Just Listed: 522 Elizabeth Street, Key West, Fl

I have been waiting for a long time to see 522 Elizabeth Street, Key West listed for sale. The day has arrived. I got a chance to take a look earlier today. This is a project house - a major renovation. It will require a buyer with great imagination and deep pockets. The reward will be substantial. This will once again be a beautiful home in a great Old Town location.

I searched around in my old shoebox and found a photo of the same property that was taken nearly sixty-two years ago. The black and white photo shows the second floor front porch was partially enclosed even back then. If you look carefully you will see that the house was wider than deep. Later owners would extend the main floor toward the rear. Also note the sprig of a tree that would later engulf the house.

Today the trees overwhelm the house. I believe, but cannot guarantee, a new owner could remove the trees in front and rear of this property. That would make the other renovations both easier to accomplish and enhance the facade and allow for the creation of a rear garden and pool. 

I looked around the inside of the house as best I could. The place does not have electricity and I decided not to venture into dark rooms. The MLS photos show most of the rooms. The listing shows the house has 3,259 Sq Ft of living space plus porches and decks. The lot measures 44'X 102' or 4,359 Sq Ft.  The Monroe County Property Appraiser map shows the house as sitting on or over the south border of the adjacent property to the south. The listing agent told me a new survey is being completed and will be available to potential buyers for review. I have a suggestion:remove all trees; lift the house and move it to the north and place on new piers. This house is located in the X Flood Zone. The garage would probably go away but the property would have better street appeal if the driveway was bricked. I found a photo I took of this property in 2010.  It looked better then.We all did.

CLICK HERE to view more photos I took of this property. The rear yard is a mess. That is easy to clean up. When the trees are removed you will have a clean slate with which to create your own perfect garden and pool The house itself seems structurally sound which should allow for the removal of current non-load bearing walls and the restructuring of room sizes and usage. An interior staircase will need to be added. But there are multiple locations to choose from. (Staircase in photo goes to third floor loft bedroom.)

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet for 522 Elizabeth Street, Key West, offered at $1,555,000. The please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to arrange a private site visit. Bring your contractor, architect, and money-manager to preview this home - one of the last remaining big old houses of Key West. 

I drove by the house on Southard Street where Charlie Brown and the gang reigned supreme for the past several Christmas seasons. The house was sold this year and Charlie is nowhere to be seen. ALAS...

Nanny Cams in Key West

The first time I encountered a Nanny cam was ten years ago. I remember seeing various cameras throughout the house. I "knew" the owners socially.  They bought the house when it was a bank owned property and the renovated it. They furnished the place and rented it as a monthly vacation rental. As I looked around the house I thought it very odd that there were Nanny cams located everywhere. I immediately determined that I would feel violated if I rented a house like this and knew that someone could be watching and or listening to what I did and said. I did not sell that house so my personal suspicions ended that day. Except I remembered them ten years later. In fact I recall them ever so often as I see new versions of hidden cams on television photographing home invasions, thefts, child abuse, senior abuse, dog antics, and more.

Some readers may know that Key West has a lot of seasonal owners. Some people call them snow birds. Many arrive in late October or early November and stay until the end of April or May. A couple of years ago I was showing the house of a snowbird to prospective buyers. The house as quite impressive. Grand in fact. Maybe even over-the-top. I trailed my customers as they went from room to room, floor by floor. I kept noticing cameras everywhere. At the same time I was befuddled by the some of the design elements in the house. It looked like some mad queen from Hollywood played a trick on the owner and got him to do some very gay things. While my customers were looking around on the second floor I asked the listing agent it the seller was "gay". He got a look of horror on his face and said NO. And no thanks for asking. Later I asked other people about that owner. They all told me he was married to a woman as if that is proof of something. I still had my suspicions. But thinking back on the moment I asked the gay question, I wondered if the microphone was engaged. Did the owner hear my inquiry?

