Sitting Pretty in Key West

I remember being in the house at 727 Eaton Street years ago. A friend rented an apartment there, and I vaguely remember being inside. The black and white photo below shows the house in 1965. I think that is pretty much how it looked like when I was there in 1987. Twenty four years later it looks amazingly different.

The listing agent recently invited me to take a look at the property. As I walked past the front garden gate and eyed the grand facade, my eyes were drawn to the old fashioned swing on the front porch. When I got to the front door I looked directly at the swing and thought how wonderful it must be to own such a magnificent old house, a Grande Dame if there ever was one. Sitting pretty in Key West.

The listing Realtor describes 727 Eaton Street this way:

"Amazing price! This grand historic home on large corner lot in the heart of Old Town just a block from the waterfront in the Historic Seaport District is now a wonderful opportunity as well as a beautiful home. Lovingly restored and meticulously maintained, this house is graceful,elegant,spacious & full of light, with the traditional millwork & high ceilings of the era. Formal parlor, grand dining room & wrap around porches complete this true historic beauty. Main floor: foyer, formal dining room, powder room, parlor, kitchen & small office with laundry. Second floor: three generous bedrooms with two full baths, one ensuite. Third floor: separate Mother-in-Law apartment which was previously accessed from an exterior stair."

This house dominates the corner at Eaton and William Streets. A white picket fence and mature trees frame the view. There is a bricked driveway on William that accommodates two cars. Your attention is drawn to the detail in the immediate area. This is not a normal driveway. Somebody important lives here. Then you see the wraparound veranda veranda and your suspicion of importance is confirmed. This is no normal big old house. This is a very special Key West property.


The house is painted a bright, crisp white with green shutters. I looked for flaws but found none. Every part of this place is pristine.

Upon entry I was overwhelmed by the dramatic decor that continued from room to room throughout the three floors. The parlor, living and dining areas hark back to another era with a richness that we no longer see in most properties. The kitchen and laundry areas look like late 19th century except they have modern conveniences that thoughtfully blend in.

Formal entry

Living room looking toward the kitchen

Opposite view

This kitchen is magazine center-fold material

There are three bedrooms and two baths on the second floor. One bedroom is used as an office and dressing area; a second is decorated much like it might have been in the 1930's or so, and the master has north facing windows that let in late afternoon light. I noticed a giant bent Norfolk Pine. What a wonderful view.

The 1930's vintage bedroom

The Master Suite

The third floor is a true mother-in-law apartment with living room, bedroom, mini-kitchen, and bath. The place is stunning in its design. It would make a great space for mom or a live-in. Or perhaps you might want to claim the space as the master suite. The bathroom even has a view of the Historic Key West Seaport. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls database and to view lots of listing photos.

Nearness to the Historic Seaport is a selling point for many houses in Key West. This place has a water view from the third floor.


This house is dramatically furnished. Underneath the decor is a solidly built Key West home that has been thoughtfully restored for our modern living needs. I have a lot of photos that I took which which you can view if you CLICK HERE.

727 Eaton Street is offered at $1,950,000. If you are looking for a substantial Key West property, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. Let's schedule an afternoon visit to take in an incredible property. Imagine yourself sitting pretty in one of the most beautiful homes in all of Key West. I am a buyers' agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.