1320 Grinnell Street -Casa Marina Contemporary - Key West

Just listed by Preferred Properties, that's where I work but this is not my listing, 1320 Grinnell Street in the Casa Marina area of Key West. The listing Realtor describes the chic new listing this way:

"Situated in the heart of the Casa Marina, is this meticulously designed contemporary 2 story 2 bedroom 2 1/2 bath main building with a separate two story guest cottage. Superb finishes provide the ideal indoor and outdoor Key West Living space. As you enter you are greeted by a spacious living/dining area with an ultra-modern kitchen. Large glass sliding doors reveal the infinity pool and lanai complete with an outdoor gas fireplace. On the second level is a guest suite and sitting area with an entertainment center overlooking the lush landscaping and pool. The separate cottage contains a living area and loft style bedroom with a shower bath all opening to the pool."

Then she adds "This is not a drive by." Amen to that!

Foyer

As soon as you cross the threshold you instantly become aware that this is no ordinary residence. The house is populated with large rooms with open spaces but also little niches that evoke a sense of something semi-sacred. There is a fluidity that beckons the first time visitor to quickly move from point to point to see what might possibly be next. The views of the pool and garden (designed by Key West landscape architect Craig Reynolds) beckon those on the inside to go out to the pool. Once outside the view of the inside is equally enticing. Something extraordinary must be going on inside. Nothing is static. This house had endless possibilities.

The pool and gardens seem to flow into the living area. When you go out to the guest cottage the doors and view there seem to draw the guest to go back outside.

View from inside the guest house shower. Time for a dip?

I'll bet you figured out the small building is the guest cottage. That's easy. Are you wondering what is located upstairs to the left? Do you suppose that is the master suite? If so, what is the behind the rail on the second level? And what is going on with the waterfall to the left?

Second floor master bedroom with en-suite bath and balcony overlooking the garden and pool below.

Master bath

Pool area as viewed from private deck off the master bedroom

Second level gallery with loggia that overlooks the pool

The Casa Marina area is known for its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the nearby beaches, and a wide variety of architectural styles that blend into a welcoming neighborhood. Unlike the Conch Cottages, Grand Conch Houses, and Eyebrow Houses that populate most of Old Town, the Casa Marina area has a pluralism of architectural styles. There are some historic homes, many mid century homes, a few candidates for demolition or renovation, and some estate properties. Most of the homes in the Casa Marina area are priced over one million dollars, but there is the occasional bargain home that is small or a place that needs some updating. And then there are homes like the fabulous house located directly opposite 1320 Grinnell Street that was featured in Architectural Digest in July, 2010.

I took more photos which you can see if you CLICK HERE. If you want to see some incredible nighttime photos, you must CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos. 1320 Grinnell Street has 2657 sq ft of living space under air. The grounds are 74'x80' or 5992 sq ft. The home is offered at $2,200,000.

If you are looking to purchase a home in Key West and are not working with another Realtor, please consider asking me to help you find your place in Paradise. Contact me, Gary Thomas at 305-766-2642 or send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc.

1320 Grinnell Street - Casa Marina Beauty

1320 Grinnell Street - Casa Marina Area - Key West

I frequently write about homes in the Casa Marina Area. I know the area well. That is where I live. I am always advocating that potential buyers look in this area because the area has so much to offer. Won't you be my neighbor?

Just listed, but not by me, 1320 Grinnell Street which is offered at $2,850,000 or $1,001 per sq ft. This is how the listing Realtor describes this home:

"Modern tropical designer home with natural stone, bamboo, and hardwoods. Walls of glass doors open for breathtaking views from every angle of the living and dining area. Top-flight kitchen designed for entertaining and a DCS outdoor kitchen just a step away. First floor master suite with den and double bath opens to private deck with hot tub. Upstairs guest bedroom suite with relaxing area overlooking the pool. Outdoor living room under the lanai has a gas fire pit in the waterfall and sweeping views across the pool to the main home. Separate guest home with loft. Two parking areas for multiple vehicles. Day or night, this home is magical in every detail.

The property was totally renovated and expanded in 2006. Today the property has 2848 sq ft of living space that sits on a large 5992 sq ft lot (74' X 80'). I live nearby, and I watched the construction as it went on for months and months. The Casa Marina area is known not only for its dissimilarity to Old Town but also for its proximity to Old Town and other important Key West destinations. Here the lots are large and the houses are separated by large spaces. While there are a few great Conch houses in the area, most of the homes were built or renovated after the 1950s. . There is nothing "cookie cutter" about Casa Marina area architecture or the neighborhood. CLICK HERE to view some fabulous photos of this special property.

This house is located at the corner of Seminary and Grinnell Streets. Most of the streets in the area do not have curbs and gutters so the area has retained it's country feel somewhat. Perhaps as many as 50% of the homes in this area sit behind large six foot privacy fences with tricked-out entry gates and ornamental shrubs that make each property unique. 1320 Grinnell Street is open to the street with only the space between the main house and the guest cottage fenced from view. I guess one could say that it has "No curb appeal" and get away with that being a genuine compliment.

1320 Grinnell Street is a two minute bike ride south to Higgs Beach, the Casa Marina Resort, and Louie's Backyard. The Island Gym is a two minute bike ride to the east where you can get fit and trim. Faustos Grocery is located nearby on White Street as are a bunch of neighborhood coffee shops, restaurants, and the Dairy Queen. I can usually drive to the airport in about seven minutes from my house. Old Town is a quick bike ride and maybe a 10-15 minute walk depending on where you want to go.

If you are looking to purchase a very sophisticated home in Key West and are not stuck on having to own a "conch house", please call me, Gary Thomas, 305.766.2642, to arrange a showing of 1320 Grinnell Street. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc. in Key West, Florida. I live in the Casa Marina area and I love it. Won't you be my neighbor?