1011 Windsor Lane in
Key West, Florida has all the makings of superior renovation project. I recently showed this to a customer seeking that impressive Conch House facade. This place fits that ticket big time. According to the Monroe County Property Appraiser this home was built in 1899. It sits on a large rectangular 5529 sq ft lot (115' X 50') which includes bricked off street parking. The house is located across the street from St. Mary's Basilica, an Old Town Landmark. Longtime readers know that I like to rummage through my old shoebox to find old time photos of houses. I found a photo of this house, but also of the place next door to the north - see both below.
The above photo shows 1011 Windsor Lane in 1965 or fifty-two years ago. Note the exterior staircase. The original interior stairs were removed to divide the create two separate living units. The property has been a legal two family home since before 1965 but it could be restored to a single family. The exterior staircase still exists. There is no interior staircase at the current time.
This photo shows 1009 Windsor Lane at the same time. Note that it also had an exterior staircase. I don't know when the properties were converted but believe they may have been converted during the World War II era. Many of the larger old homes were either divided or porches enclosed to create additional living spaces for US Military stationed in Key West during the war. It was not until Key West was re-discovered in the 1970s that some of these war bride housing were taken back to single family status.
The above photo shows 1009 Windsor Lane as it appears in 2017. This home is picture perfect and offers real life proof of how the sister house next door to the south could look after it is completely renovated and restored to single family status.
I feel compelled also to share the above 1920 aerial photo which shows 1011 Windsor Lane and its relationship to St. Mary's across the street and its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean three blocks or so to the south. Duval Street is a five minute walk to the west. Most of the houses shown in this photo still exist. St. Mary's convent shown in the fire succumbed to fire. The barren spaces at the top are now hotels and houses. And Key West is still a little island at the end of America.
The upper color photo shows the original entry hall where the staircase would have been located. Many homes like this were modernized by the addition of a thick cardboard like panels held in place by battens. The floors on the main level look to be newer and not original. The first floor is divided into four basic rooms two of which are the entry and dining area plus the kitchen in the rear. The second floor is the same size as the main floor less the kitchen ground floor kitchen. The Property Appraiser shows the living area to be 1731 sq ft.
After looking at the inside we went out back. I immediately walked to the rear of the lot to take in the space. Most lots in Old Town are half the size of this. People still have found ways to get in a pool and some garden area. When I saw this space my reaction was "Wow!" That nasty old dead for years tree trunk could be removed. There is youngish banyan lurking on the side. I think it can be removed. The existing one story building in the corner could be upgraded to a guest cottage with a kitchen. Remember this property has two legal living units. Converting this building would add real value to the property as a whole.
I have seen similar homes where the old cook shack (small attachment above rear) would be removed and a two story covered porch added. The main level rear of the house would have French doors opening onto the veranda overlooking the pool, garden, and guest cottage. The master bedroom would be located on the second floor rear. It would also have French doors which would open out to the upper deck. Imagine sitting on that deck late in the evening. I think could be quite satisfying.
I snapped a photo from the second floor front porch of St. Mary's. Having the church across the street could be quite a blessing. That view will never go away. The people who go there are nice people who primarily go there on Sundays and who do not create a ruckus at night. I find the location rather heavenly myself.
1011 Windsor Lane is offered for sale at $1,299,000. Almost all things in life are negotiable. I think this property is a real buying opportunity.
CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and more listing photos. 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 could be a really fun project. This is a solid home which primarily needs updated.
