Older readers of today's blog will surely remember Eliza Doolittle from
My Fair Lady where a cockney flower girl was transformed to elegant lady. That is exactly what occurred at
1319 Eliza Street in
Key West. Two unassuming cigar maker cottages were thoroughly renovated and bridged together to make one elegant 1547 square foot home in the Bayview Park District.
To prove my point I dug into my old shoebox and found photos of the two original
houses taken about fifty three years ago. The photos show the clean lines
even back then. Note that 1319 Eliza Street is a corner lot. The other
house was previously identified as 1317 Eliza Street. Both now share
the 1319 Eliza Street address. Notes on the back of each photo says the
houses were built in 1906.
If you look at the old photos you can appreciate the creativity of the
new design and all of the hard work that went into the reinvention of
space and thoughtful use of construction elements. The old piers were
replaced; new wiring and plumbing installed; and new roofs attached.
Both historic homes had sawtooth additions. The sawtooth at 1319 Eliza
is now the kitchen. The sawtooth at 1317 Eliza appears to have been
expanded into a much larger space that is now the living and dining area
that spans and connects the sister houses. Let's take a look at the modern interiors and the gorgeous sunny pool.
When guests enter this home for the first time they'll be impressed. What looks so demur is pretty impressive. The renovation not only joined the houses but uplifted the living spaces by vaulting ceilings where possible. I often tell my tall buyer clients that they won't fit in some of Old Town cottages where ceilings are not that tall. That will not be a problem here.
The "old" kitchen, which was anything but old, was replaced by a sleek
new kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a farmer's sink, island
with marble top, and chic lighting fixtures that give the space a
special punch.
The new addition bridges the two original houses so that they become a
much larger and more functional single family home. The kitchen,
dining, and living room spaces each have sets of French doors that look
out to the new pool. During the daytime the kitchen, dining area, and living room are flooded by light from the north. It's still bright but not glaring hot light. The French doors allow our warming fall, winter, and spring fresh air to flow through the house in the daytime and night. Remember, we are located in a sub-tropical climate.
The original house at 1317 Eliza is now the master suite which is entered by the hallway off the living room. The Dade County Pine walls and ceiling were white washed and give this space a really special look.The ceiling was vaulted and new a new classic bath added. This bedroom is separated from the two guest bedrooms located in the other building. Talk about privacy! Guest will see shades of Eliza Doolittle at every step.
The original house at 1319 Eliza Street was re-invented a bit differently. The Dade County Pine walls in the front bedroom were exposed and sealed. The original front door now opens to a private porch to watch nothing happen. This a quiet location just a three blocks east of Old Town. Guests will be so envious! They'll start calling their money guy trying to figure how to buy this or some other place in Key West. The walls in the second bedroom are painted white.
None of the neighboring properties have a view into the pool. The space is bright and open. Parking is located to the back of the view above. This home is offered
"turn-key" at
$1,575,000.
CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and listing photos. Then please call me,
Gary Thomas,
305-766-2642 to set up a private showing of
1319 Eliza (Doolittle) Street, Key West. She's an elegant lady and I am buyer's agent at
Preferred Properties Key West.
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