1109 Windsor Lane, Key West - A New Kind of Wonderful

Just Listed, but not by me, 1109 Windsor Lane, Key West. The listing Realtor describes this home this way:

"Exquisite 5 bedroom 6 bathroom estate in Old Town Key West. 1109 Windsor Ln. was built in 2005 and designed by local architect Tom Pope to be reminiscent of the finest historical homes in Key West. Uniquely situated on a lush landscaped corner lot ideal for a large family estate, corporate retreat or small event property. An old world chef's kitchen with custom cabinetry, large open living room, formal dining room and french doors providing natural light. Stone floors downstairs with Brazilian Cherry staircase leading to the second and third floors. Travertine, Bisazza tile & Calacatta gold marble tastefully finish each bathroom. Signature Royal Palms, lush tropical landscaping, private pool, waterfall and oversized spa complete this estates appeal."

Compare the top color photo of the corner of Windsor Lane at Amelia Street to the photo below which shows the former Dowling Welding shop in the exact same location in 1980. I remember driving by this location during 2004 and watching the construction of this house together with slightly smaller two story classic Conch house next door at 1117 Royal Street. I must admit I was initially  underwhelmed by the location. I couldn't fathom the site of a former welding operation becoming a place worthy of note. I made the mistake frequent visitors to Key West do and could not envision something really wonderful to come of out something not so great. I was wrong. The properties were completed in 2005. 

The black and white aerial photo above taken in 1960 shows Saint Mary Star of the Sea Church, convent, and school, plus 1117 Royal Street, 1109 Windsor Lane (Dowling Welding), and 800 Amelia Street which later became The Medicine Garden. The second photo was taken in 1965 and shows 800 Amelia before the new house was built which became a part of The Medicine Garden. These collective photos show the evolving change that has occurred to the Key West landscape over the past sixty years and particularly in the past fifteen years.

Tom Pope's created a present perfect Classic Revival structure of temple design. The three story house has a dignified if not regal appearance framed by a white picket fence. The front of the house faces Windsor Lane has five bays. By recessing a portion of the south side, Pope created the appearance of a four bay house on the Amelia Street side. First and second floor wrap-around balconies frame this architectural gem. Petite French doors are used on the first and second floor south facing side. Transoms are located over the first floor doors.

The first thing you see when you enter the foyer is the graceful stairway and a door to a large first floor bedroom. Take a look at the bedroom and note the petite French doors with transoms, large crown molding, recessed light fixtures, and stone floor. What you can't see in the photos, but which you will appreciate in person, is the top quality paint job done by Nipper's Painting. (He's the best!) The entry hall leads to the great room, kitchen, and dining area at the rear.

Notice the transom theme is replicated in the upper cabinets in the kitchen. Also notice the intricate casements over the French doors and and windows. The crown molding wraps the entire space. The south facing windows and doors bathe the area during the daytime. Doors at the rear open out to the covered deck, pool, spa, and rear garden. The cut stone floors continue out to the deck and pool. There is a garage located on the Amelia Street side as well.

This 3,428 square foot house has five bedrooms and five and one-half baths (guest bath off main entry).  There are two guest bedrooms with en-suite baths on the second floor plus the master suite at the rear. The third floor has a large open bedroom plus en-suite. The home could become a fantastic monthly vacation rental. The home furnishings are negotiable.

Second floor front guest bedroom

 Second floor rear guest bedroom

The master suite is quite large - in fact very large

The third floor bedroom also has an en-suite

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and lots of listing photos of 1109 Windsor Lane, Key West offered for sale at $2,850,000.  The furnishings are negotiable. 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. This neighborhood has evolved and include many restored homes and some new ones. It's close to Duval Street, a stone's throw from Saint Mary Star of the Sea Basilica, and within walking distance to so many places that draws guests to Key West year after year. I think you will agree this home is a new kind of wonderful.

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723 Southard Street, Key West - High and Dry on Solares Hill

723 Southard Street sits on one of the highest locations in Old Town Key West near the tippy-top of Solares Hill - the highest point on the island. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath home with a large family room has three walls of sliding glass doors which open to the new heated and chilled pool. The gourmet kitchen has granite counter tops, Bosch stainless steel appliances, vaulted ceiling and a dining area with a wall of glass. Crown molding, designer lighting and beautiful heart of pine floors throughout make this one of the most appealing homes available a this price-point.

I found a photo of 723 Southard Street that dates back to 1965. Compare it to the recent color photo above. Among noticeable changes is the new front porch, new door, and white picket fence.

I searched the Historic Sandborn Fire Maps and found the house on the 1889 Map when it was then numbered 408 Southern Street.  The house number changed to 621 Southard in the 1892 Map and finally became 723 Southard Street when the 1899 Map was published. House numbers often changed over the years as this little town grew. While search the Sanborn Maps I learned that the large house two doors east at the corn of William and Southard (530 William Street) was identified on the 1899 Map as the Church of the Plymouth Brethren.  Key West was a very religious community 130 years ago. The Presbyterian Church was located across the street from Brethren Church, and the Gospel Chapel was and still is located across he street at 720 Southard Street. The B'Nai Zion Synagogue was located at the corner of 530 Simonton Street where Sarabeth's is now located.

I mention the churches as they help readers from afar identify the location and realize how close the property is to places they frequent when in Key West.

The kitchen is located in a double sawtooth addition behind the original cottage.  Both bedrooms and baths are located up front while the kitchen, dining, and living areas are in the rear. Guests will be awed by the height and volume of the kitchen which has a lot of storage. The washer and dryer are tucked away in the bi-fold closet adjacent to the dining table. The house has all new wood floors throughout.

The semi-formal living area at the rear suddenly becomes a poolside cabana when the draperies are retracted. Glass sliders on all three sides allow abundant light from the north to bath the room. Speaking of bathing, the pool has a new Ipe deck with sunning space. The pool is both heated and chilled - yes, the water gets warm here in the summer.

The guest bedroom is located at the front of the house where two doors access the bathroom. The guest bath is entered from the hallway and alternatively from the guest bedroom. Remember this is a small house, but it is also very functional.

The master bedroom  with en-suite is located off an alcove at the end of the entry hall. The bedroom is quite spacious as is the private bath. This home is offered furnished as shown. Certain personal items and art are not included in the sale.

723 Southard Street has 1100 sq ft of living space and sits on a 2228 sq ft lot(24'.75 X 90') midway between William and Elizabeth Streets. It sits in an eclectic block of similar conch cottages and large  houses including the iconic Albury Mansion across the street. The location is a three minute walk to Duval Street and five minutes to the Historic Key West Seaport. If you run out of bread and milk, Faustos Food Palace is a five minute walk. Of course you could just walk to any of the dozens of cafes and restaurants located minutes away.  Thia home has been rented as a monthly vacation rental. A new owner may choose to continue or discontinue the rentals, but understand this property has the perfect location as a vacation rental.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and listing photos of 723 Southard Street offered at $995,000, 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.