104 Southard Street #2, Key West - Waterfront View

Buyers who are looking for a Key West getaway which they can rent to help defray some of the cost of purchase should take a look at the newly listed Shipyard Condominium unit located at 104 Southard Street #2. I got to see this unit during Realtor caravan earlier this week along with about 50 other agents. It was bedlam, but I sized up the potential value of this particular property as soon as I walked out on the deck and took in the view. This is money.

The above photo shows construction in progress of the new City of Key West Truman Waterfront Park. The Outer Mole docks are located in the background.  NAVY vessels are docked there on occasion. Other times the view will be of the water and cruise ships beyond. The area adjacent to the buildings in the foreground will be open park spaces. I think the view the from this unit is about as you can get for the price.

The listing Realtor describes this unit this way:

Enjoy an unobstructed Ocean view from the deck of this second story condo which has been totally renovated. New Kitchen, appliances, carpeting, etc. Large outdoor deck which is partially under roof for outside dining and shade or enjoy the sun with room for lounging. This condo has a dedicated off street parking spot in front of condo.

This is a one bedroom one bath unit with 523 square feet of living space located on the second floor. there is a large balcony which overlooks the waterfront.  The Shipyard pool is located about a 90 second  walk to the east. The dedicated parking space for this unit is located adjacent to the building so neither you nor your guests will have to walk through a maze to get to it. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and Beach are within easy walking distance as well. At night, the wonders of Duval Street are a safe five minute stroll to the east.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and listing photos. 104 Southard Street #2 is offered at $519,000. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a private showing.  I am  buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.  I think this unit could be nicely decorated and turned into a money machine as a monthly vacation rental. Let's take look at the view and the potential. And if you choose not to rent, you get to keep this special view all to yourself.

1003 Casa Marina Court - Key West - Ocean Views

Even though our island is surrounded by water (yes, some people aren't convinced), most of the homes here do not actually have water views. Casa Marina Court is a two block long strip of homes with direct views of the Atlantic Ocean. The view from the house is pretty simple: public tennis courts to the right, Astro Land for the kids to the left, Salute on the Beach across the street, Dick Dock (CLICK HERE for a 1970s view of the pier) jutting out into the ocean, and the West Martello Tower (home of the Key West Garden Club) at the far left, and then the Atlantic Ocean. Casa Marina Court intersects Reynolds Street(CLICK HERE) where the Casa Marina Resort is located. White Street is the eastern terminus (CLICK HERE).

Most of the houses in this vicinity were constructed in the 1950s and 1960s, although many have been remodeled in recent years. There is even new construction going on today (CLICK HERE). There are some landmark houses in the area that predate the 1950s such as the George Reynolds house at 901 Flagler Avenue and 924 Flagler Avenue that was built just before the great hurricane in 1939. There are still a smattering on period houses that have not been significantly updated and those houses tend to get purchased fairly quickly because of their location in the Casa Marina area. The Casa Marina area runs from White Street west to the Casa Marina hotel and meanders to the back end of the Reach Resort. The ocean is the southern boundary, and I consider either Seminary Street or United Street as the northern boundary for the area.

The listing Realtor describes 1003 Casa Marina Court this way:

"This large two story beautiful home is located in the lovely Casa Marina neighborhood with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. The first floor features an elevator at the foyer entrance, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, large living and dining rooms and huge kitchen which leads out to the rear downstairs patio with composite decking. The second floor features 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and a large separate office which is located right off the large upstairs covered patio. This home is great for both roomy living and entertaining."

I found an old photo of this property taken in the mid 1960s CLICK HERE. It appears the ocean fresh environment helped this house grow a second story. Most of the houses on this two block stretch are two story now. And most of the houses have sold at very high price levels because of the prestigious location and ocean views.

Most of the houses in the Casa Marina area are located on large lots. The house at 1003 Casa Marina Court is 5000 sq ft or 50'x100'. It is now offered for sale at $1,900,000. Perhaps a 5000 sq ft lot may not seem that large to folks up north. But in Key West that is a big space, especially compared to many Old Town lots. The streets seem wider in Casa Marina as well. In fact the whole area seems much less congested than Old Town. Many of the streets in the Casa area do not have paved sidewalks. But don't fret, 1003 Casa Marina has curbs and gutters and that million dollar view of the Atlantic Ocean. ( The former home of author Phil Caputo located at 1101 Casa Marina Court sold in July 2008 for $3,650,000. The house was 4406 sq ft of living space and occupied a 20,000 sq ft lot.)

CLICK HERE to review the mls listing info and see the listing photos of 1003 Casa Marina Court. Better yet, call me, Gary Thomas, 305.766.2642 to schedule a showing of this residence. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. Our office is the Exclusive Lower Florida Keys affiliate of Christie's Great Estates. I live in the Casa Marina area and love it. Let me help you find your new home in Paradise.