5 Hunts Lane, Key West - Hidden Treasure in Old Town

The 2008 real estate market turn down in Key West was preceded by several years of spirited real estate consumption - especially in the Old Town Area. That is because this area most returning visitors know and believe this is where they should make a purchase. Houses occupied by locals known as "Conchs" sat untouched for decades.  Houses located on desirable streets with larger yards with off street parking and room for a pool were gobbled up. As number of larger properties diminished, buyers looked to nearby areas while others looked at smaller lots - some of which were located on dead end lanes or even walking lanes. Such was the case of 5 Hunts Lane which was listed in 2008 for $409,000 and eventually sold for only $335,000. That house had been owned by the same family since it was built.  That house was boarded up when I showed it in 2008. I really remember showing it. I told my potential buyers the same thing I tell nearly every person who looks at a "fixer" and that is to consider it as a "box". I loved that lane and saw great promise in the well built but austere house.

5 Hunts Lane  -  2020

 I saw 5 Hunts Lane yesterday (twelve years later) during Realtor Caravan and quickly asked the listing Realtor if I could blog about. He eagerly agreed. I stepped inside and was immediately awed by what I saw. This is real awe folks. I don't make this stuff up.

Compare and contrast the photo from 1965, the grainy 2008 MLS photo, and the current color photos from the present MLS listing. The 1965 photos show us that this was a single family home where the owner expanded the attic space into living area. Note the metal louver windows on the second floor and the steel poles supporting the new second floor. The color photos show the not only porch was replaced but also that new concrete piers were added under the house. Boarded window openings were replaced with new windows and doors throughout the house. Brick pavers replaced the barren side yard that leads to a new wrap-around rear deck.

I walked around the inside of the first floor admiring the creativity in the use of space. The house was thoroughly renovated in 2010 from piers to roof. All new electric, plumbing, HVAC, and so on.  The upper kitchen cabinets incorporate glass from the original home. Dada County Pine walls were sanded to original condition. We are all familiar with kitchen islands. This island has a half ellipse at one end creating a softer entrance into the living area. A soffit was added to hide the air conditioning duct work and member boards were added or exposed to support the weight of the second floor. It is, however, the introduction of multiple glass panel doors and new windows that changed to once dark box into a very inviting living area. This home is a treasure.

HARC probably would not allow a covered wood porch but a removable awning is perfectably acceptable and equally useful way to provide shade from the sun and protection from the rain. The area was wrapped with an extra few inches of fencing to create totally private and still inviting outdoor living area.

I actually remember the pesky stairs that stuck out into the living area when I showed the box in 2008. Remember the second floor was renovated by the original owners to add more living space. The stairway landing had to be moved inside the second floor to provide head space. So the downstairs portion of the staircase had to stand out from the wall which decreased downstairs living area. The room at the top had a steel pole or two supporting the roof. Conch creativity at its "best". Maybe not so much.

Today there is an actual second floor landing which leads to the master bedroom with en-suite and a guest bed and bath at the rear which is pictured immediately above. This is a good place for errant husbands and brothers-in law to sleep. There are abundant guest houses and hotels within easy walking distance for guests who want to stay with you.

I can't help but admire the solid geometry of the space. These owners designed this. Fogarty Builders built it. Kudos to both. Very Well Done!

5 Hunts Lane is located near the end of narrow walking lane. There is one house located to the north and another opposite. Five Brothers Grocery is located up on the corner of Grinnell and Southard Streets. You will always find a cop there having coffee. Meantime there is a major traffic jam four blocks west starting at Simonton to beyond Whitehead. The Manger of Some City Agency decided to rip up sidewalks on Simonton during peak tourist time and blow out sewers on Duval Street to drive tourists to the beaches instead of the restaurants and stores. It all makes living life on one of the slow lanes of Key West all that more appealing.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet for 5 Hunts Lane Key West offered for sale at $969,000. 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.