920 Terry Lane - Old Town - Key West

920 Terry Lane - Old Town - Key West

At least a couple of readers have taken exception to properties I have written about or areas that I seem to have intentionally 'neglected', particularly the midtown and newtown areas of Key West. I have been called an 'elitist' and a 'snob'. I am. Sometimes. I admit it. And sometimes I am wrong about houses in Old Town that I decide are not what buyers ought to consider for whatever reason. Such was the case of 920 Terry Lane in Key West. Mea culpa.


I showed 920 Terry Lane for the very first time earlier this week. I was totally surprised and decided immediately upon entering the house that I must write about it. Let me first share how the listing Realtor describes this property:

"No expense spared in this stunning renovation of a Historic three bedroom and three bathroom home with a bonus room. Located o a quiet Old Town lane in the X zone with pool and parking, this property offers the best possible views of the Key West lighthouse. The floor plan flows seamlessly from the living room with high ceilings and beautiul Brazilian hardwood floors into the two ground floor bedrooms, one of which could be used as a master suite. The kitchen offers island breakfast nook, stainless steel appliances, glazed maple cabinetry and buffet serving area. The Master suite encompasses the entire second floor and offers fascinating lighthouse views, tall ceilings with transom windows, and balcony with lpe decking. Must see!"

How could anyone not be impressed by the view of the historic Key West Lighthouse? 920 Terry Lane sits right across from the grounds of the lighthouse. This house has for me at least an almost idealic location akin to houses that line the cemetery because the neighbor is so very quiet at night. And you know that the beautiful view will always be maintained, and that it will never change. That is an intangible benefit that eludes most property owners anyplace. Having it only enhances the property value of nearby property owners-at least that is the way I see it.

920 Terry Lane as it appeared in 1965

920 Terry Lane in 2011

I dug into the old shoe box and found a photo of 920 Terry Lane that dates back to 1965 (black & white photo above). Compare that to the color photo immediately above. The current owner did a total renovation of the property and received an historic preservation award.

The Great Room

The old house with an incredible location has been updated and expanded to meet the needs of modern day living. Gone are the small one-purpose rooms. Instead, the first floor has an open great room with soaring ceiling. The kitchen is a big open area with rich custom wood cabinets and large windows that let sun shine in to brighten the space. Off to the rear and down a step is the family room with a set of French doors that open out to the small garden and pool. Two large bedrooms complete the main floor. As the listing Realtor points out, one could use the down stairs bedroom as the master suite. Potential older buyers need to consider options like that. As we get older, stairs can become more challenging.

Original house in front with two story rear addition and wrap-around porch

View off wrap-around deck off the master bedroom

If you are not yet challenged by stairs (lucky you!) the view and the geometry of the master suite on the second floor is unlike any other house in Key West. The owner designed this space so one could lay in bed and still have a view of the old light house. He built wrap-around decks that provide that stunning view of the light house as well as neighbors in some of the pristine little renovations that surround the property.


920 Terry Lane has 1856 sq ft of living space and sits on a 41'x79' (3212) sq ft lot. The living space is nicely divided by room function. The main living area provides access to the bedrooms on the main level. The kitchen area double functions as a core living area and as access to the stairway to the second floor and lower level family room or access to the pool. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view many listing photos.


920 Terry Lane is offered at $895,000. If you would like to see this home or any other house in Key West, please consider working with me, Gary Thomas. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. Do as I did. Take a look. You will be very pleasantly surprised.

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