1001 United Street - Key West

View from the widow's walk at 1001 United Street Key West

The house at 1001 United Street #B really does have a view of the Atlantic Ocean. In fact it has one of the very best 'tree top' views I have seen in all of Key West. The three story attached house has a widows walk with 360 degree views of Key West. I was just captivated by the sights. My prospective buyers contemplated cocktails and sunsets forever.

View of your pool from your widow's walk!

The listing Realtor describes this property like this:

"This bright and airy attached three story home, with palladium windows and French doors, has a private deck with access to a pool shared with three other homes. An extra full bath with shower is located outside off the deck. High ceilings and an open floor plan throughout the first floor create a feeling of spaciousness. Two bedrooms and two baths and laundry are located on the second level with French doors opening to an upstairs balcony overlooking the pool and deck. An exterior spiral staircase winds its way to the third floor light-filled artist's studio with half bath. The staircase continues upward to the widow's walk with incredible rooftop vistas from sea to sea. There is off-street parking with framework for a canvas cover."

Dramatic natural light from three directions

Paladin style French doors on three sides of the spacious great room

Private deck near the pool

Imagine the Key West tan you could get here!

Spiral staircase leads to the third floor and incredible widow's walk

This house is attached to the house in front and a second stand alone house is located next door to the east. The three houses share a common pool seen above. This shared pool arrangement is similar to several other homes built in the same area built nearly 30 years ago. This house has 1583 sq ft of living space on three levels. A large wrap around deck surrounds this house on three sides. The French doors open onto the decks on three sides. There is a large and private deck area off the living area. That deck extends to the dining alcove off the kitchen. The kitchen cabinets are original: 1983. The kitchen space is wonderful and this could be a very fun and relatively inexpensive redo. I think the whole house needs a fresh coat of paint, but otherwise this place would make a great second home.

Completely functional but a bit dated - could be a fun redo

The spiral staircase is located on the outside so it is not taking up valuable interior space. It provides access to the third floor which could be an office or overflow guest bedroom. That area would make a great artist's studio or writer's retreat. But it is the widow's walk that made me not want to go back to earth. What a view! What a price-$537,000!

1001 United Street is a five block walk to the restaurants and nightlife on upper Duval Street such as LaTeDa and 915 among many. South Beach is located at the end of Duval, but you could as easily walk to Higg's Beach or Rest Beach in about the same time-maybe ten minutes. The shops, gyms, and neighborhood hangouts on White Street are a five minute walk to the east.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and accompanying listing photos of this property. Better yet, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange a private showing. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

1003 Casa Marina Court - Key West - Ocean Views

Even though our island is surrounded by water (yes, some people aren't convinced), most of the homes here do not actually have water views. Casa Marina Court is a two block long strip of homes with direct views of the Atlantic Ocean. The view from the house is pretty simple: public tennis courts to the right, Astro Land for the kids to the left, Salute on the Beach across the street, Dick Dock (CLICK HERE for a 1970s view of the pier) jutting out into the ocean, and the West Martello Tower (home of the Key West Garden Club) at the far left, and then the Atlantic Ocean. Casa Marina Court intersects Reynolds Street(CLICK HERE) where the Casa Marina Resort is located. White Street is the eastern terminus (CLICK HERE).

Most of the houses in this vicinity were constructed in the 1950s and 1960s, although many have been remodeled in recent years. There is even new construction going on today (CLICK HERE). There are some landmark houses in the area that predate the 1950s such as the George Reynolds house at 901 Flagler Avenue and 924 Flagler Avenue that was built just before the great hurricane in 1939. There are still a smattering on period houses that have not been significantly updated and those houses tend to get purchased fairly quickly because of their location in the Casa Marina area. The Casa Marina area runs from White Street west to the Casa Marina hotel and meanders to the back end of the Reach Resort. The ocean is the southern boundary, and I consider either Seminary Street or United Street as the northern boundary for the area.

The listing Realtor describes 1003 Casa Marina Court this way:

"This large two story beautiful home is located in the lovely Casa Marina neighborhood with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. The first floor features an elevator at the foyer entrance, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, large living and dining rooms and huge kitchen which leads out to the rear downstairs patio with composite decking. The second floor features 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and a large separate office which is located right off the large upstairs covered patio. This home is great for both roomy living and entertaining."

