Key West Real Estate Horror Story No. 18

Not the Real Balcony

I was driving around Key West yesterday afternoon taking photos for my real estate blog when I passed a house that my buyers made an offer on a decade ago. Every time I see that house I think about my buyers and the tragedy that enfolded there.

My buyers were seeking a second home in Key West - a retreat from the cold of New England. We initially looked at houses in the Old Town area then priced around $500,000. They quickly learned that housing prices here even during the Recession were very high. They decided to look in other neighborhoods including the Casa Marina Area, The Meadows, and Mid Town. That gave them more houses to consider, but they learned that pricing was still higher than they had hoped to pay.

I drove them by a house I was familiar with. The male owner had hanged himself from the rear balcony a couple years earlier. I had shown the house before and suggested they look. I warned them of the suicide. They decided to look beyond that. They loved the house. They went back for a second look. They made al cash offer which was below asking price but within the range of good faith compromise by both seller and buyer. Or so I thought.

The seller had a real estate license and listed the property herself. She had a full time job in another field.  I submitted my buyers offer which I recall was rejected and not countered. I think my buyers did the unthinkable and bid up the property. Still no acceptance or rejection. So I set up an appointment to meet with the owner/seller at her place of business. We were alone in her office when she exploded at me about what her husband had done to her. Her face was red. Her voice loud. She looked like she might explode. He had ruined her life and that of her children by killing himself. She was not to blame.

I suggested that she ask another agent in the firm where she had her license help her work through this offer. She rejected my suggestion. My buyers ended up buying something else which is absolutely stunning. They paid more than they wanted but the ended up being big time winners and did not have to live in a place visited by so much evil.

744 Windsor Lane, Key West - New Views

744 Windsor Lane, Key West

From bodega to bodacious - two historic homes have been joined to create an unforgettable blend of vintage charm and contemporary luxury. Spacious gathering room opens into chef's kitchen and dining areas with walls of windows with garden views. The step-down living room has a picture perfect perspective of the resort-style tropical garden designed by Craig Reynolds with 40' X 18' heated pool. The lanai includes seating area, dining, outdoor kitchen, and cabana bath. Sophisticated master suite with sitting area and huge en-suite with soaking tub which opens to the rooftop deck. There is a second master suite in the west wing with equally compelling garden views.

The two historic houses sitting at the end of Windsor Lane as it bends south toward Truman Avenue were historically a bodega and the living quarters of the proprietor. In the past couple of decades a prior owner acquired adjoining houses, stole some of the rear yards which they incorporated into the rear of 744 Windsor Lane. They then connected the two houses with a bridge of sorts creating one very large home.

Today 744 Windsor Lane sits on one third of an acre in the very Heart of Old Town. The two houses have combined interior living space of 5,632 square feet plus multiple open and covered porches and lanais. And of course there is that stunning grotto-like entry way with babbling water and the resort style pool and fountains. CLICK HERE to see more photos.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet for 744 Windsor Lane, Key West offered for sale at $5,000,000. Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. Listing Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

1424 Caherine Street, Key West - Reduced Price

1424 Catherine Street, Key West is a cute little 1,274 square foot bungalow built in 1923 and located four blocks east of the old Key West high school (top photo). This area of town is referred to as mid-town. The asking price was just reduced to $630,000 which is $495 per sq ft. That is a very reasonable asking price for Key West.

The house sits on a corner lot with white picket fence and off street parking. And a sweet front porch.

The house may be a candidate for renovation but is livable as is.  The kitchen was updated and has nice views of the rear and side yard. I think there is room for a pool.

There is a mother-in-law lockout on the side of the house. This space would feature in any renovation. Until then you could ask your mother-in-law to pay her fair share of the costs of home ownership. I would. The house is located a couple of blocks from Bayview Park.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and listing photos of 1424 Catherine Street, Key West. Then call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a private showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

1013 South Street, Key West

La Brisa at the end of Simonton Street C 1895

The La Brisa destroyed by the 1910 Hurricane

1435 Simonton Street in 1955 - former site of La Brisa

It wasn't until I started to write this blog more than a decade ago that I realized there was real life in Key West for decades prior to my arrival. Take for example the former La Brisa once located at the end of Simonton Street at the Atlantic Ocean. More than half of the structure was destroyed by the hurricane of 1910. The remaining (north) building was relocated a half block to the north and four blocks at 1013 South Street where it still sits today and now available for purchase as a single family home.

The listing broker describe the home this way:

" Known as La Brisa, this home has a rich history beginning in the late 1800s as a dance hall at the southernmost point in the continental United States. It was moved to its present location and turned into a grand single family home where it is known for its unique turret roof and wide porches. The interiors offer casual elegance with whitewashed hardwood floors, a gourmet kitchen and an open floor plan with views of the pool and gardens. A first floor den with adjoining full bath could serve as a first floor master. The second floor features another master en suite plus two guest bedrooms and bath. High ceilings open to a third floor artists studio and full bath. A large sunny pool is surrounded by decking. Located in the highly desirable Casa Marina area."

The 2.856 sq ft four bedroom four bath house has recently been renovated with a contemporary interior theme with a few throw-backs to yesteryear.

The first thing most people want to see when entering a Key West home is the pool. This home has a new pool set amid swaying palms.

1013 South Street sits on a large Casa Marina Area lot that measures 43 feet wide by 92 feet deep. Higgs Beach and Louie's Backyard are a short stroll to the south.  Duval Street is five blocks to the west. Your guests can always find there way home in the night.  That's the thing about guests who come to Key West. They keep coming back. By the way, this home was recently featured in THE WALL STREET JOURNAL. Bragging rights.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and brilliant photos of 1013 South Street Key West offered for sale at $2,100,000. Then 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.

912 Fleming Street, Key West - Open House

3,228 Square Foot Grand Conch House

Six Bedrooms

Five Bathrooms

Stunning Sunny Pool

Covered Off-Street Park

Coveted Old Town Location

See For Yourself

912 Fleming Street

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM