818 Olivia Street - Old Town Dream Cottage - Key West

The new listing (not mine) at 818 Olivia Street in Old Town Key West is a dream cottage come true. This place is as cute as a button, has off street parking, a pool, and is in move-in condition. It is within walking distance to just about any place you might want to go in the Old Town area, and it could even be rented as a monthly vacation rental if you really, really could allow someone else to use this precious space.

 

The listing Realtor describes 818 Olivia as follows:

"This wonderful historic cottage is loaded with Key West charm and character. Situated on a generous sized Old Town lot the home has a spacious picket-fenced front yard, a rocking chair front porch and off-street parking. The entrance foyer carries through to the rear of the house where the open living, dining and kitchen areas create an ideal plan for entertaining. French doors from the vaulted ceilinged living area open out to the pretty landscaped rear deck with pool. The main level includes the master bedroom and bath, second bedroom and half bath. Upstairs is a cozy bedroom and full bath. Great central location just a few blocks from Duval Street."

The Monroe County Property Appraiser's property card shows this 1475 sq ft house sits on a 39' x 83' lot (3244 sq ft).  And the property appraisal card further shows the house was built in 1928. I found an old photo of the same house that was taken in 1965. A notation on the photo shows that 818 Olivia Street was built in the 1890s. That is the same rough date other houses in the block were also constructed.  I choose to believe the 1890s date because the house looked "old" in the 1965 photograph. A house that would have only been 17 years old in 1965. It just does not make sense. Compare the old view with the clean facade as it appears in 2013. It looks picture perfect in my opinion.

This house sits opposite the Key West cemetery. That means the neighbors will be quiet at night and will not be competing for on street parking - ever.  A lot of buyers question what might happen to a particular or house. When it comes to the cemetery, the answer is pretty assured: nothing.  There will never be some big house built there with windows looking down onto your space. You will always have open sky views looking across the street. Your home will forever bathe in the Key West sunshine. There won't be parties at night or people competing with you for parking space.

Once you pass the gated entrance you enter into a lovely small garden. The front porch as a great little sitting area where you can sit and watch tourists and locals pass by the house on foot, bike, or by car. Olivia Street is a one-way street headed easterly. 

I had never been inside this home before today. As soon as I opened the front door my eyes were drawn past the colorful entry and delightful artwork that adorns the walls. My attention was drawn through the house to the rear where I could see the pool and waterfall. I knew in an instant that I was ready for a real treat.

As the listing Realtor points out, this home has three bedrooms and three baths. The current owners use the main floor bedroom on the left as the master suite. The bedroom to the right is currently used as a family room or office. The second floor bedroom is used as guest quarters. 

There are several really interest architectural features in this home. The stairway to the second floor is one of them. The geometry demands your attention. The craftsmanship requires your inspection. The color scheme commands your consideration. It is whimsical and lyrical.

The living, dining, and kitchen are located at the rear and open out to the pool and rear deck. This is how we live in Key West. Doors open to allow indoor and outdoor living spaces to meld into each other.

I looked for but did not see any deferred maintenance. There is a place for everything and everything appeared to be in its proper place. That's why I said this home is in move-in condition. CLICK HERE to view a slide show of other photographs I took that show this home from bottom to top and front to rear.

I am confident you will appreciate the charming home which is offered at $889,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos. Better than just looking at photos online, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing of this cute Old Town cottage style home. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. This place could be the answer to your dreams.