611 William Street - Old Town - Key West

611 William Street is located on one of the very best blocks in Old Town Key West. The listing Realtor describes 611 William Street this way:

"Historic Greek Revival residence in prime Old Town location!Now configured as a 3 unit property,this architectural gem could be maintained as is with its elegantly appointed 2BR/2BA owner's unit,and 2 add'l. legal rental units.Or the new owner could restore the prop'y to a grand sgl family home,or convert the entire property into 3 condos.Owner's unit boasts an amazing covered outdoor living/dining space,with a Zen-like water feature,landscape lighting,built-in BBQ and wet bar. Both bedrooms feature en suite baths.Loads of storage,and rare off-street parking.Currently two (of 3) legal rentals produce $3000+ monthly income and with minor upgrades could easily command more.A signature historic home in the heart of Old Town's best neighborhood."

611 William Street as it looked in 1965

611 William Street as it appears in 2012

I dug into the old shoe box and found a photo taken in 1965 with the notation that the house was built circa 1889. I sold the cute cigar maker's cottage located next door at 613 William Street a couple of years ago. The styles are totally opposite: one is big and semi-imposing and the other is more demur because of its smaller size and pretty pink color. This block has a combination of similar cottage style houses, eyebrow houses, and great Conch houses. Some homes have postage stamp lots while others have huge rear yards with delightful pools and gardens. Much of this block of William Street has large specimen trees that provide ample shade and a calming atmosphere. One such tree is located at the front of 611 William Street.

I recently took some photos of the interior of 611 William Street. I was totally 'taken' by the charm of this property, especially the second and third floors. Those spaces are what makes big homes so intriguing to me. While the downstairs has been gentrified (for lack of a better term) the second and third floors are reminiscent to the big old houses that made me fall in love with this island I call my home. The spaces are big and have great views of Old Town. The spaces implore the occupant to open the doors and let the outside in. The second floor living room is immense. The living room has three bay doors that open out to the second floor front porch. The tree seen in the old black and white photo is even bigger today. There is a wonderful rooftop deck at the rear of the house. What a sight to behold peering over the tree tops of Old Town. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view more listing photos. 611 William Street is offered at $1,499,000.

Big rooms with big views

Tree top views from the third floor deck

Owner's unit covered outdoor living space

The famous Solares Hill Grocery (now called Charlie's Grocery) is located near the summit of the hill (elevation 18 feet) at 648 William (corner of William and Windsor Lane). It's the only store or commercial enterprise for several blocks. The Key West Writer's Compound is around the corner on Windsor Lane. The compound was established in 1976 and was once the winter home to writers including Richard Wilbur, John Ciardi, John Hersey, and Ralph Ellison. Across the street from 611 William Street is the home of the late Shel Silverstein. Jerry Herman (Hello, Dolly!, Mame, and La Cage Aux Folles) revamped the big grand Conch (Greek Revival) house at 626 William Street. The majestic Albury House across the street at the corner of William and Southard Streets is undergoing a significant restoration. I think everyone in town is really excited to see how beautiful the place will be when all the work is completed. You just cannot beat this location for history or convenience of location.

The Historic Key West Seaport is three blocks to the north where you can moor your yacht or catch a ride on one of many boats that take fishermen fishing or tourists touristing. You can catch sunset while sipping champagne or drinking beer. You can enjoy fine cuisine at the A&B Lobster House or eat it raw at the Half Shell Raw Bar.

Duval Street is a five minute walk to the west. You can walk north or south and travel to the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean within 15 minutes walking time in either direction. If you go north you'll see Sloppy Joe's but it you go south you may not make it past La Te Da, it's that damned intriguing.

If you would like to see 611 William Street or any other home in Key West please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida.