine the joys of living on an island. The reality in Key West is that there are very few homes that have any sort of water view.  Here you can actually see the water every day and watch amazing sea and sky change as the morning turns to day and the day turns to night. You'll see sunny skies and foreboding clouds and even watch and listen as thunder claps across the vast open water. You'll have a view that very few people get to have in our little town.

There is a home owner association which requires payment of monthly fees of $372 which includes cable television, security, and grounds maintenance. The park-like grounds are meticulously maintained. Pets are permitted with restrictions. CLICK HERE to see more photos which I took.

2645 Gulview Drive is offered for sale at $849,900. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Let me help you find your perfect place in Paradise. This just might be that place!