619 Simonton Street, Key West, Florida

619 Simonton Street was recently listed for sale at the asking price of $1,330,000. This home is one of nine located in the Gardens of Key West addition to Old Town. As you view the classic lines of this Conch revival style house you may discern that it is not an historic home but rather a new home designed to look like the old houses that populate the Old Town area of our island city.  I dug into the old shoe box to see if I could find a photo showing what was located in this same spot before the current homes were built in 1997. The space was a very large vacant lot for as long as I could remember. I had no idea that the stretch of Simonton Street was once the home of the Columbia Steam Laundry pictured below.

Columbia Steam Laundry - 617 Simonon St - razed 1970

Columbia Steam Laundry - 617 Simonon St - razed 1970

 Columbia Steam Laundry - 617 Simonton St - photographed in 1965 - razed in 1970

Here is a bit of history for you:  If you read my blog of July 24, 2012 regarding 1311 Truman Avenue (CLICK HERE to read) you will see a reference to Benjamin Trevor who served as mayor of Key West from 1903-1905 who opened the first steam laundry in Key West.  This was the location of the first steam laundry.

Same location October 2015

Couple exploring Peggy Mills Garden in 1970 Key West

 The INSIDERS' GUIDE Florida Keys and Key West tells us that Peggy Mills began collecting unique botanical specimens from around the world which she incorporated into her garden.  Back then the city was in a terrible state of depression and she was able to buy up neighboring houses to create a compound of small cottages with extra ground which provided space to expand her garden.
Today that space is the Gardens Hotel, one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. I mention this because the Gardens Hotel is one of the neighboring properties to 619 Simonton  Street. Other nearby neighbors include the Haitian Art Co., Sarabeth's, The Garden Cottage, Preferred Properties Key West, and world famous Duval Street which is one block away.

The listing broker describes 619 Simonton Street this way:

"Located in the charming Gardens of Key West enclave, you'll find this elegant single family home. Enjoy quiet enjoyment of your tropical retreat while being just steps away from fine dining, shopping, and entertainment. Handsomely appointed, this home features hardwood floors, tall ceilings, spacious kitchen and open floor plan opening to private garden and pool. Upstairs you'll find a large master suite and guest room with en suite bath and balcony. Enjoy a taste of real Key West alongside Rick Worth mural on neighboring building. Property is in X Zone and includes 2 parking spots."

This home sits at the back of the huge parcel that makes up the Gardens of Key West.  As noted by the listing Realtor the home is located adjacent to a large old metal building .  Local artist Rick Worth created an idealic depiction of Old Town on the metal structure.  What could have been a distraction is instead a piece of art as the focal point when you drive up to (or walk toward) this residence.  The home has two front balconies and a small front and side yard which provides access to the pool area in the rear for your pool man.

This 1440 sq ft home has a large main level kitchen located up front followed by the dining area and living room at the rear. A half bath is tucked under the stairway. Upstairs the guest bedroom with en-suite bath is located at the front of the house.  The master suite and its en-suite bath are at the rear. The pool, of course, is located at the very rear of the property where it is secluded from the rest of the world.

If you have been searching for a proper Key West home for a while, you probably know that most buyers over the million dollar price point demand a private pool and off street parking. This home has the pool plus two parking spots. Two parking spots! CLICK HERE to see more photos provided by the listing agent.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet and to view more listing photos of this lovely Key West home that is offered for sale at $1,330,000. This home would make a great vacation rental because of the excellent Old Town location, the proximity to all of the tourist attractions and nightlife located within easy walking distance, and the privacy that this home with its private pool provide.

If you would like to see 619 Simonton Street or any other residence in Key West please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.