1101 Southard Street, Key West - Guest House For Sale

Just listed by Preferred Properties Key West, the Frances Street Bottle Inn located at 1101 Southard Street in Old Town.  The listing Broker, not me, describes this guesthouse this way:

"The Frances Street Bottle Inn is a well established guest house in the heart of old town Key West. The house has been lovingly restored and is a beautiful example of historic Key West architecture. There are eight lovely rooms, seven which are transient. In addition to the guest rooms there is a spacious lounge/dining room, an office/reception area and a wide porch where guests relax in the mornings and evenings and watch the world go by. Two of the guest room suites have living rooms and kitchenettes, one has a large balcony. Two of the guest rooms have a brick outdoor patio. The guest house is perfectly located in the heart of old town within walking distance to everything."

 The Frances Street Bottle Inn is nestled behind a gorgeous Royal Poinciana Tree. During May and June that tree bursts into millions of tiny red flowers attracting passers-by to take a look.  The immediate area encompassing Fleming Street to the north to Angela Street at the south and from White Street to the east to Grinnell at the west have some of the prettiest and most expensive homes in Old Town.  The Inn is located within an easy walking distance to Duval Street and the Historic Key West Seaport. It is also within an easy walking distance to many of the gyms and yoga studios. Guests love the convenient location because of its proximity to all the Old Town has to offer but it is not so close as to be bothered by all the craziness of Duval Street.  

 I searched the Sanborn Fire Map for 1889 and found what I believe to be the main part of the current building now known as 1011 Southard Street.  I dug into the old shoebox and found a photo taken from the Frances Street side in 1965 with a notation that the building was built in the 1920s.  I think that may be when the one story addition at the rear on the Frances Street side was built because the 1912 Sanborn Map did not show the addition.

The building's current structure has 2920 sq ft of living area under air conditioning. This does not include any of the deck areas.  The building sits on a 3445 sq ft lot (53' on Frances Street opposite Cafe Sole by 65' on Southard Street). There is no pool but there is space to add a pool on the east side of the lot where there is a large bricked terrace.

The bricked terrace extends another fifteen feet or so on beyond the wood fence at the rear.  In reality most guests will probably out sight seeing rather than hanging by the pool. But having a pool or spa would enhance marketability a bit. Having been a guesthouse owner myself, I know the things new guests ask for when they check in "Where's the bathroom?"; "Where can I get a drink"; and "How far is the beach?"

The breakfast nook is located just off the front porch. The doors open out to that porch which wraps around the Frances Street side. Guests may dine inside or outside. They can sit and share their Key West experiences with others guests and perhaps checkout a restaurant or gallery for later that day.  Guest houses are different from hotels. People feel like they are in a home, not in a hotel. They like pretend this is their home. They will sit on a porch or a balcony and watch the people go by imagining how wonderful their lives might be if they could live in Key West in a home like this and experience the relaxed environment of our island paradise. CLICK HERE for more photos.

Let's Pretend!

This guest room includes a private sitting area and a mini-bar. Guests could really "play house" in this special room. It is individual rooms like these (as opposed to standard rooms and junior suites) in hotels) that motivates guests to return to guest houses year after year.  If the guests like the guest house and the guest house owner and staff, they will likely book the same room for the same time in the year to come. People are creatures of habit. If they like their experience, they will return.    


CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet on this property. But better than looking at the mls, let's schedule a personal viewing of this money making opportunity. This property will give a chance to move to Key West, operate a profitable business, and change your life.  Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule an appointment.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.  Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

Key West Guest House - Price Reduction

The asking price on the Frances Street Bottle Inn in Key West was just reduced to $2,450,000. The listing Realtor describes this eight room guest house this way:

"The Frances Street Bottle Inn is a well established guest house in the heart of old town Key West. The house has been lovingly restored and is a beautiful example of historic Key West architecture. There are eight lovely rooms, seven transient and one non-transient. In addition to the guest rooms there is a spacious lounge/dining room, an office/reception area and a wide porch where guests relax in the mornings and evenings and watch the world go by. Two of the guest room suites have living rooms and all have an outdoor space. Two of the guest rooms have brick patios. The guesthouse is perfectly located in the heart of old town within walking distance to everything."

One of the reasons visitors to Key West stay in guest houses as opposed to hotels is the building itself and the character of the proprietor.  Guests seem to love our old houses that have been transformed into small inns. They often love the people that own the guest houses or who work there. When that happens, those guests tend to return to the same place year after year. Some guests return multiple times during the year.

 I searched the Sanborn Fire Map for 1889 and found what I believe to be the main part of the current building now known as 1011 Southard Street.  I dug into the old shoebox and found a photo taken from the Frances Street side in 1965 with a notation that the building was built in the 1920s.  I think that is when the one story addition was constructed because the 1912 Sanborn Map did not show the addition.

The building's current structure has 2920 sq ft of living area under air conditioning. This does not include any of the deck areas.  The building sits on a 3445 sq ft lot (53' on Frances Street opposite Cafe Sole by 65' on Southard Street). There is no pool but there is space on the east side east side where a new owner might add a pool.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos.  Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing of this property.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

Key West Guest House Sales Update

Bob Newhart and the Gang

I have written a couple of blogs about the issues involved in purchasing a guest house in Key West. While the lure of running such an establishment entices many would be Bob Newhart innkeepers, reality soon sets in when prospective buyers find out how expensive guest houses are to purchase and how difficult it can sometimes be to obtain bank financing.  I won't belabor that discussion today because I have some very good news to report on a couple of recent sales and two upcoming sales.

