The listing Realtor describes the newly listed second floor condominium at The William Fleming House in Key West, Florida this way:
"A splendid 2/2 corner condominium unit combines modern conveniences with Old World charm, just steps from downtown. This exceptional unit, with 14-ft. ceilings throughout, occupies the south-west corner of the second-floor of the majestic William Fleming House, an historic 1890s Old Town structure. The sunken/dining room area, greets guests with its gorgeous Dade County pine walls, floor, and ceiling. Built-in bookshelf/storage areas lend the space a So Ho loft feel. Below the sleeping loft/storage space, which overlooks the living area, is a stylish kitchen appointed with modern appliances, and a handsome pressed-quartz counter top. A brand-new Kenmore washer and dryer are tucked into one of the approaches to the kitchen. Both of the the airy bedrooms open onto a wraparound porch, with views of William and Fleming streets. The bathrooms, including the en-suite master bath, have been recently updated. A valuable off-street parking spot and pool/common area access complete this unique offering."
The William Fleming House is the closest thing we have to a "high-rise" in Key West. The facade looks much different today than it
did
during the previous century. I found two old photos showing the
building as it looked when the building was known it was the known as being the location of Peacon
Grocery and later as Long's
Furniture. Mr. Peacon was the owner of the grand house at 712 Eaton
Street
which was briefly owned by designer Calvin Klein. I like the way the developer of the William Fleming House
added balconies around the perimeter of the building. I doubt that a
present day developer would be able to make such a bold change to a similar
building. Our Historic Architectural Review Commission probably would not allow that to occur. They are dogmatic about so many things. That is unfortunate in my opinion because it stifles creativity. The balconies provide exterior space for the
owners to enjoy their homes and to watch the world go by.
This unit can be accessed via the formal entrance on William Street or the exterior staircase on the rear adjacent to the off street parking for unit owners. The pool is located opposite the parking. The first time you enter the unit you'll be amazed at the ceiling height - 14 feet. Then you'll see the
The SO-HO loft analogy is on point. This developer created an imaginative use of space not seen elsewhere in town. Oh, there are "lofts" located off living rooms, but they are normally accessed by means of a ladder. Spaces like that are awkward and practically useless on a daily basis. Here the loft becomes a design feature and not an after thought. It can function as a home office or spare sleeping space.
The kitchen opens out to the combined living and dining area. A breakfast bar provides informal dining space. The dining area is quite large and lends itself to grand entertaining for special occasions.
Each of the bedrooms has a door which opens out to the balcony. The balcony provides a pleasant perch to ponder to watch the comings and goings of the locals and tourists as they go about their business. At night even this beehive of activity comes to a halt. But during the daytime, people watching can be great fun.
The pool area provides both sunny and shady locations to enjoy the large pool. There is a nice bar-b-que and outdoor dining area plus restrooms. And unlike some well known tourists condos in Truman Annex, you won't be sharing the pool or facilities with dozens of strangers. You are more likely to be the only person or family using this pool. If you are a potential buyer who would like to do an occasional monthly vacation rental of this unit, you'll be happy to learn the association does permit monthly rentals. The location is perfect and you may rent the place so often you will have to choose between income over personal enjoyment. That's a predicament!
CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and to view more photos of
800 Fleming Street A2 which is offered at
$995,000. 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.
