If you are a frequent visitor to Key West, you have surely driven
or walked by 921 and 923 Eaton Street, the two side-by-side gems that
rival the famous "Painted Ladies" of San Francisco. Although not as
elaborate, the Key West Ladies speak to the simplicity of design that
characterize many of the houses in the Old Town area. In his book
The Houses of Key West
Alex Caemmerer wrote "What particularly impressed me at that time,
although many of these houses were small and owned by people of modest
means - mostly local workers, they had a simplicity of line and an aura
aura of elegance and dignity which had the same effect on one as does,
for instance, a simple Bach tune."
Now
you may think my comparison of the Painted Ladies in San Francisco to
the more modest Key West Ladies is a stretch. You might be correct but
consider that Alex Caemmerer selected the modest house at 921 Eaton Street as the cover photo for his book about Key West houses.
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| 921 Eaton Street as photographed in 1965 |
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| 923 Eaton St as photographed in 1965 |
Who would have thought that these two simple little
houses owned by locals of modest means would become iconic
representations of Key West architecture. But that is what they did.
Now, the sad fact is that between the time Alex Caemmerer immortalized
921 Eaton Street and the recent Recession, the two ladies fell into
disrepair as both properties were foreclosed upon. You can see that the
new owner of 921 Eaton Street has started a restoration of that
residence. 923 Eaton Street went under contract soon after it was listed for sale in October. It went back on the market today at the asking price of
$498,400. The listing agent describes the property this way:
"The perfect Christmas present, historical charmer so close to the
Seaport and Key West's shopping and restaurants. Once you walk into this
home you will be delightfully surprised by the large open living areas,
high ceilings,huge back yard and endless possibilities. Perfectly
livable home is ready for you now, or your upgrades to make this a gem
sparkle and shine! Rare, huge,fenced, back yard complete with brick
pavers, allows for expansion of existing home AND pool AND pool/guest
house. Dade county pine galore and beautiful new hard wood floor in the
spacious living room, front porch, upgraded baths and kitchen, separate
indoor laundry room. Bring your best offer as this one won't last at
this price!"
The
Monroe County Property Records date the construction of both 921 and
923 Eaton Street at 1906. I experienced frustration today trying to
access the historic Sanborn Fire Maps for Key West and was unable to
enlarge a particular file which show 923 Eaton being in place in 1889. I
saw a house at that location for that date, but I was unable to decide
with reasonable certainty that it is the same house. But I am pretty
sure it is. This little area is located near the Historic Key West
Seaport which is located just two blocks to the north. Many of the old
homes in Key West are located in this area because the earliest
residents of Key West lived here near their work - the seaport.
No
matter the exact date it was built, the fact is the 923 Eaton Street
has the earmarks of a really old house and includes lots of Dade County
Pine walls, ceiling, floors, traditional windows, scuttles on the second
floor roof, etc. The house was updated around 1988 from what I can
determine in the Property Records. It looks to me like the an interior
wall or walls in the front part of the house were removed to create the
current living room. A new addition was added to the rear where the
kitchen was updated, a bath and laundry added, and a large combination
dining/family room with modern sliding doors were added. The back yard
was bricked-in and some landscaping was added. A bathroom was added to
the second floor as well. I assume all renovations were done at the same
time. What was in style 25 years ago now looks tired and needs updated
or maybe replaced.
The
constant feature of this property is the historic character of the
original house and the very large (deep) back yard where there is room
for a large pool or maybe a smaller pool a a guest cottage.
CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet on this property.
Key West is packed to the brim with Christmas visitors. Somebody very well may this place this weekend. Do pass up this second chance to get a cute little Key West house with room for a pool. If you would like to see 923 Eaton Street please call me,
Gary Thomas,
305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.
