The Key West Riviera

I finally moved to Key West just a few days before Christmas in 1993. And a few days after Christmas I went on the Old Island Restoration Foundation's annual Christmas House tour. One of the homes was located on The Key West Riviera--actually Riviera Drive at the far eastern end of the island of Key West.

I needed directions to find the house since I had never even heard of the area. And was I in for a huge and very pleasant surprise. The house was on the north side of the Riviera Canal so the backyard of the house bounded the canal. But it was what was on the opposite side of the canal that amazed me: nothing. Nothing that is but mangroves. It was like being in a house in the wilderness. It was so peaceful, serene, and bucolic. I did not know that any such type of house existed in Key West. I thought every house was either old like the conch houses in Old Town or suburban like the cracker boxes in New Town. But the houses on the Rivera Canal were just amazing.

Key West also has homes on the Sunrise and Flagler Canals. And the prices of the homes on all three canals vary from affordable to very, very pricey. Most of the homes have docks so the owners can navigate their boats to sea for an evening cocktail cruise.

The pics on this blog are of a home located in the 3300 block of Riviera. It is a 3 bed, 3 bath home built in 1958 with 1891 square feet of living space on a larger (7375 square foot lot). It has a dreamy kitchen, a pool, two boat lifts, and a killer view of the wildlife preserve across the canal. There will never, ever be a house or condo across the canal. No noisy neighbors or prying eyes. Just the little animals, birds, and fish. And the price isn't all that bad: $1,499,000.

CLICK HERE to search for your new home on the Key West Riviera and then give me a call at 305-766-2642 to set up a private showing. I suggest we take the first peak around sunset. You won't believe how truly beautiful the setting will be.