615 Caroline Street, Key West

The impressive home at 615 Caroline Street looks so regal now with its wrap around first and second floor porches. Dark colored shutters punctuate the exterior of this crisp white house. There is off street parking to the left  plus two gated entrances. The gate to the far east side (right) is a service gate which leads to the pool at the rear. Passersby must think someone famous lives here after all this place is so elegant.

In preparing to write today's blog I searched the Historic Sanborn Fire Maps to determine when this home first appeared on the fire maps that date the etiology of residences in Key West. I was surprised to learn that this building did not appear until the 1912 map. The 1889 and later maps showed something I had not previously seen on any other map: sponge drying. I then checked my favorite book on old Key West, The Streets of Key West written by J. Willis Burke. Of Caroline Street he wrote:
"Caroline Street, once the inland boundary of fledgling Key West, starts at the Presidential Gates on Whitehead. There, Whitehead begets Caroline, who then begins an elegant swath past founder Simonton and siblings William and Margaret.  She stops at Grinnell, perhaps affronted by the ill kept grounds of the old City Electric."

800 Caroline Street back in the day.  The old City Electric with smoke stacks is visible at street end.

Burke adds: "Pauline Hemingway, who remained in Key West after she and Papa divorced once worked on Caroline Street. She bought a spacious two-story structure at 525 Caroline Street and went into the drapery and upholstery business with family friend Lorine Thompson. (Ernest used the Thompson Docks at the foot of Caroline and often fished with Lorine's husband, Charles.) Pauline died in 1951. When consoled by fellow writer Tennessee Williams, Hemingway dug down for another of his 'true sentences': 'she died like everyone else and after that she was dead.'"

The listing agent told me that back in the day 615 Caroline Street probably was located on waters' edge lined with various boat docks where sponge boats and turtle boats came to unload their daily catch. The sponges would get relocated to the sponge drying field at 615 Caroline and the turtles would be taken to Turtle Kraals holding pens to be kept alive before they would be processed into turtle soup.

The listing Realtor describes 615 Caroline Street thus:

"Quintessential Key West historic home - This 4 bedroom 3.5 bath masterpiece is located just steps to the Seaport and world-famous Duval Street. The home has a beautiful formal entry hall adorned with antique chandelier and an exquisite fireplace with mantle. High ceilings, original restored pine floors are among the peerless details of the living, dining and lounging spaces of the first floor. A newly-remodeled kitchen services the dining room as well as the impressive covered outdoor dining pavilion. A freestanding cottage, once the kitchen of the original house, is now a private bedroom located near the pool area. Upstairs are 2 guest bedrooms, one full bath, and the master bedroom with bathroom en suite. The crown jewel of Frenchman's Court is a magnificent covered pavilion that provides seamless indoor outdoor dining/entertainment with a backdrop of private the lush tropical gardens. Other amenities include central air, landscape lighting, irrigation system and off-street parking."

 Let me pose a question: If you bought this home, where other than your bedroom would you prefer to spend your time - the semi-formal living and dining areas or the covered outdoor living space?  I'll bet it would be the posh outdoor area which overlooks the pool.

What a luxurious pool and outdoor space this home enjoys. The former cook shack has been revamped. The current owner has a desk and computer there. The space includes a w/c plus an outdoor shower located next to the entry door. Checkout the specially fabricated copper roof over the shower enclosure. This little cottage would make a wonderful guest cottage but be careful who you let stay there. They may never want to leave.

The two guest bedrooms are located on the back side of the house. In the olden days they may have had a water view. Today they have a view of palm trees and the gorgeous Key West sun. They share share a large bath. CLICK HERE to view more photos I took of this home.

It was a prior owner from France who oversaw most of the renovation of this home. I assume he added the exquisite bathroom mirror with silver lining that has started to flake a bit. This space oozes so much class. Who in the world would dare to replace this much charm with modern day Renovation Hardware cabinets or Kolhler fixtures? Who, indeed.

The covered front porch overlooks Caroline Street below. Notice the old fashioned swing that intersects the front and east porches. The screened door viewed in the master bedroom opens out to the east porch while the bathroom door opens out to the front. Imagine sitting out there drinking your morning coffee or sipping a glass of sherry before you hit the hay. Wouldn't that be wonderful!

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view more listing photos of 615 Caroline Street which is offered for sale at $2,395,000. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a private showing of this very special home. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

921-923 Johnson Street - Casa Marina Area - Key West

I frequently write about this or that property being located on one of the best lots in Old Town because most new "second home" buyers want a house in the Old Town area. That is the area with which they are most familiar.  I often write about homes in the Meadows Area or Casa Marina Area as differing locations worthy of consideration.  The listing at 921-923 Johnson Street is located in the Casa Marina Area.  It is probably not what second home buyers envision unless they are looking for a large lot with development potential in a terrific location where the property values should substantially increase.  If that fits your potential buyer profile, please keep reading.

The listing Realtor describes 921-923 Johnson Street this way:

"This is the last re-developed corner lot at Johnson Street and Grinnell in the highly desirable Casa Marina/Higgs Beach neighborhood of Key West. Currently metered and rented as a triplex, the property could serve as a long term investment or new home site for a Buyer's dream home on its 10,000 square foot lot. There are three addresses currently used (921 & 923 Johnson and 1506 Grinnell) and each unit is occupied by renters."

 The location at the intersection of Johnson and Grinnell Streets helps explain the asking price on this development parcel - this is one of the very best sites in Key West.  The lot is 100' x 100' or 10,000 sq ft. Houses on the other three corners are multi-million dollar homes. Nearby homes on Grinnell Street, Casa Marina Court, and Johnson Street are also valued in the million dollar plus price range.  The nearby homes are valuable for many reasons including proximity near the beaches, extra large lot sizes, unique architectural design and superior construction. CLICK HERE to view more photos of the site and the nearby homes.