I found an old photo of this property taken in the mid 1960s CLICK HERE. It appears the ocean fresh environment helped this house grow a second story. Most of the houses on this two block stretch are two story now. And most of the houses have sold at very high price levels because of the prestigious location and ocean views.

Most of the houses in the Casa Marina area are located on large lots. The house at 1003 Casa Marina Court is 5000 sq ft or 50'x100'. It is now offered for sale at $1,900,000. Perhaps a 5000 sq ft lot may not seem that large to folks up north. But in Key West that is a big space, especially compared to many Old Town lots. The streets seem wider in Casa Marina as well. In fact the whole area seems much less congested than Old Town. Many of the streets in the Casa area do not have paved sidewalks. But don't fret, 1003 Casa Marina has curbs and gutters and that million dollar view of the Atlantic Ocean. ( The former home of author Phil Caputo located at 1101 Casa Marina Court sold in July 2008 for $3,650,000. The house was 4406 sq ft of living space and occupied a 20,000 sq ft lot.)

CLICK HERE to review the mls listing info and see the listing photos of 1003 Casa Marina Court. Better yet, call me, Gary Thomas, 305.766.2642 to schedule a showing of this residence. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. Our office is the Exclusive Lower Florida Keys affiliate of Christie's Great Estates. I live in the Casa Marina area and love it. Let me help you find your new home in Paradise.

1800 Atlantic Condominiums - Penthouse Units - Key West

1800 Atlantic Condominiums - Unit A 403 is the top floor mangrove side Penthouse

1800 Atlantic Condominiums interior courtyard

The seller of Unit A-403 at 1800 Atlantic Condominiums just reduced the asking price on this extra large Penthouse unit to just $664,000 or $460 per square foot. CLICK HERE I think the price, location, view, and fact that this property has a valuable Transient Rental License may be just the property a buyer seeking an income producing property may find interesting. This is how the listing Realtor describes Unit A-403:

"Spectacular Oceanview Penthouse. Located at 1800 Atlantic Condominiums on Smather's Beach, this resort style setting is loaded with amenities & considered one of the premier condo complexes in Key West. As a penthouse unit, the condo features large volume rooms with vaulted ceilings. A valuable transient rental license is included in the sale, allowing nightly/weekly vacation rentals. Completely furnished, you're ready to catch the income from the peak winter rental season. Originally a 2 BR & 2 BA model, the floor plan has been modified to present a huge main living area to capture the ocean view. 1800 Atlantic offers a heated pool, hot tub, grilling pavilions, covered parking & 24 hour security all in a private tropical oasis."

I did a quick search of THREE penthouse units currently available at 1800 Atlantic Condominiums. CLICK HERE to do your own price and feature comparison. I have not been inside of this particular unit, but I can tell from the photos that it looks like it has the original kitchen as when constructed. The two other penthouse units appear to have granite counter tops and newer cabinets. But with they are priced much higher in real dollars and in price per sq ft. Neither unit has transient rental license either. I guess you could spend a few thousand bucks for some new cabinets and granite counter tops if that would make you feel better.

I did a separate search of other all "active" and "active short sale units". CLICK HERE to checkout the other properties and do a comparison of those units. Certainly Unit A-403 is offered at a higher price point than many other units, but I urge potential buyers to consider the top floor ocean front location, the extra large size, the valuable transient license when you make your comparison between apples and oranges.

Although each unit is different in some aspects, all of the units at 1800 Atlantic Condominiums have use of the huge Olympic swimming pool, an extra large spa, three tennis courts, beautiful interior courtyard, covered off-street parking plus individual owner storage space.

If you would like to schedule a visit to see any of the units at 1800 Atlantic Condominiums, or any other property in Key West, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc.

50 Seaside South Court -Key West - Bank Owned - Luxury Water View

50 Seaside South Court is something a little different for a Bank Owned home. The four story luxury townhome is located at the eastern end of the Island of Key West and has direct water views. And here is the feature that sets it apart from most other properties in Key West: it has never been lived in.

The listing Realtor describes 50 Seaside Court South this way:

"This 4 level luxury townhome has never been lived in. Features include; 2 car garage, 6 balconies, sun roof, elevator, laundry room and ocean views. Kitchen has granite countertops and brand new stainless steel appliances. Key West Seaside Residence offers plenty parking, 2 large swimming pools, a fitness center and clubhouse."

