1701 Atlantic Boulevard - Key West

The quite large home at 1701 Atlantic Boulevard in Key West is located near the beaches on southeast part of the Island of Key West.  The original house was built in 1968 and was later expanded to its present size of 2969 sq ft of living space under air. The house sits at the corner of Ashby Street and Atlantic Avenue. The 5760 sq ft lot (64' x 90')  contains the sprawling two level home, a large pool, covered off street parking, and several garden areas. The asking price is $998,000 or only $336 per sq ft.  The listing Realtor describes the property as:

"Spacious home on a sizable 5,760 sq.ft. corner lot, custom designed for family fun and entertaining. The first floor consists of an open floor plan connecting a great room, designer kitchen, dining room and wet bar overlooking the pool and deck area. A second master bedroom suite and two guest rooms with a shared bath round up the first floor. The second floor comprises the master bedroom suite with a grand master bath, walking closet, siting area, and french doors leading out to a wide covered deck overlooking the oceanfront Key West Nature Preserve. The private fenced yard features a large heated swimming pool and sunning deck for year-round enjoyment. Walking distance from the beach. Covered carport. Come see this great Island Home."

---

There are three bedrooms on the east side of the main level.  Two of those bedrooms share a bath while the third bedroom has a quite large ensuite bath plus access to the rear. 

The second floor is for the exclusive use of the owner. This area includes the bedroom, a siting area, and the extra large ensuite bath. 

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on this home. If you would like to see 1701 Atlantic Blvd or any other home in Key West, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. 

707 Southard Street - Old Town Key West Chramer Extraordinaire!

707 Southard Street - Key West, Florida

Just listed today, but not by me, an absolute doll house if I ever saw one. This special little home at 707 Southard Street is located in the heart of Old Town Key West. You can't beat the location for convenience. Most of the neighboring homes are equally charming and certainly much pricier. The asking price will fit the budget of many buyers who want a simple getaway place: asking $565,000.

The house next door to the east

The listing Realtor describes this special property this way:

"The Quintessential Conch Cottage on one of the best blocks in the center of Old Town. Utterly charming. Relax on your front porch and watch the world go by. Just a block to Sarabeths and two blocks to Duval. Separate outdoor building houses the original kitchen. The interior was just updated with refinished bath with stone floors, new fixtures, completely repainted interior, refinished wood floors. Outdoor shower and laundry."

The funny thing is I walked by this house on Monday and thought to myself I wish a place like this or its neighbor on either side were for sale. All three look absolutely perfect. Serendipity, perhaps?

The roof is composed of two sawtooth gables plus a rear shed addition. The home is painted a bright white. The blue shutters contrast the white so perfectly that the resultant appearance is crisp and clean. The front porch provides an excellent perch for viewing the continual people parade. I can imagine sitting there sipping an iced tea greeting passersby as they say things like "I love your home!" or other such words of praise and envy.

The house itself is small, just 606 sq ft. The living area is quite spacious and tastefully designed. Six over six window provide light on the south and east walls. The master bedroom is located front west and when the bedroom door is open the filtered light from that room adds additional light to the living area. So what one might assume to be a small space actually appears quite large. There is a smaller second bedroom at the rear. Both bedrooms have private baths. The dining area is nestled between the main house and the historic cook house at the rear which is housed in a smaller building. The cool pool is located to the west of the cook house. What a delightful place to spend the spring, or summer, or fall, or winter, or the rest of your life. 707 Southard Street may be everything you need in a picture perfect setting and located near where ever you want to go. CLICK HERE to view photos I took of this charming cottage home.

Dade County Pine walls and ceiling plus six over six windows equal Key West Classic

Sophisticated but not stuffy

Master bedroom (above) master en suite bath (below)

The second bedroom (below) has private bath and a view of the darling pool

Dining is nestled between the main house and cook house

The cook house is located in a separte building at the rear

Sarabeth's is just a block away to the west. The Cafe Marquesa is a five minute walk. The Monroe County Library is around the corner: perhaps a three minute walk. Ten minutes if you stop to speak to neighbors. Five Brothers is located a couple of blocks east. You can be almost any place in Old Town within a five to fifteen minute walk. And that's why living here is so great. Your needs are less and they are fulfilled without a lot of to-do.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet and to view the listing Realtors photos. Better yet, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a visit to see this place. Don't wait. I got to show this house late Tuesday (the day it was in the mls) and there were other agents following right behind me. This house ought to sell very quickly. Our market has few places left and this Key West property is offered at the price point where many buyers are prepared to buy. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc.

