622 Caroline Street - Old Town - Key West

 The newly listed 2358 sq ft home at 622 Caroline Street in Old Town Key West will appeal to the buyer who likes the look of of an old house but prefers the convenience of modern design, materials, and craftsmanship all set in a terrific location.  The listing Realtor, not me,  describes this Caroline Street property as a

"Gorgeous home on large lot in the heart of Old Town.Completely remodeled with new addition in 2011,designed by Key West architect,Tom Pope This home has a spacious,open floor plan, soaring ceilings, and is beautifully appointed with a Keys Eclectic interior design package including furnishings and decor.The floor plan is perfectly suited for entertaining,with a large kitchen area adjoining the living and dining areas,and a large covered deck for outside dining overlooking the pool, spa,and guest house. Four bedrooms with ensuite baths, including second floor master suite with oversized walk in closet and private balconey. Close enough to enjoy everything Key West, yet far enough for your own private sanctuary.Off street parking for 3 cars."

I found the black and white photo below taken in 1965.  I then learned the house was actually built new in 1953. I checked the old Sanborn Maps and found a house had existed on the site as early as 1889, but that house, like many others in Old Town, was allowed to be either torn down or razed.m I then realized how and why the owner was allowed to do so many great things to a non-historic house located in the heart of our historic district.  The stringent HARC Guidelines do not apply to non-contributing structures such as this. The non-inclusion made it possible for the owner to add a very large new rear addition with impact resistant new windows. 

When I entered the house I was not prepared for what I was about to see. Instead of seeing a quaint little Key West cottage, I found myself awed by a big handsome grand property that is hidden from view if seen from the street. Like many houses in Old Town, this place has bedrooms located at the front of the house on the main level. It appears that the ceiling in the original house was vaulted to allow the front two bedrooms to now have high ceilings to give the otherwise smallish rooms a feeling of more space. I'm not being critical - just observant. 

The central hallway opens into either bedroom at the front but more importantly leads to the great room at the rear. The ceiling soars. The space is so expansive that the room almost explodes. Impact windows and doors at the rear and sides allow a profusion of sunlight into the area.  The covered outdoor lanai provides a cool respite from the unexpectedly large rear yard filled with grass, a cool pool with waterfall and spa, and a guest cottage.  More on that shortly.

The second floor is devoted to the master suite.  The bedroom and bath are equally spacious. There is a small balcony that overlooks the pool and rear yard with guest cottage.  None of the adjacent properties can view down into the pool.

The guest cottage has a mini-kitchen (but no stove).  I cannot be rented as an apartment.  But the space is nonetheless incredible. It would be a great place for your brother-in-law who cannot hold down a job.  He can return home after a night on nearby Duval Street or equally near Seaport by walking down the bricked off street parking for three cars and entering into the rear garden area.

A potential buyer who might want to rent this property as a vacation rental would probably be very successful in such an endeavor. The property as a whole has four bedrooms, four baths, lots of space in the communal rooms, and plenty of privacy when that is needed.  CLICK HERE to view more photos I took of this property.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to see listing photos of 622 Caroline Street that is offered for sale at $1,950,000.  Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to set up a private showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.