421 Catherine Street - Key West

Just listed, but not by me, 421 Catherine Street in Key West, Florida.  This house has been totally rebuilt from the ground up. It is in tip top condition.  The listing Realtor describes the property as:

"Charming and meticulously renovated 2 bedroom 2.5 bath home in Old Town Key West. The home has a breezy front porch for relaxing and watching the interesting neighborhood stroll past. The interior is impeccable with cherry floors, and vaulted ceilings. There is a bedroom and bath on the first floor, top of the line kitchen, half bath,surround sound system, and living room which opens through French doors to the private back yard. There is a master bedroom and bath with walk-in closet and a balcony on the second floor. New roof and hurricane shutters."

The house did not always look as good as it does today. I dug into my old shoebox and found a photo taken nearly 50 years ago. The notation on the back of the photo says the house was built around 1889.

This property is a cigar maker cottage that has been enlarged from the original building with a two story addition at the rear. The addition provided more interior living space. Some original walls were removed. This permitted the builder to create living spaces that better suit the way we live our lives today. The historic entry was retained.  The classic 'shot gun' style entry hallway was retained. The hallway is now vaulted.   Wainscoting and wall sconces were added to the hallway.  Pocket doors were added to provide privacy to the first floor bedroom. The adjacent bath doubles as guest bath as well.

The kitchen is located midway in the house. This space is very welcoming and radiates warmth. Rich wood trim was added throughout the house during the renovation. The main floor ceilings are now enhanced by wood slats that give the house a sense of immense strength - at least in my mind.  Custom kitchen cabinets and the mini-bar at the rear add style to substance in these areas.

The stairway leads to the second floor master suite which includes an unique bath and large walk-in closet.  The second floor balcony that overlooks the back yard where there is room for a pool.

If you are a buyer that wants to occasionally rent a property to offset some of the costs of ownership,  I think 421 Catherine Street would make a great vacation rental.  The property is located about 1/2 block off Duval Street.  South Beach is a five minute walk to the south. LaTeDa and lots of nearby restaurants, bars, galleries, shops, and more are minutes away in either direction on Duval Street.  Vacationers will love the convenient location and the beautiful spaces, large bedrooms, and private baths.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet and listing photos.  If you would like to see this lovely little home in person, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.