CLICK HERE to read details posted by the listing Realtor and view photos in the mls. But let me add a few thoughts of my own regarding Seaside as a place to live and offer some suggestions about this unit in particular.

This property has 2736 sq ft of living space on four levels. You will find the garage, laundry,and storage on the ground floor plus about 500 sq ft of courtyard space which you might use as a private garden. This space faces South Roosevelt so you will get some noise from passing traffic. There are east facing balconies on each floor. And then there is that private rooftop sundeck where only God and people in low flying airplanes can see you. I was there on Sunday around 6:00 PM to take some photos. There just was not a lot of traffic at that time at that location. I was expecting more. I was surprised.

There are ocean views from the master bedroom and livingroom. The kitchen is on the top level on the west side, and it has a vaulted ceiling and sunset views. The building is poured concrete construction and has Category 5 hurricane rated windows and doors.

I sometimes ride my bike out to this end of the island in the mornings--before it gets hot. The ocean is calm. The runners, roller bladers, bicyclists, speed walkers, dog walkers, and just people who enjoy a casual walk populate the esplanade from 1800 Atlantic east past Smathers Beach all the way down to the point where Flagler intersects South Roosevelt. I drove out there late Sunday to take some photos and was suddenly reminded of how sweet this end of the island is. I could hear the birds yelling at each other about a food find. The temperature had cooled and the sun was preparing to put on a show its night show at Mallory Square. And I thought to myself that I could live there. I took in that view and envied those that get to see it everyday come rain or come shine.

One of the reasons people move to Key West is to experience living life on this island. It sometimes amazes me that some people end up living in places without any outside space. Being cheap can really be foolish. I mean why live in Paradise if you have to live in a room with no view or a place with no space?

I looked at the buildings and decided they are appropriately designed and built. They don't look like the charming little cottages and big Conch houses that populate Old Town Key West. But they do mimic the essence of Old Town architecture without copying it. Ships chandlers built many of the grand old Conch houses in Old Town in the 19th Century. These grand new structures were built by 21st Century architects, engineers, and contractors whose job it was to design and build housing that can withstand our sometimes intense weather and the demands of modern day living.

Snowbirds may really find a place like this enticing. There are two swimming pools, a little corner grocery, and even a day spa withing walking distance. This unit has a two car garage so you won't need to worry about your car getting rained on. It has a private elevator to travel from floor to floor. That makes carrying groceries a snap. The area is totally secured and the grounds professionally maintained. So all you need to do is unpack your bags--that is, if and when they show.

50 Seaside South Court is priced at $1,100,000 or $402 per sq ft. That's for all new, never been lived in space with quality finishes and an ocean view.

But Wait! The place next door at 51 Seaside South is also available. Same size as 50 Seaside South. But it is priced at only $950,000 or $347 per sq.ft. for the same sized space and same view, but it has been lived in a bit. (The seller on 51 Seaside South will contribute $10,000 towards closing costs. 51 Seaside South Court is NOT bank owned!) CLICK HERE to read the mls listing info and view photos of this unit. I am sure that you can get a similar place in Miami for less. But then you'd be in Miami!

If you would like to see 50 Seaside South or 51 Seaside South, or any other of the units in this complex, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties in Key West Florida.

906 Johnson Street - Casa Marina Estate Property - Now a Short Sale

One of my very favorite homes in Key West just became a short sale. Some buyer is going to own one of the very best houses in all of Key West for a fraction of what it is worth. They don't make houses like this anymore. And you could not duplicate this house if you were to try to build a new one. The cost would be prohibitive.

906 Johnson Street is a 3720 sq ft estate type property situated on a 10,750 sq ft lot located one block from the Atlantic Ocean. You can see the Atlantic Ocean from the master bedroom and master bath on the second floor. The main house has a formal living room with fireplace and an informal family room overlooking the rear terrace. The west wing provides living quarters for staff. There is a separate dining area that overlooks the large pool and outdoor kitchen on the east side of the property. The master bedrooms and master bath have ocean views. These two rooms are just elegant without being prissy. There are two additional bedrooms on this floor-one even has a terrace overlooking the pool below. There is a fully contained guest cottage with living room, bedroom, small kitchen, and bath. Off to the far west you will find another casita or writer's cottage with its own bath.

CLICK HERE for more detailed information and to view photos of this property.

Entry to 906 Johnson Street is made through a formal gated entrance. Brick pavers encircle the entire property as do gardens filled with towering palms and assorted tropical plants. This place is a gardener's paradise.