1709 Washington Street - Key West

1709 Washington Street - Key West

Just listed by Preferred Properties (that's where I work but this is not my listing), 1709 Washington Street in the near MidTown area of Key Key. The listing Realtors describes this new listing thus:

"This charming historic home features two bedrooms, two baths plus a large eat-in kitchen, high ceilings with crown moldings and a wrap around porch. There is a spacious covered porch that functions as an outdoor living/dining room and opens to the sunny decked pool area. Easy to see."

The heart of this home

The covered outdoor living area

The single story home at 1709 Washington Street has 1017 sq ft of living space under air. It sits on a 52' x 94' (4862 sq ft) lot near the corner of Ashby Street. That's in the general area where Mid Town Key West begins. Most of the homes in this area are single family and most of those are owner occupied. The lots tend to be larger than Old Town so the density is much less in this area. This home is offered at $585,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet on this property.

Crystal blue pool

If you would like to see 1709 Washington Street or any other property in Key West, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

---

1320 Grinnell Street -Casa Marina Contemporary - Key West

Just listed by Preferred Properties, that's where I work but this is not my listing, 1320 Grinnell Street in the Casa Marina area of Key West. The listing Realtor describes the chic new listing this way:

"Situated in the heart of the Casa Marina, is this meticulously designed contemporary 2 story 2 bedroom 2 1/2 bath main building with a separate two story guest cottage. Superb finishes provide the ideal indoor and outdoor Key West Living space. As you enter you are greeted by a spacious living/dining area with an ultra-modern kitchen. Large glass sliding doors reveal the infinity pool and lanai complete with an outdoor gas fireplace. On the second level is a guest suite and sitting area with an entertainment center overlooking the lush landscaping and pool. The separate cottage contains a living area and loft style bedroom with a shower bath all opening to the pool."

Then she adds "This is not a drive by." Amen to that!

Foyer

As soon as you cross the threshold you instantly become aware that this is no ordinary residence. The house is populated with large rooms with open spaces but also little niches that evoke a sense of something semi-sacred. There is a fluidity that beckons the first time visitor to quickly move from point to point to see what might possibly be next. The views of the pool and garden (designed by Key West landscape architect Craig Reynolds) beckon those on the inside to go out to the pool. Once outside the view of the inside is equally enticing. Something extraordinary must be going on inside. Nothing is static. This house had endless possibilities.

The pool and gardens seem to flow into the living area. When you go out to the guest cottage the doors and view there seem to draw the guest to go back outside.

View from inside the guest house shower. Time for a dip?

I'll bet you figured out the small building is the guest cottage. That's easy. Are you wondering what is located upstairs to the left? Do you suppose that is the master suite? If so, what is the behind the rail on the second level? And what is going on with the waterfall to the left?

Second floor master bedroom with en-suite bath and balcony overlooking the garden and pool below.

Master bath

Pool area as viewed from private deck off the master bedroom

Second level gallery with loggia that overlooks the pool

The Casa Marina area is known for its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the nearby beaches, and a wide variety of architectural styles that blend into a welcoming neighborhood. Unlike the Conch Cottages, Grand Conch Houses, and Eyebrow Houses that populate most of Old Town, the Casa Marina area has a pluralism of architectural styles. There are some historic homes, many mid century homes, a few candidates for demolition or renovation, and some estate properties. Most of the homes in the Casa Marina area are priced over one million dollars, but there is the occasional bargain home that is small or a place that needs some updating. And then there are homes like the fabulous house located directly opposite 1320 Grinnell Street that was featured in Architectural Digest in July, 2010.

I took more photos which you can see if you CLICK HERE. If you want to see some incredible nighttime photos, you must CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos. 1320 Grinnell Street has 2657 sq ft of living space under air. The grounds are 74'x80' or 5992 sq ft. The home is offered at $2,200,000.

If you are looking to purchase a home in Key West and are not working with another Realtor, please consider asking me to help you find your place in Paradise. Contact me, Gary Thomas at 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.

611 William Street - Old Town - Key West

611 William Street is located on one of the very best blocks in Old Town Key West. The listing Realtor describes 611 William Street this way:

"Historic Greek Revival residence in prime Old Town location!Now configured as a 3 unit property,this architectural gem could be maintained as is with its elegantly appointed 2BR/2BA owner's unit,and 2 add'l. legal rental units.Or the new owner could restore the prop'y to a grand sgl family home,or convert the entire property into 3 condos.Owner's unit boasts an amazing covered outdoor living/dining space,with a Zen-like water feature,landscape lighting,built-in BBQ and wet bar. Both bedrooms feature en suite baths.Loads of storage,and rare off-street parking.Currently two (of 3) legal rentals produce $3000+ monthly income and with minor upgrades could easily command more.A signature historic home in the heart of Old Town's best neighborhood."

