516 Elizabeth Street, Key West - A True Historic Home

I got to see the inside of 516 Elizabeth Street, Key West (above) for the very first time a couple of weeks ago during Realtor Caravan. It is located next door to 514 Elizabeth Street - the very first house I sold in Key West 23 years ago. 514 Elizabeth Street is supposed to be the second or third oldest house in Key West which suggests that 516 Elizabeth Street may have been built around the same time. Both are built with porches that are but two feet from the sidewalk and have similar interior features even though the architectural styles are totally different.

Realtor Caravan introduces new listings to agents both young and seasoned. I watched young agents take iphone videos of the inside as they walked through the house in seeming amazement. The house has the necessities but it has not been abused like so many with all the creature comforts of modern day living.  Before we look inside let's appreciate this location and an abbreviated explanation about the age of these two properties.

Key West became an important part of US commerce in the 1800s as all marine travel passed by the Southernmost Point headed to ports in the Gulf of Mexico. Much of the Old Town area was destroyed by the Great Fire of 1886. I found the above map (Monroe County Library website) which shows the path and destruction of the fire and a photo that graphically demonstrates the loss of the wood homes and commercial buildings. I added an "X" to mark the location of 516 Elizabeth Street.  Readers who have never been to Key West need to understand ours is an island city  one mile wide and four miles long located out on the middle of the ocean.  The fire fighters and citizens were overwhelmed by the mass of destruction. That so much survived is a miracle. That so much was lost is tragic.

I took the above photo of 514 and 516 Elizabeth several years ago from the second floor front porch of a newly renovated home with a pool and al the contemporary comforts I mentioned above. Seeing both of the older houses gave me pause to appreciate what a special place Key West is. Let's look inside 516 Elizabeth St.

516 Elizabeth Street is one of about one hundred Eyebrow Houses - a style unique to Key West. The roof overhangs the front of the house to provide protection from rain and sun allowing the inside to have fresh air even during a rain storm. The second floor windows start just a few inches above the floor level giving the suggested appearance of "eyebrows".

You enter into a center hallway and notice the ten foot ceilings; stenciled wood floors,  Dade County Pine; and crisp white painted trim and ceilings throughout. Every room is clean and meticulous. It is like a museum in its detail but a cherished living space in its use.

The dining room and kitchen are located at the left and center rear of the house. As I passed through the dining room I was struck by seeing a window opening into the kitchen. I rounded the corner to find a white four coil stove reminiscent of not-so-long-ago. The kitchen cabinets are extra high and look handcrafted.  The ceiling height and exterior wood walls strongly suggest this space was an addition. It is absolutely precious. French doors open from the kitchen to the deck as well.

The top photo shows the deck at 516 Elizabeth Street which has room for a cocktail pool. The photo just above shows the cool pool view at 514 Elizabeth with 516 to the right. What's not to like?

This 1,411 square foot house has three bedrooms and two bathrooms including the first floor bedrooms above.

I have sold several eyebrow houses. Each one is a bit different in size, condition, and interior layout. Remember most were built before we had inside plumbing and were adapted - after the fact to provide it. The upstairs bedrooms here have interior "windows" presumably to allow ventilation.

This home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and awarded the Gold Star for Historic Preservation. It is located in the X Flood Zone just two blocks from Duval Street and all that goes on over there. And it is a short stroll to the Historic Seaport that was and still is a vital part of the Key West economy. 

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and stunning photos of 516 Elizabeth Street, Key West offered at $1,149,000. Then please 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. This is truly a beautiful. You must see it if you love old homes.