The existing buildings were built in 1953 and are now used as three rental units.  According to the Monroe County Property Appraiser the current buildings total 2,345 sq ft.  CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view listing photos. This property is offered at $1,650,000. (or $165 per sq ft for land value)

A few months ago I wrote about a similar home located two blocks east at 1119 Johnson Street. That property was a vintage 1963 split level home that sat on a 7500 sq ft lot on a block of multi-million dollar homes. It sold $1,300,000 (or $173 per sq ft for land value) and is being razed to construct a new contemporary residence for the new owners.  CLICK HERE to see sold price.

Public tennis courts and the beaches one block south

I have long wondered when the owner was going to sell this parcel and when some new buyer would seize the opportunity to create a great new residence at this dynamic location one block away from the Casa Marina Resort and the nearby beaches.  If you are that buyer please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to discuss this property. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.  

909 Pohalski Lane - Open House - Today - Key West

If you are out and about in Old Town Key West this Sunday afternoon please drop by 909 Pohalski Lane between 12:00 and 2:00.  Look at the 60 second video below. You'll then wanna see this lovely two bedroom, two and one-half bath home in person. Offered at $695,000.

1200 Varela Street - Compound Investment - Key West

Talk about "compound investment", checkout the legal duplex at Varela Street Compound (located at 1200 Varela Street) in the SoTru area of Key West. SoTru is South of Truman.

The listing agent describes this property thus:

"Charming Key West Compound consisting of 7 homes and a shared pool. Completely fenced and very private. Lower unit has large covered deck and upper unit has large covered balcony.Both units are 902 Sq Ft under air w/dishwashers and stack W/D. Upper unit has vaulted ceilings & stained glass transoms. Entrance to compound and duplex off Catherine St. through secured gate."

Entrance to the Compound shown above

Notice the palladium windows in the lower level unit

The photos above show this two story unit that sits at the corners of Catherine at Varela Streets. CLICK MAP The duplex is equally divided into two floors of 902 sq ft each. Each unit has two bedrooms and two baths. The asking price on this short sale property is $550,000 or $305 per sq ft. CLICK HERE to see the mls listing info and to view photos of this unit. Checkout that pool!

This duplex might be the perfect property for a buyer that wants his cake and eat it too. One could rent one unit long term and use the income to help make mortgage payments and save the other unit for extended owner visits. Or a new owner could rent both units.

This compound has historically had a low turnover of units. Most of the other units are owner occupied. The neighborhood has a mix of expensive to moderate priced homes and condos. There are many rentals in the area as well.

Corner of Catherine and Varela Streets in the SoTru area of Key West

The shops and galleries on White Street are just one block to the east. The Atlantic Ocean and beaches are about six blocks to the south and Duval Street is and equal distance to the west.

If you are looking for a place to stash your cash, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. Let's take a look at 1200 Varela Street to see if it will meet your investment needs. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

1320 Grinnell Street - Casa Marina Beauty

1320 Grinnell Street - Casa Marina Area - Key West

I frequently write about homes in the Casa Marina Area. I know the area well. That is where I live. I am always advocating that potential buyers look in this area because the area has so much to offer. Won't you be my neighbor?

Just listed, but not by me, 1320 Grinnell Street which is offered at $2,850,000 or $1,001 per sq ft. This is how the listing Realtor describes this home:

"Modern tropical designer home with natural stone, bamboo, and hardwoods. Walls of glass doors open for breathtaking views from every angle of the living and dining area. Top-flight kitchen designed for entertaining and a DCS outdoor kitchen just a step away. First floor master suite with den and double bath opens to private deck with hot tub. Upstairs guest bedroom suite with relaxing area overlooking the pool. Outdoor living room under the lanai has a gas fire pit in the waterfall and sweeping views across the pool to the main home. Separate guest home with loft. Two parking areas for multiple vehicles. Day or night, this home is magical in every detail.

The property was totally renovated and expanded in 2006. Today the property has 2848 sq ft of living space that sits on a large 5992 sq ft lot (74' X 80'). I live nearby, and I watched the construction as it went on for months and months. The Casa Marina area is known not only for its dissimilarity to Old Town but also for its proximity to Old Town and other important Key West destinations. Here the lots are large and the houses are separated by large spaces. While there are a few great Conch houses in the area, most of the homes were built or renovated after the 1950s. . There is nothing "cookie cutter" about Casa Marina area architecture or the neighborhood. CLICK HERE to view some fabulous photos of this special property.

This house is located at the corner of Seminary and Grinnell Streets. Most of the streets in the area do not have curbs and gutters so the area has retained it's country feel somewhat. Perhaps as many as 50% of the homes in this area sit behind large six foot privacy fences with tricked-out entry gates and ornamental shrubs that make each property unique. 1320 Grinnell Street is open to the street with only the space between the main house and the guest cottage fenced from view. I guess one could say that it has "No curb appeal" and get away with that being a genuine compliment.

1320 Grinnell Street is a two minute bike ride south to Higgs Beach, the Casa Marina Resort, and Louie's Backyard. The Island Gym is a two minute bike ride to the east where you can get fit and trim. Faustos Grocery is located nearby on White Street as are a bunch of neighborhood coffee shops, restaurants, and the Dairy Queen. I can usually drive to the airport in about seven minutes from my house. Old Town is a quick bike ride and maybe a 10-15 minute walk depending on where you want to go.

If you are looking to purchase a very sophisticated home in Key West and are not stuck on having to own a "conch house", please call me, Gary Thomas, 305.766.2642, to arrange a showing of 1320 Grinnell Street. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc. in Key West, Florida. I live in the Casa Marina area and I love it. Won't you be my neighbor?