1309 Catherine Street - Key West

Just listed by Preferred Properties, that's where I work, but this is not my listing, 1309 Catherine Street in Key West.  Some very lucky person is going to snap up this one-of-a-kind property that is offered at just $1,195,000.

If you were to walk your dog, ride your bike, or jog past the imposing concrete wall that hides the interior from public view you might wonder what lies beyond the wall. But then again, you might just mind your own business and go on with your life. But if you got a chance to go through the gate to the interior you would be amazed at the totally hidden and unexpectedly enchanting secluded gardens.

The house itself is a simple but elegant 1200 sq ft ranch that sits at the rear of the 7340 sq ft lot.  The house has two bedrooms. The guest bed and bath are located to the west of the living room which is in the center of the house. The kitchen is located just off the living room to the east and the master suite is at the east end of the home. You will find the terazzo floors located at poolside continue to the kitchen and living areas for a seamless transition between outdoor and indoor living areas. The ceilings in all rooms are extra tall and open so you never feel cramped inside a tiny space. Instead, the views from all interior rooms are those of the pool and gardens.

Both the master suite and the guest bedroom have sitting areas off the bedrooms where you and your guests can read a book, sip coffee or a cocktail, and enjoy the fruits of your good fortune.

CLICK HERE to take a photo tour of 1309 Catherine Street. Better yet, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a personal tour. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

64 Front Street - Key West, Florida

This is how the listing agent describes the grand house located at 64 Front Street in Truman Annex: "Elegant 5BR/5BA home located on beautiful Front St. in Truman Annex. Open and airy design is perfect for Key West-style entertaining. Every room boasts one or more French doors opening onto covered porches. An abundance of walk-in closets and storage are among the many bonuses found throughout this home. The very private pool-side space makes this home just the best for tropical outdoor living. The 5th bedroom is located in the guest cottage (poolside). The large very unique pool with artisan mosaic tile is 6.5 feet at its deepest (pool newly resurfaced). All windows are protected with high impact-resistant Lexan 10, meeting existing hurricane standards. Pristine, well maintained, move-in condition".

I've been in a lot of the big homes in Truman Annex and 64 Front Street is one of the most memorable. When you enter the home you know you have arrived at someplace important. The ceilings are 12' tall on the main level and feature crown molding. The living room is extra large (there's a baby grand that is barely noticeable) and extends into an octagon shaped dining alcove that overlooks the pool. But it's the use of space planning, paint treatments, and design that makes you feel "at home" in each of the rooms. And that's the difference between a big house that tries to be "important" and a thoughtfully designed house that makes you feel comfortable.

The hand painted tiles in the kitchen make you feel at home and not in a designer kitchen showroom.

The master bedroom and bath are located on the second floor and overlook the pool below. There is a spiral stairway that leads down to the pool for a quick midnight dip before bed.

64 Front Street has 3213 sq ft of living space and sits on a 5005 sq ft lot. There is also covered off street parking. The home is offered at $2,295,000 or $714 per sq ft. CLICK HERE for more photos and detailed information on this elegant but livable Truman Annex home.

64 Front Street is a listing for Preferred Properties Christies Great Estates. Please call Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing.

By the way, today is the Second Anniversary of my little blog. Thank you to all of you readers and the buyers who found me over this great information highway that Al Gore created. And a special thanks to Jim from Nutley, New Jersey for suggesting that I write a blog about Key West real estate.

Casa Marina Residences

I have mentioned the Casa Marina area several times in my blog. It is the neighborhood near the historic Casa Marina Hotel. Many of the homes in the area were built post World War II, but there are several large old homes that are over a hundred years old as well. The streets are wider and less busy than Old Town. Some of the streets have paved sidewalks and others do not. The building lots are generally much larger than most of the lots in Old Town. There seems to be a greater variety and more trees than Old Town as well. And there certainly are not as many businesses or tourists.

Casa Marina Residences is a new and ultra-exclusive intimate enclave of only 12 new luxury villas nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club. Each of the 3 bedroom 3 bath home will enjoy luxury amenities including individual elevators, private plunge pools, garden patio, spacious balconies, covered parking & wired for state of the art technology. Owners will enjoy a state of the art fitness club, tranquil destination spa, tennis, private beach access, tropical pools, onsite water sports & multiple dining opportunities. Water front units available ranging from $2.5 million - $3.5 million. (Pre-Construction Prices.) CLICK HERE for information and photos of the new ocean front development.

I think this development will be just right for a second home owner who wants all the comfort of living in an exclusive resort type atmosphere with amenities galore but also with the privacy of individual home ownership. Only four units have been released for pre-sales. Look for the prices to escalate as construction continues. This will be a winner. Mark my words. Call me at 1-305-766-2642 for more information.

616 Olivia Open House on Sunday

616 Olivia Street
Open House
Sunday
Noon - 2:30

Come join me on Sunday for an Open House at 616 Olivia Street in Old Town Key West. This elegant newly constructed (not renovated) home is located within walking distance to all that Key West has to offer, but far from the madding crowd.

The 2000 square foot home features 2 large bedrooms on the 2nd floor and a 3rd den/study/guest room on the 1st and 3 full baths. The master bedroom has a second floor covered balcony that runs the length of the house and overlooks the rear gardens and inviting pool. The interior floors are travertine marble and so are the covered front porch and rear lanai. There is crown molding and recessed lighting everywhere. The home is a GE Smart House.

So many homes in Old Town do not have parking, but this one trumps them all: it has covered parking and a door that allows you to enter into the kitchen. (That is a true novelty for Key West.) And the kitchen has everything as well: custom made cabinets, high end stainless steel appliances, professional range, wine cooler, marble, granite, you get the picture.

French doors across the entire rear of the house allow the descerning homeowner to enjoy the beautiful pool and garden views any time, day or night.

The 600 block of Olivia Street is particulary charming. To me it looks like Whisteria Lane--without the drama. Key West provides enough of that.

The home is offered at $2,300,000. Come take a peek.