Old Key West - Ocean View - Estate Property

701 Waddell Avenue - Casa Marina Area - Key West

Just listed by Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. (that's where I work), 701 Waddell Avenue in the Casa Marina area of Key West. The listing Broker describes the property like this:

"Situated across the street from the Atlantic Ocean, this beautiful home occupies a prominent corner lot in a vibrant neighborhood. Built in 1908, the 5 bedroom, 4 bath house originally served as an inn for the Key West Electric Company, and later as a doctor's office. The home was completely renovated in 2003 and received the Ceramic Star award from HARC. In addition to the 1,500 sf wraparound porch, the elegant interior provides 4000 sf of living space highlighted by original windows with wood sashes, Bahama shutters, crown moldings, solid wood doors and 10' ceilings. A large porch off the kitchen is complemented by an outdoor living area with a heated pool and waterfall, perfect for entertaining. Pool house can be used as a studio space."

I found one of those 1965 vintage photos of the property that shows how it looked then. Compare it to today's look. Both are pictured below.

701 Waddell Avenue as it appeared in 1965

701 Waddell Avenue as is looks in December 2010

Not much has changed on the outside. The house is basically the same with some minor architectural changes. And that is the way it is supposed to be in Key West, especially for homes in the Historic District and homes that have been singled out for the historic significance to the community. The inside of this home has been updated but the basic character has been left intact. There is a great new kitchen with partial views that overlook the pool at the rear. The baths are all updated as well. The old Key West charm is readily evident on all three levels of this water view property.

You may be more familiar with the location because of its famous neighbor across the street at 700 Waddell Avenue, Louie's Backyard. I found a photo of that property also taken in 1965 and a current pic as well. (The house behind Louie's was moved to another location many years ago. That space is now the After Deck bar which provides incredible views while sipping cocktails and contemplating life.)

Doggie Beach - Key West

701 Waddell Avenue is priced at $2,285,000. It is a big house with 3914 sq ft of space including 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, the office and entertaining areas. CLICK HERE to checkout the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet and to view more photos of the property.

The lot is an irregular 100' x 100' with 9787 sq ft of actual land. CLICK HERE to see a Google Map aerial view of the house and area. The back yard is huge. There is a small cottage that overlooks the very large kidney shaped pool with waterfall. A large "U" shaped deck wraps the house from Vernon Street around to the opposite side of the kitchen. That deck is elevated from the yard below so you have a heightened perspective of the yard and pool below.


I live in the Casa Marina area and love it. I am close to everything but far enough away that I don't have to live with the commotion. The (other) beaches are just a couple of blocks away. Old Town is a short bike ride or a long walk. Shopping is a few blocks away. (This particular location is busier than most of Casa Marina because of Louie's and the beach.)

Locals are welcome to use the facilities at the Reach Resort, just a block to the west down a sandy walkway CLICK HERE. Simply rent a chair and buy cocktails and you have first class ocean seat any day you want. Locals may also purchase a membership at the Casa Marina where they have full use of the gym, spa, and beaches plus a discount on all food and beverages. First class all the way.

If you are looking for a large estate size property like 701 Waddell Avenue, please consider contacting me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to show this property to you. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. Our office is the Exclusive Lower Florida Keys affiliate of Christie's Great Estates.

1105 Washington Street - Casa Marina Area - Key West

Just Listed (but not by me!) 1105 Washington Street in the Casa Marina Area of Key West. This 1960 vintage ranch has been recently updated. I know, I live nearby and watched the workers doing all kinds of things to the property during the past couple of years. The house has 1415 sq ft of living space and sits on a 4035 sq ft lot. The house has 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. 1105 Washington Street is offered at only $750,000 or $530 per sq. ft. The listing Realtor points out that "this is not a short sale".

The listing Realtor describes the house this way: "A really nice home located in the Casa Marina area and just a few blocks from the beach. There is an additional bonus room with seperate entrance to be used as a bedroom, office or workout room. Master bedroom has a suana bath. Kitchen is equipped with stainless appliances. There is also a wetbar that seperates the livingroom and diningroom." (I copied it exactly.) CLICK HERE to see the photos and more detailed info on the house. There is no pool and I don't recall that there is room to add a pool. But there is plenty of privacy.

The house directly across the street (my neighbor to the rear) is a massive estate property that occupies a size able plot of land. It has been under renovation for the past two years. It is a great property that is always maintained and would be a charm to look at each day you go out to walk the dog. The house next door to the west is equally charming. The house next door to the east is a Key West landmark (Guest Cottage photo here). The beaches are nearby. Shopping is within walking distance. You can get to the airport or the shopping centers in about 5 minutes. And Old Town is a quick bike ride away. But the neighborhood with the big trees and big lawns is why you want to live in this part of town.

At an asking price of only $750,000, I think this house ought to sell fairly quickly. I know it does not have the essential pool that so many buyers want. But that big ocean a few blocks away is awfully inviting and you don't have to pay a pool boy $100 per month. Instead you can walk over to Louie's Backyard and have cocktails every Saturday evening. Life is made up of choices.

If you would like to see 1105 Washington please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc. We are an affiliate of Christie's Great Estates.

707 Washington Street - Key West - Short Sale

Big Short Sale, Price Just Reduceded: 707 Washington Street, Key West, Florida. This large property consists of a large main house and a substantial two story guest house. The property records show it as a legal duplex so the uses are many.

This property was designed by local noted architect Tom Pope and was constructed in 2004. I live a couple of blocks away and remember riding my bike past the property during the lengthy construction. I was excited to see the interiors once the houses were completed. Each property is distinct, but they share a common design theme. The rooms are large and the bedroom ceilings on the second floor of each residence soar. This property would be great for a buyer with a large family or lots of friends. There is plenty of room for lots of people. The guest house is the perfect place for guests, or maybe an aging parent, or perhaps a caretaker, or even a rent paying tenant.

707 Washington has 4 bedrooms, 5 baths, two kitchens, two living rooms, a big pool, and a great Casa Marina location. The houses have 3257 sq ft of living space and sits on a 5300 sq ft lot. The property is offered at the Short Sale price of $1,199,000 or $368 per sq ft. Nothing is certain in this world, and short sales breed an uncertainty of their very own. But I believe that an ALL CASH, QUICK CLOSE offer at a much lower price is achievable. This house is crying for a cash paying, aggressive buyer.

The property is just a stone's throw to Louie's Backyard and Dog Beach. The newly renovated Reach Resort is within walking distance. Duval Street is just a 5 minute walk. The other houses in the 700 Block of Washington are quite nice. CLICK HERE, or CLICK HERE for photos of neighboring homes.

CLICK HERE for more information on 707 Washington Street. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or e-mail me at kw1101v@aol.com for more information.