Coconut Grove and Oasis Guest Houses

Oasis Resort

 On Thursday November 15, 2012 the Oasis and Coconut Grove guest houses were sold for $7,200,000 or $200,000 per room for the 36 room guest house complex.  (The units sold at 91.14% of asking price of $7,900,000.)

Coral Tree Inn

The same Seller/Owner of Oasis put Coral Tree Inn located across the street at 822 Fleming under contract on November 1, 2012. The asking price on that property is $2,450,000 for this eleven unit guest house.

Pilot House Guest House

 On November 7th the Pilot House guest house and two nearby commercial buildings on Eaton Street also went under contract. The asking price on those properties is $ 7,600,000. The other buildings are currently used as any type of residential rental.

Seascape Tropical Inn

Finally, the Seascape Tropical Inn Guest House was also sold on November 15th. The asking price on Seascape was $2,450,000. It sold for $2,000,000 or
$285,714 per room for this seven unit guesthouse.

I am very excited about the recent sales that just concluded and the pending sales of the Coral Tree Inn and the Pilot House and associated properties. The Pilot House sale will be a very big deal in Key West.  It will revitalize the area.

There are still a couple of guest houses available for purchase in Key West. I used to own and operate a guest house in Key West and think I have a lot to offer a prospective buyer who wants to take the plunge and own this type of business in our little town.  If you are thinking about such an endeavor please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

Seascape Tropical Inn - 420 Olivia Street - Key West

If you have the itch to quit your job and move to Key West so that you can own and operate a guesthouse, you may want to consider the ever-so-cute Seascape Tropical Inn. Seascape is located at 420 Olivia Street - about 100 feet from Duval Street and it's famous neighbor to the west is the Ernest Hemingway House. Seascape Tropical Inn was praised by the New York Times and named the "Best Value of all Key West Bed & Breakfasts" by Florida Keys Magazine.

The new pool is easily accessible from all rooms

Breakfast in the morning and complimentary cocktails in the early evening

Sun-worshiper's paradise on most days

All seven guest rooms have private baths and each room has been updated to provide top quality lodging including A/C, refrigerator, cable TV, and wireless Internet service. The beautiful pool is easily accessible by all rooms. (And it meets all current State of Florida health requirements which will save a new owner from huge expenses.) The current owners have upgraded all rooms and have increased year round occupancy from 72% in 2009 to 88% in 2011. This is a great opportunity for a prospective guest house purchaser in Key West.

Each room is unique

I used to town the former Eaton Lodge Guest House at 511 Eaton Street. I know from experience the value of owning a guest house that is located near Duval Street and the importance tourists place on proximity to nearby attractions. Once guests are settled in their rooms, they know they can walk out the front door and be anyplace they want to be within a few minutes walk. South Beach is a couple of blocks to the south, great restaurants can be found on Duval or any number of the intersecting streets, bars of all sizes and for all sorts are located everywhere. The Waterfront Playhouse and Red Barn Theater are a ten minute walk north on Duval Street. Sunset at Mallory Square or fishing trips from the Historic Seaport are all within easy walking distance.

Pretty as a picture - and near everything important

CLICK HERE for view the Key West mls datasheet on Seascape Inn which is offered at $2,250,000. Contact me for detailed information and more photos by sending an email request to me at kw1101v@aol.com.

Reception Parking - not many guest houses have this!

I consider my experience as a guest house owner in Key West to be a valuable asset in helping a potential purchaser find and buy the right guest house. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 if you would like to schedule a visit to see Seascape Inn or any other guest house. Viewing any guest house is difficult because owners do not want to disturb guests. It is important that we schedule appointments in advance. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc.

Seascape Tropical Inn - Guest House - Key West

Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. (that's where I work but this is not my listing) just listed the ever-so-cute Seascape Tropical Inn. Seascape is located at 420 Olivia Street - about 100 feet from Duval Street and it's famous neighbor to the west is the Ernest Hemingway House. Seascape Tropical Inn was praised by the New York Times and named the "Best Value of all Key West Bed & Breakfasts" by Florida Keys Magazine.

The new pool is easily accessible from all rooms

Breakfast in the morning and complimentary cocktails in the early evening

Sunworshiper's paradise on most days

All seven guest rooms have private baths and each room has been updated to provide top quality lodging including A/C, refrigerator, cable TV, and wireless Internet service. The beautiful pool is easily accessible by all rooms. (And it meets all current State of Florida health requirements which will save a new owner from huge expenses.) The current owners have upgraded all rooms and have increased year round occupancy from 72% in 2009 to 88% in 2011. This is a great opportunity for a prospective guest house purchaser in Key West.

Each room is unique

I used to town the former Eaton Lodge Guest House at 511 Eaton Street. I know from experience the value of owning a guest house that is located near Duval Street and the importance tourists place on proximity to nearby attractions. Once guests are settled in their rooms, they know they can walk out the front door and be anyplace they want to be within a few minutes walk. South Beach is a couple of blocks to the south, great restaurants can be found on Duval or any number of the intersecting streets, bars of all sizes and for all sorts are located everywhere. The Waterfront Playhouse and Red Barn Theatre are a ten minute walk north on Duval Street. Sunset at Mallory Square or fishing trips from the Historic Seaport are all within easy walking distance.

Pretty as a picture - and near everything important

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on Seascape Tropical Inn that is offered at $2,250,000. Contact me for detailed information and more photos by sending an email request to me at kw1101v@aol.com.

Reception Parking - not many guest houses have this!

I consider my experience as a guest house owner in Key West to be a valuable asset in helping a potential purchaser find and buy the right guest house. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 if you would like to schedule a visit to see Seascape or any other guest house. Viewing any guest house is difficult because owners do not want to disturb guests. It is important that we schedule appointments in advance. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc.