Longtime readers of my blog know I love where I live, Key West. This is such a beautiful little town out in the middle of the ocean. I also love the post cards and old photos that show what Key West looked like decades ago - before it was "discovered" by the hippies, gays, and literati who made Key West famous. It must have been a magical place then. Well, the weather and clean air and the mighty Atlantic Ocean have not changed. Town fathers have tried to preserve much of the town while allowing the tourist industry to flourish.
The above photos show Casa Roma which in former days was an elegant compound of homes, incredible garden, and tower. The first aerial photo above was taken in 1941 while the photo immediately above was taken in 1950. During the intervening years the US government built a military hospital in the once open space to the north of the Casa Roma. Most if not all of that hospital has been rebuilt in the past two decades. In the next couple of decades the little triangle space north of US 1 was filled in where the first Holiday Inn was later built. The wetlands across A1A (now South Roosevelt Blvd.) were filled and houses built. The land adjacent to A1A is now hotels The gardens south of tower have been developed with a few single family homes, condominiums, and weekly vacation rental time shares. The tower remains and it is now for sale.
When you compare the postcard view with the current photo you will see that there have been a couple of alterations to the structure, primarily windows added to allow sunlight into the building.
Casa Roma Lane is accessed off A1A. There is off street parking adjacent to this house. Once you pass the gate the majesty of the tower comes into full view. Then you see the box-like two story deck that converts the round tower into something not round. Then you see the pool and spa. Some may think the pool is too small. Others will find this outdoor space delightful, maybe even romantic.
The listing Realtor describes the property this way:
"The landmark tower on Casa Roma Lane. Architect and builder Kevin
Melloncamp has created a stunning retreat for himself by incorporating
the 1940’s tower with a large new addition surrounded by beautiful
tropical gardens with heated pool and spa. This stand-alone home has an
elegant entry and two bedrooms and two baths on the main level. The
second level consists of a gorgeous living room with vaulted ceiling,
surround sound and lots of natural light. The really cool, well equipped
kitchen is in the tower with curved walls, granite counter tops and a
round center island. Both the first and second floor open to large shady
porches for relaxing and enjoying the views. The third level of the
tower is a guest bedroom and bath. Enjoy the incredible 360 degree view
of the island, Atlantic
and Gulf from the circular deck off of the fourth floor office or den
with wet bar and fireplace. This incredible property is located on a
private lane with parking for 2 cars, a nice storage shed and is
adjacent to the Coconut Mallory Marina for boating."
The kitchen is located in the tower. It's amazing how much geometry went into crafting this space into a functional kitchen. The spiral staircase leads upward to the top of the tower. Another amazing space. Then you walk out onto the circular walkway. As I looked at the historic photos from years ago and compare how much this tiny little part of the island has grown, I can't help regret not being able to see the space from the tower then and compare it to now. Of course, that's life anywhere - the then and the now and the future. Still this tower view no matter when anyone goes outside will always be something to see.
CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS for more information on
3 Casa Roma Lane is offered for sale at
$1,349,000. If this one-of-a-kind home intrigues you, please call me,
Gary Thomas,
305-766-2642, to schedule a showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.
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