Just listed by Preferred Properties, that's where I work but this is not my listing,
903 Washington Street. This
Casa Marina Area listing
has two houses for the price of one. I dug down into my old shoebox and found photos taken in 1965 of the two original homes that sat on this large and wide lot (40' X 112') that is located just five blocks from Higgs Beach and the great Atlantic Ocean. The old homes were demolished in 1996, and the rebuilding began. I remember riding my bike past this property for a couple of years as I watched the new houses being built. I thought the construction would never end. But it did and the properties were completed in 1999.
Lovers of Key West architecture may recognize the coral rock house (located at the corner of Reynolds and South Street) seen immediately behind the rear house.
Today there are two distinct houses, one big and one not so big that share this wonderful location. The listing Realtor describes the properties this way:
"Situated in the heart of the Casa Marina is this wonderfully bright family
compound. As you enter the foyer, you are immediately drawn to the tropical
setting surrounding the pool, complete with a large covered lanai and guest
house. The main house consists of a bright open living space and a lavish master
suite with 2 walk-in closets and huge bathroom. Joining the 2 bedrooms is a
cathedral ceiling with a skylight. On the other side of the main house is a
wonderful guest suite with a full bedroom and bath, and an adjacent living room,
bath and kitchen, which can easily function as a second bedroom. Off street
parking is framed by a beautiful rolling gate. Considered the best street in the
Casa Marina. 4 blocks to Duval and Ocean."
The main house looks like an updated version of a large Conch house you might find in Old Town. The two story home first and second floor front porches. This home has a front foyer, a feature not seen in most new homes. The foyer makes a statement of arrival at an important property - you don't just want into the living space but gradually move toward it. Stained glass panels above the front windows add a bit of nostalgia.
While the main house has a old Conch home look, the interior is designed for modern living where the living/dining/and kitchen areas occupy a shared space. Clever partitioning separates the spaces just enough to make each area special. Oh, and that pool view is killer!
The guest bedroom has a special bonus - a second floor balcony where you can sit and watch the world go by. The master bedroom is located at the rear. The room is quite large by Key West standards. The vaulted ceiling adds height to an already over-sized space. There is an owner's lockout closet in the room as well. I mention this because a lot of second home buyers consider the possibility of using a property as an occasional
vacation rental.
A beautiful pool and tropical garden separate the main house and rear house. Both homes have great views of the pool from the living areas. A very nice privacy fence marks the property on all sides. Fences like these with a gated street entry are often seen in the Casa Marina Area.
I took a lot more photos which you can view if you
CLICK HERE. 903 Washington Street has a great location in the Casa Marina Area. I think it could make a great occasional vacation rental. The two houses provide good private living spaces and enough separation for two couples traveling together to have a wonderful Key West getaway experience.
CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet for 903 Washington that is offered for sale at
$1,650,000. Then please call me,
Gary Thomas,
305-766-2642, to set up a private showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.
