Take a look at the above photo of the big old Revival Style house at
630 Elizabeth Street. It sits at the tippy top of Solares Hill in Old Town Key West. It looks kind of sad and neglected. But it has the character and good bones that attract would-be restorers, people with imagination, strong backs, big arms, and a deep purse.
I took the photos below late Monday afternoon from the second floor that overlooks Windsor Lane as it heads toward the Key West cemetery and also Elizabeth Street where it intersects Angela and Windsor Lane. The views are genuinely incomparable because there is not another house with a similar commanding views.
Elizabeth Street looking northerly
Windsor Lane to the east
Anglea Street meets Elizabeth Street and merges into Windsor Lane
I found some old photos of 630 Elizabeth Street and the house across the street to the south. These photos put the house into context with the neighborhood and it's location atop Solares Hill.
630 Elizabeth was built in 1887 and was originally a store on the ground
level and had living space on the second floor. The above photo was taken in 1965.
"Intersection" of Angela Street at Elizabeth Street in 1965
1930s photo taken by WPA shows back side of 630 Elizabeth (on left)
The second storey front porch is missing. I can only imagine how grand the porch could be for a new owner sipping coffee in the morning or nursing a cocktail in the evening. Modern window unit air conditioners hang out over the sidewalk. The house would look so much better if only it were lovingly restored.
Plans have been approved by HARC to convert the present legal duplex into a single family residence. The plans provide for 2300 sq ft of living space on two floors plus conversion of some attic space. HARC even approved a rear third story porch off the rear. The HARC approved architect's plans convey with purchase.
There are several projects going on in Old Town right now where big houses are getting redone. A couple are shown just below.
1016 James Street as seen in 2010 before it was purchased for renovation
1016 James Street in December 2011 as renovation begins
1016 James Street when photographed in the 1930s by the WPA
730 Southard Street summer 2011
Work has finally started on 730 Southard Street - December 2011
1030 Fleming Street was a bank owned "MESS" two years ago
Work is almost complete - December 2011
The above photo shows the second floor interior of 630 Elizabeth Street. The place was modernized in the 1960s. The space is large and has lots of potetial. The ten foot tall walls and ceilings have Dade County Pine and the glass has historic wrinkles it is so old. The views and cross breezes up here are just great. Before air conditioning, windows provided the main cooling for houses like this. Since this house is located at the highest point in Key West, it naturally has the best breezes. And a new owner won't have to buy flood insurance.
CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet and listing photos on this property. This is my listing. Please call me,
Gary Thomas,
305-766-2642 or send me an email at
kw1101v@aol.com for more information. I am a full time Realtor at
Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. If you play your cards right, this could be your Home Buy Christmas this year and your home by Christmas next year.
628 Elizabeth Street - next door to 630 Elizabeth - cute as can be
600 Block of Elizabeth Street
Windsor Lane heading towards to the Historic Key West Cemetery