Preferred Properties is the listing broker on 906 Johnson Street which is now listed at the short sale offering price of $1,769,000 or $476 per square foot. This is truly a great buying opportunity for a discerning buyer. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing.

Really Big - Short Sale - Key West

There is a really big short sale at 1418 Leon Street in the eastern section of the Casa Marina area of Key West. For the reader unfamiliar with the area, this house is located just north of Flagler Avenue and just east of White Street. It is a very short distance to the beaches to the south, Old Town to the north and west, and the shopping centers and airport to the east.

This is how the listing Realtor describes 1418 Leon Street: "Elegant & Luxurious Architect's Dream Home in the quiet and exclusive Casa Marina East neighborhood of Key West. Designed by award- winning, nationally acclaimed architect Michael Miller. Top quality finishes including American cherry wood floors, custom moldings, and dramatic marble floored entry. High ceilings, designer kitchen, bright and open floor plan flows to large Lanai with lush tropical gardens, large flagstone terrace and an inviting heated pool with waterfall. Private guest cottage and second floor bonus room add to privacy and comfort. Off-street parking for 2 vehicles. Widows walk with tree-top view and romantic sunsets. An Exquisite Property Showcasing the Best of Island Living. Short sale subject to lender approval."

This home is listed at the asking price of $1,995,000 or $663 per sq ft for the 3007 sq ft house. It sits on a large 6334 sq ft lot. (The property was originally listed for $3.6 million.) CLICK HERE to read more detailed information on this listing and view some great photos that show the features of this remarkable property.

I realize (sadly) that there are not a lot of buyers for a house in this price range. But for those of you that can swing a deal like this: listen up. The lender on this property is local. I expect that the local lender would be able to respond to a serious offer promptly and without all that fuss and delay we have heard so much about.

This property really is a big deal. If you are in the market for a great Key West property is a very comfortable location and you have the cash to make a significant purchase, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing. This is not my listing, but I know how to get you in the door. If you are looking for a place in Key West, but maybe not as large a place as this, CLICK HERE to search the real Key West Association of Realtors mls database. No one will call you and no one will track your whereabouts on the Internet. If you see something you like, send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com and let me know if I can help you buy a place in Paradise.

Casa Palmera - Grand Casa Marina Estate - Key West

Preferred Properties Christies Great Estates is the listing office of this one of a kind Key West estate. This is how the listing Realtor describes this property:
"Casa Palmera is truly one of Key West's Grand Estates, located in the heart of the Casa Marina just 2 blocks from the Ocean. The owner is a noted designer who has spent many years fine tuning this home into a residential masterpiece, with rich wood flooring and European details throughout. The exterior gardens and pool area, are what Key West Living is about. To the Southeast of the property is the Casita which is a home onto itself. Off to the Southwest end of the home is a Writer's cottage or office with it's own bath. The main home includes 3 guest rooms, a complete mother-in-law suite, formal dining area, two living areas, wonderful large galley kitchen, breakfast room, and Laundry room, well designed with abundant storage."

Here's the rest: I've always described the house as being a Beverly Hills type house. The south wall in both the living room on the first floor and the master bedroom on the second dramatically bow outward. Unlike so many modern houses that are built for present day trendy living, this property has many areas for entertaining or living very privately. And each space whether public or private is exquisitely detailed. You just don't see that kind of detail in new construction--not in Key West, anyway.

There is an outdoor kitchen by the pool. A really sweet balcony overlooks the pool from the second floor front bedroom with en-suite bath. You can see the Atlantic Ocean from both the master bedroom and master bath. And what a view it is. But it is when you are at ground level and walking through the beautiful gardens that you really appreciate this property. Every direction you look, you see something enchanting. You feel like you have arrived in Paradise and don't want to leave.

The guest cottage is absolutely a delight. It is stunning. Each room is simple but rich in design. Your guests will never leave. And of course there is the writer's cottage on the far west end of the property. I have a writer friend that's been written up in the New York Times and featured on National Public Radio. If you are reading this: buy this house!

If you are in the market for a grand Key West property such as Casa Palmera, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing. Casa Palmera is offered at $3,495,000. CLICK HERE for more detailed information and many photos. If you are looking for a home in this price range, you must see this house. You will not be disappointed.