611 William Street as it looked in 1965

611 William Street as it appears in 2012

I dug into the old shoe box and found a photo taken in 1965 with the notation that the house was built circa 1889. I sold the cute cigar maker's cottage located next door at 613 William Street a couple of years ago. The styles are totally opposite: one is big and semi-imposing and the other is more demur because of its smaller size and pretty pink color. This block has a combination of similar cottage style houses, eyebrow houses, and great Conch houses. Some homes have postage stamp lots while others have huge rear yards with delightful pools and gardens. Much of this block of William Street has large specimen trees that provide ample shade and a calming atmosphere. One such tree is located at the front of 611 William Street.

I recently took some photos of the interior of 611 William Street. I was totally 'taken' by the charm of this property, especially the second and third floors. Those spaces are what makes big homes so intriguing to me. While the downstairs has been gentrified (for lack of a better term) the second and third floors are reminiscent to the big old houses that made me fall in love with this island I call my home. The spaces are big and have great views of Old Town. The spaces implore the occupant to open the doors and let the outside in. The second floor living room is immense. The living room has three bay doors that open out to the second floor front porch. The tree seen in the old black and white photo is even bigger today. There is a wonderful rooftop deck at the rear of the house. What a sight to behold peering over the tree tops of Old Town. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view more listing photos. 611 William Street is offered at $1,499,000.

Big rooms with big views

Tree top views from the third floor deck

Owner's unit covered outdoor living space

The famous Solares Hill Grocery (now called Charlie's Grocery) is located near the summit of the hill (elevation 18 feet) at 648 William (corner of William and Windsor Lane). It's the only store or commercial enterprise for several blocks. The Key West Writer's Compound is around the corner on Windsor Lane. The compound was established in 1976 and was once the winter home to writers including Richard Wilbur, John Ciardi, John Hersey, and Ralph Ellison. Across the street from 611 William Street is the home of the late Shel Silverstein. Jerry Herman (Hello, Dolly!, Mame, and La Cage Aux Folles) revamped the big grand Conch (Greek Revival) house at 626 William Street. The majestic Albury House across the street at the corner of William and Southard Streets is undergoing a significant restoration. I think everyone in town is really excited to see how beautiful the place will be when all the work is completed. You just cannot beat this location for history or convenience of location.

The Historic Key West Seaport is three blocks to the north where you can moor your yacht or catch a ride on one of many boats that take fishermen fishing or tourists touristing. You can catch sunset while sipping champagne or drinking beer. You can enjoy fine cuisine at the A&B Lobster House or eat it raw at the Half Shell Raw Bar.

Duval Street is a five minute walk to the west. You can walk north or south and travel to the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean within 15 minutes walking time in either direction. If you go north you'll see Sloppy Joe's but it you go south you may not make it past La Te Da, it's that damned intriguing.

If you would like to see 611 William Street or any other home in Key West please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida.

Home Buy Chirstmas #10 - Old Town Key West

1011 Eaton Street - Old Town - Key West

Wouldn't it be lovely to open the front door and welcome your friends and family to this wonderful Key West home next year at Christmas? You can. It is offered for sale this year. The listing Realtor describes 1011 Eaton Street this way:

"This beautifully renovated home was once a Rumrunner's house. It still retains much of its original character with Dade Pine walls and hardwood floors and a handsome wood staircase. The upstairs master suite includes a separate office space, large walk-in closet with additional storage. There are two bedrooms each with a bath on the first floor plus a separate office. French doors open from the kitchen and breakfast area to the covered dining and sitting porch. There is a heated pool with lounging area, spa jets and waterfall. The rear gazebo is perfect for reading or relaxing in a hammock. There is covered gated parking in the rear off Thompson Lane. This home is located just one block from the Historic Seaport."

I recently showed this property and was totally 'taken' by the relaxed and welcoming style of this very charming home. The house has 2064 sq feet of living space divided evenly between first and second floors. The lot is deceptively large from the front because you only see the crisp white picket fence from the front. After you open the front door your eyes are immediately drawn past the French doors at the rear of the house toward the pool and garden beyond. Egads! The rear is just amazing!

Some of the biggest gripes of many potential buyers include the small size of bedrooms, or bathrooms, or the pool being too small or too shady, or the yard too overgrown, or there is no parking. That is not the case here. The rooms are spacious. Each bedroom has its own large bath. The front yard is perfectly dignified. The back yard is spacious and sunny. There is even covered off street parking. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on this property that is offered at $1,285,000. Or, CLICK HERE, to view more photos I took of this great property.

---

If you would like to see 1011 Eaton Street please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. This could by your home by Christmas in 2012 and you could be enjoying the holidays here instead of the cold north.