Back on the Market: Two Unique Key West Houses that Ought to Pique Your Interest

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about a newly listed Bank Owned house located at 1441 Thompson Street in Key West. I receive a bunch of phone calls and emails from prospective buyers interested in more information. I showed the place to a couple of prospect, and then I left town to go to Las Vegas for a couple of days. The calls kept coming no matter where I was. Suddenly, the listing status of 1441 Thompson Street changed from 'active' to 'pending'.  I learned but cannot tell readers what happened. Then on May 19th the status changed again - this time back to active.  CLICK HERE to read my earlier blog on this property.  This house will be sold only through an online auction. I think this is an incredible deal and want potential buyers to know the place is still for sale.  UPDATE - 3:32 PM, MAY 29TH.  This property status was changed again at 3:05 PM today. This house sold today at $380,100. The earlier status change may have been an error made by listing agent or someone in our mls who can change status on listings. 

Then there is the little two bedroom house located at the end of a private lane entered in the mid 700 block of Simonton Street. There's a big clearing at the end of the lane. Several houses share the wide gravel parking lot bounded by towering palms and privacy fences. The location is just one block off Duval Street which makes the location a perfect place to own a vacation home - near everything but insulated from the traffic and tourists that seem to take over much of Old Town during waking hours. That's why I like this little place - it's hidden away from the tourists. It's private, simple, and not that expensive. CLICK HERE to read my earlier blog on this simple house at 720 Simonton Street Rear that is still for sale for only $519,000.

720 Simonton Street rear, Key West, Florida

There's a little cottage located at the far end of a private lane located just south of the swank Gardens Hotel. The street address of this place is 720 Simonton Street (Rear). I dug into the old shoebox and found a photo taken half a century ago. The cottage sits at the rear of the deeded private. You'll probably recognize the contemporary house located next to the driveway. I found a photo of the old commercial building that occupied the same location years ago.

I found more photos of other surrounding houses that all appear to have been built around the same time. They all share that tree lined drive from Simonton Street to where it ends in a large gravel parking area for the homes located there. I recently showed 720 Simonton Street Rear and remembered that I had been back in this hidden area years ago but did not return because I had no need to go there. I get amazed at how hidden some places are. This is one of them.

 The listing Realtor describes 720 Simonton Street Rear this way:

"Live In The Heart Of Key West Just Steps From All The Attractions On Duval Street! Cozy Cottage Located Off A Quiet Lane In Old Town With Deeded Off-street Parking. One Bedroom, One Bathroom, Living-dining Area, And Galley Kitchen. Sliders Open On Front And Back Of Home To Two Separate Privacy Fenced Decks."

As soon as you pass the gated entry you realize this cottage is no cigar maker cottage. Instead, it is slice of life of mid-century American architecture complete with glass slider doors that provide ample daytime illumination of the living area located on the other side of the wide deck.

 The four room house is easy to understand. The living room and dining area are located in front. The galley kitchen and bathroom are located in the middle of the house. The spacious bedroom is located at the rear where there is another set of sliders that open out to a rear deck.  Notice all the closet space in the bedroom. This place just seems to offer so much living space as compared to some cigar maker cottages where sometimes rooms are cramped. If you are reaching your 'golden years' you'll appreciate that all rooms are located on one level. There are no stairs, no spiral staircase, and no ship's ladder or other contraption to complicate your life or mobility. And your off street parking spot it located right outside your front door. CLICK HERE to see more photos.

720 Simonton Street rear is zoned  HNC (1-3) which may allow for future transient rental which would require the purchase of a transient rental license at additional expense. This property does not have a transient license and may not be rented transiently at this time. Most abutting properties have transient licenses. Just because it is zoned to accept a transient license does not mean that the City of Key West would consent to such a use. The city has a policy against displacing existing residential use with transient use. 720 Simonton Street rear could be rented as a monthly vacation rental. I think this would make an excellent vacation rental property.. You cannot ask for a better location. It is close to everything but it is serenely quiet.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on 720 Simonton Street rear which is offered for sale at $519,000. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange a showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.