Key West Beach Club Condos

Not everybody wants to own a place directly on the ocean where you can wake up in the morning to the sound of gentle surf rolling ashore just below your bedroom window. But a whole lot of people would love the opportunity to own such a property. Especially if it were affordably priced and located in Key West, Florida. Well this is your opportunity.

I have written before about the desirability of the Shipyard Condos in Old Town and the much larger units at 1800 Atlantic Blvd. to second home owners. The location, size, and creature comforts of each has made both projects very popular second home choices.

Until the market decline over the past three years the units at the Key West Beach Club have been an even more popular choice to the few who had the opportunity to even buy a unit. Historically, very few units at Key West Beach Club went on the market and when a unit was offered for sale, it would sell very quickly. If you have ever been to the Key West Beach Club you know the reason why. Each unit is located directly on the Atlantic Ocean. Each unit has a spectacular right-in-your-face ocean view. Most of the units are two bedroom and two baths, but there are a few three bedroom units and a couple of spectacular penthouses. As with other projects of similar age, there is some price variation among units based on remodels and upgrades and floor level. But all units share the same view, the same tennis courts, the use of the gym, the pools, the covered parking. And most of all they share the distinction of being the only condos located directly on the ocean in Key West.

Unit 104 is a 2/2 built in 1985 and is priced at $775,000 or $553 per sq ft. And it has a valuable Transient License which means you can rent it on a daily basis to help defray the cost of purchase. You are not required to rent it, but it is a valuable option to possess. CLICK HERE for more info on Unit104.

Unit 105 is also a 2/2 and is offered at $875,000 or $625 per sq ft. This unit is located at the end of the building and has the most privacy going. CLICK HERE for more info on Unit 105.

Unit 107 is a two bed / 2 bath unit that was built in 1987. This unit is priced at #1,375,000 or $962 per sq ft. CLICK HERE for more photos and info on Unit 107.

Unit 115 is the largest unit offered. It has three bedrooms and two baths. It is located at the far east end of the east building. It is offered at the price of $1,200,000 or $766 per sq. ft. The home is being sold furnished and currently is the only one of this type floor plan on the market. CLICK HERE for more photos and info on Unit115.

Unit 210 is a two bed / two bath unit that was just recently listed. It is offered at the price of $999,000 or $699 per sq. ft for this 1430 Sq. ft. unit in the east building. CLICK HERE for photos and info on Unit 210.

Penthouse Unit 406Very rare offering of a top floor 2 level end unit home at the Key West Beach Club. This beautiful luxury condominium main level includes 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, large living/dining room and a separate den. Upstairs is an enormous 3rd bedroom/loft and bath. Recent upgrades include 24" x 24" marble tile floors, crown molding, designer lighting and hurricane wind impact resistant doors and windows. This unit is offered at $2,500,000 or $892 per sq.ft. CLICK HERE for additional photos and information on Unit 406.

Luxury amenities at the Key West Beach Club include two oceanfront pools, tennis court, gym, outdoor entertaining areas with cooking facilities, covered parking, additional storage, and gated entry. Condo fees of $2500 are paid quarterly and include Cable, Exterminating, Building Exterior Maintenance, Building Insurance, Common Area Maintenance, Pool Maintenance, and Security.

If you would like to see any unit at the Key West Beach Club or any other Key West real estate listing, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or e-mail me at kw1101v@aol.com.

31 Seaside South Ct - Key West -- Ocean View

31 Seaside South Ct is a beautifully decorated home with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Ideally located in a secluded quiet location at Seaside Key West Residences this luxurious 3 level home includes many amenities. A few of the features of this home include designer decor, multiple outdoor spaces, private elevator, 2 car garage and breathtaking rooftop deck. This is a perfect stress free island home with poured concrete construction and impact resistant windows and doors. Seaside Key West Residences is recently built (2005)gated community with several pools and clubhouse.

This 1914 sq ft home has two bedrooms and 3 baths is offered as a potential short sale at the price of $695,000 or only $363 per sq ft. And if that price isn't good enough, the property comes furnished. There are more photos and additional information about the unit CLICK HERE. Imagine, moving into a place like this for such a potentially affordable price. The developer of the entire development owns the unit next door. That means the ocean view is just about as good as it gets in my opinion.

This is not my listing, but I would gladly show it to you. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or e-mail me at kw1101v@aol.com. Imagine waking up to the sunrise view at your Seaside home in Key West. It can happen.