"Through the crystal-clear air Lori could hear the ringing of the agent's bell...that had begun when the package had first been sighted, carefully picking it's way past the outer reefs toward the lighthouse at Whitehead's Point."
- Thelma Strabel, Reap the Wild Wind
But at night when the tourists have moved down to Mallory Square to view the amazing Key West sunset, you will have the view of the old Whitehead's Point to yourself. You can watch the nightly sunset from your main level or second floor balcony with a view nobody in Key West can ever have. The balmy breezes from the Atlantic Ocean will brush the palms that flank this corner property. At night after the tourists are gone you will hear the sound of tiny waves as they lap the coral rock where South Street and Whitehead Street meet at the place now called the Southernmost Point. This is the yin and yang of this property.
The west second floor bay shows the superior condition of the Indian block construction. The next photo shows some of the original detailed stone work that is still in excellent condition. It would be interesting to see how a current day architect might reinterpret the original porches to restore some of the historic appeal of the house while retaining privacy for a new owner.
The views from the second floor deck are pretty impressive. Imagine sipping your morning coffee from the second floor balcony before the tourists arrive.
A simple bungalow is located at the back far east side of the lot. This space is basically an Old Florida bungalow with grassy yard, palm trees, and louvers that keep the sun and rain out but that allow air and sunlight in. Ralph Lauren would have a field day decorating this little gem. The bungalow would make the perfect guest cottage. There is plenty of room for a pool and still retain off street parking for two cars.
The main house and bungalow total 2845 sq ft of interior living space. The lot is 76' wide and 100' deep. There is room to expand the main house and bungalow. I took more photos and share historic photos I found which you may view if you.
CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS sheet for 401 South Street, Key West now offered at $2,895,000. Photos in the MLS link show the house as it is today rather than when I photographed in 2014. Better than looking at photos or reading a blog, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange a private showing of this special home. Today's blog is an update of one I wrote in 2014 when this house was for sale then. The current owner updated the house after that purchase. But it still remains three units. It deserves more. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.
1 comment:
I took the nighttime photos around 4:00 AM. The owner at the time was a former Key West City Commissioner who was confined to her bed. I got to see and photograph the interior later that day or the day after. The owner told my broker (who was the listing broker) that a man had photographed her house in the middle of the night. She could see him (me) thru the window where she looked out to the Southernmost monument.
The sight of the monument at night is incredible. Most people will never see it. Some new owner may see it of they don't turn this place into a tourist mecca. Which is likely.
Gary
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