The three bay revival style house at 717 Southard Street sits near the tippy top of Solares Hill, the tallest point on the Island of Key West. The house itself appears to reach to the sky - it's three stories tall and sits close to the street. You can 't but help to notice the size of this place. The house is painted crisp white. The azure shutters and red front door beckon passers-by to take notice. And those that take a closer look will see pediments above each window or door interconnected with detailed trim that give this home a look of distinction.
The listing Realtor describes this home this way:
"Elegance and Luxury is what you will experience as you enter the foyer of this
magnificent Old Town Beauty. Built in 1866 and located atop of Solares Hill,
this home underwent a complete renovation, introducing all the modern amenities
while maintaining the historic integrity of the property. 3 bedrooms all
ensuite, including a spacious master suite with third floor library and separate
office. Gourmet kitchen overlooking the open floor plan of dining and living
room. Luscious tropical landscaping, cozy patio and cocktail pool offer ideal
outdoor space, while one off street parking spot will accommodate your vehicle."
The
2640 sq ft house is big - real big. The covered front porch offers a perfect place to sit and watch the constant people parade that passes by this home each day. When you pass the threshold and enter the foyer you immediately realize this is a house of some importance. You will notice decades of old paint has been removed from the Dade County Pine walls at the entry and stairway. The walls now have a clear coat that reveals the ancient wood grain of this super strong wood that is found in our historic homes. The walls are now a perfect place for displaying art.Your eyes are drawn past the formal entry to the living room at the rear. As you move forward the kitchen and dining area come into view. The current owner is using the room adjacent to the living room as an office. It can function just as easily as a bedroom since there is a bath attached.
French doors lead from the dining area out to the side yard that provides a comfortable area for informal entertaining. The diminutive water feature is called a cocktail pool. (Ft. Zach Beach is a ten minute bike ride to the west. By the way, you can't dive there either.)
French doors open from the first floor bedroom out to an adjacent deck that overlooks the cocktail pool. A little gate allows easy access for some late night skinny dipping. During the daytime this is a perfect place to read
or write a book.
The newly created third floor bedroom is just the place for the hopeless romantic that wants a place away from it all. It both away from it. And it's kinda romantic at the same time.
The second floor bedroom has a huge vaulted ceiling. More exposed Dade County Pine walls offer more space for art. Note also this room along with others in this home have Plantation shutters on each window. The consistency of design elements gives the house as a whole a sense of purpose. An ante-room is located adjacent the bedroom which leads to the stairway to the newly created third floor bedroom that is nearing completion. And of course you can't forget the ever present second floor front porch that overlooks Southard Street. The old Albury House at 730 Southard Street with its widows walk is one of the most famous houses in town. And picturesque Love Lane is located next to 717 Southard Street.
The owner of 717 Southard Street has converted the off street parking spot on Love Lane into a bricked garden space with water feature. But a new owner could easily reclaim the space which would work just fine if he or she owned a Mini Cooper or Fiat.
CLICK HERE to view more photos I took of this property.
717 Southard Street is offered for sale at
$1,289,000.
CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls data sheet then please call me,
Gary Thomas,
305-766-2642 to schedule a showing of this home. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Let me help you find your home in Paradise.
