I remember the first time I stepped inside the doors of the Seafoam Condominiums at 812 Fleming Street in Key West. I stopped. Looked up. And saw a three stories atrium bounded by Dade County Pine wood walls trimmed out by stark white wood railings. I think I called it plane geometry. It is so simple and so perfect. It is genius you can touch and feel and appreciate every time you see it.
Back in the days before civic groups and city planning gurus who know what's best for everybody, Key West had a more hands-off approach. Owners and re-modelers were permitted to do things to uplift the old homes and buildings in what was becoming the Historic District or Old Town Key West. The former mercantile building at 812-814 Fleming Street was in 1984. The original covered walkway was extended upward to the third floor. It was boxed in so to speak. Five openings on the second and third floor became doors that opened out to the covered porches. The center door entered the porch off the hallway. Two sets of French doors opened from respective units. There are similar decks on rear facing units. The ground floor units are commercial. Today the City of Key West charges fees and requires indemnification and insurance for structures "like" this or any other that invades the city right of way. Progress. I digress.
The covered porch offers 200 square feet of extra living space to each unit. And it really is living space. Except on the hottest days, expect owners to leave the French doors open so that they may move in and out with ease for it is the fresh air and ambience of Old Town that drew them to this island home.
The listing Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West describes Unit 4 this way:
"This beautifully appointed one-bedroom, one bathroom condominium is in the historic Seafoam building. It has a 200 square foot balcony overlooking vibrant and picturesque Fleming Street. The owner is a professional interior designer and has recently completed a very stylish renovation of this charming unit. The kitchen boasts quartz countertops, a backsplash of custom designed Moroccan tiles, and stainless steel appliances including gas range, dishwasher and disposal. The bathroom has been updated and this home has central air conditioning, lots of warm Dade County Pine and a hand-painted mural. The Seafoam has a sunny and pretty swimming pool and a dramatic three-story entry atrium. This jewel box is offered furnished."
Jewell box indeed. There is a second set of stairs at the rear which lead down to the pool and laundry area at the rear. When your friends up north in America are complaining "Baby It's Cold Outside" you can be laying by the pool - in January. Condo fees are $559 monthly and include building insurance, maintenance, and water.
CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and listing photos of 812 Fleming Street No. 4 Key West Florida. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a private showing of this FULLY FURNISHED OLD FASHIONED unit offered at $629,000. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.
