317 Catherine Street, Key West

I have lived in Key West for the past 23 years and have watched as this little old drinking town with a fishing problem has changed, much for the better, and sometimes for the worse. But it is still the place I would rather be than any other place on Earth.

The two above photos show 317 Catherine Street photographed about 53 years apart. The black and white photo was taken in 1965 and the color photo just recently. The house, built around 1923,  was typical for many of the other houses in the area. It was small, but it was big enough for the family that made it their home. Over the past four decades much of the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods have undergone a Renascence. According to the Monroe County Property Appraiser records, this house was nearly totally re-built from the piers to roof, exterior and interior, in the period of 2006 to 2010.  And the owner did a damned good job. The house is solid and very attractive, both from the street and from inside the home to the guest cottage at the rear and the pool in between.

The front door and back door line up. That's why this home is often referred to as a shotgun style house because in the old days one could shoot a gun clean through the house. I know that I have written many times about the way Key West homes are now re-oriented with the bedrooms up front and living areas at the rear which open out to the pool. Many are but that is not a mandate imposed by any architectural design director. Key West hasn't gone that far (yet) in telling owners what they may do with their homes. This owner chose to put the living area up front, bath in the center, and main bedroom at the rear of the house. Everything you see in the photos is new.

This house and rear cottage were very well thought-out.  The covered rear porch provides a nice shaded area to sit and do nothing as well as a place to retreat from the sunny pool and also to eat. You have no idea how many self-designed homes forget to include a porch or shades area. Not every one wants to spend all day in the sun. The rear cottage is small, but it includes a half bath and mini-kitchen or sorts. There is a small fridge and microwave where guests can make something to eat without walking through the main bedroom early in the morning to go the kitchen. There is an outdoor shower at the side of the rear cottage - note there are hooks for multiple towels. Just sayin'. Finally, there is a wide path from the front to the rear cottage. Guests won't have to walk through the house after a late night on Duval Street which is located just two streets to the east. Fort Zach Beach and Park are a five minute walk to the west.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and listing photos of 317 Catherine Street.  Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.