I have been seeing more Nanny cams in houses in Key West. I can usually spot them. I don't blame owners wanting to keep an eye on their place. Before I decided to write today's blog I did a quick Google to see if spy cams and recordings are legal in Florida. Cameras may be as long as notice is given. I am not so sure that audio recordings are. I think I taught my self a lesson when I questioned the challenged the style of that homeowners haven. From now on I am keeping my mouth shut and will advise the potential buyer to do so as well. And if I were to represent a seller with such a system, I would suggest they purposefully never watch or listen to someone viewing their home with a Realtor. Hearing what someone has to say about your drapes or lawn is not worth the cost of a lawsuit.

 

the simple life - 814 fleming street key west florida

 

The listing Realtor describes 814 Fleming Street #8 Key West thus:

"Enjoy tropical treetop views from this third floor condominium in the historic Seafoam building. The deep 20 foot porch is on the private rear of the building and overlooks the association swimming pool. Wood floors and walls, ceiling fans and French doors enhance the charm and simplicity of this one-bedroom unit."

The unit is located on the third floor rear of the Seafoam Condominiums building which I have written about several times over the years. The building is stunning in its minimalist design. This unit is the epitome of minimalism. A new owner can change all that - if they want. Or not. 

The building has two sets of stairs - one at the front which goes up and the second at the rear that goes down to the community laundry room and pool. There is no parking. You may not need parking. Everything you need is within walking distance, bike ride or taxi. There is on street parking. Monthly condo fees are $475 which includes building maintenance and insurance and water. 

CLICK HERE  to view the Key West MLS datasheet and more excellent photos of this simple and oh so lovely one bedroom Seafoam Condominium offered at $595,000. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a private showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time agent at Preferred Properties Key West, the listing brokerage. 

4 Gecko Lane, Key West - A Rare Tropical Paradise

4 Gecko Lane is one of my all time favorite properties in Key West. I think I saw it the very first time in 2003 soon after it was listed for sale. It was at that time a one-of-a-kind property where two houses were made into one. A few other people copied the concept but the original remains the best. The property even appeared in Vanity Fair Magazine in the mid 1980s just after the initial renovations were being completed. Let's look at some photos to see why this home is so special.

Gecko Lane is one of those Slow Lanes of Key West that I muse about. The lane is located on the north side of Eaton Street between Margaret and William Streets. If you blink while riding your bike or car, you will miss it. That is why locations like this are so sought after. They are hidden gems. Upon arrival at the front gate you enter a courtyard of what looks like three buildings separated by a large pool. As you move inward you see beautiful wood decks frame the pool as a piece of art. The gazebo at the side "connects" the master bedroom cottage with the main house.

At first look you may think the property is rather confirmed. But you would be mistaken. The lot is actually quite large - 6,312 square feet. The lot is an irregular  rectangle  that measures 161' X 45'. There is a huge yard at the rear for parking access off Roberts Lane. And there are several garden areas, patio, and outdoor shower. It's not so small after all.

Once you step inside the main living area you will be awed by the simplicity of design. Dade County Pine is framed by crisp white trim, baseboards, and crown molding. One of the two guest bedrooms is located just off the living area which has an adjacent bath. 

A second guest bedroom is located on the second level. I find these spaces just special for brothers-in-law. I think grandchildren would love this space. Kids did privacy and unique spaces.

There is lovely patio opposite the kitchen with a portion of the garden in view just beyond. Tropical foliage envelopes the entire lot.

Even though the master bedroom has a cathedral ceiling, the area is quite cozy and romantic. Imagine opening the door for a late night dip before going to bed. The master bath has two sinks, lots of storage, a marble bath, and separate WC. If you are like me, you will prefer the outdoor shower. There is nothing like showering under swaying palms or starry nights - especially when people up north are freezing in the cold of winter.

I searched the Historic Sanborn Fire Maps to try to determine when the cottages were built. The county tax records suggest the houses were built in 1925. But the 1912 Sanborn Fire Map shows both cottages existing as of that date. The lane was little more than a walkway and was not given a name of record. I added arrows to show Roberts Lane which has a gate leading to the rear undeveloped lot at 4 Gecko Lane. Roberts Lane exists onto Caroline Street. The Key West Seaport begins there. Duval Street is a five minute walk from Caroline or Eaton Street. Nothing is far away and almost anything is possible. CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and lots of photos of 4 Gecko Lane, Key West offered for sale at $1,499,000. Make sure to read the listing details as this house has been significantly updated. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a private showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.