1609 Patricia Street, Key West - A Hidden Jungle Paradise Awaits

The two photos above show the pool and fountains at 1609 Patricia Street in Key West when photographed a few years ago. Today the pool is surrounded by a child-safe fence and the gardens are over-grown and hidden. This property was the former home of noted landscape architect Raymond Jungles who left Key West a few years ago and relocated in Miami where he does projects of international re-known.

The listing Realtor describes 1609 Patricia Street as:

"Amazing landscaping by Raymond Jungles and the beautiful custom pool with waterfalls pouring from the designer wall are striking features of this extra large property (over eleven thousand square feet, enough for two houses). The two bedroom, one bath ground level home is hidden in the dense foliage, scarcely to be seen from the street. This is a unique home in the neighborhood just off Atlantic Boulevard."

I recently showed this home to a couple seeking a renovation project. They were intrigued by the 11,200 sq ft lot (112 feet wide X 100 feet deep). That's more than twice the size of a typical Casa Marina Area lot.  The existing house occupies only a tiny foot print on the lot. It measures just 910 sq ft. There is an attached 247 sq ft deck. The CBS house was built in 1956 which was updated in 2000 by Raymond Jungles and his former wife designer Debra Yates. They re-invented the space into a unique mid-century modern home. Years have passed since that renovation. This home has been a rental property for several years. A new owner might move in and not do anything to the house except paint it. A new owner might expand the existing house into a larger space. That would be easy here since the Historic Architectural Review Commission would not have any say over this property. Or a new owner could tear down the original house and build something quite large on this huge lot. Alternatively, the lot itself could potentially be split into two lots and two houses built (with the purchase of a separate ROGO unit). This house and this extraordinary lot offer so many wonderful possibilities.

Readers unfamiliar with Raymond Jungles are encouraged to Google his name and look for images of his work. When I did this I discovered many of the design elements he used on this space. Or simply CLICK HERE to view his website. Then click the CASE STUDIES to see how he transformed outdoor spaces into extraordinary gardens and public spaces. Consider how valuable an asset you would have if you were to purchase this property and how you might enhance this hidden Jungle Paradise. 

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos of 1609 Patricia Street is offered for sale at $695,000. Please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing of this incredible property. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

1600 Sirugo Avenue - Key West

If you have been looking for a perfect place to build a major new residence in Key West free of restrictions from restrictions imposed in our Old Town area, may I offer for your consideration 1600 Sirugo Avenue - just one block north of the Higg's Beach and the Atlantic Ocean.  

The grounds were designed by Raymond Jungles Design. The garden as currently configured includes an allee of specimen palms on either side of the interior lawn. The ten foot waterfall and pool anchor this portion of the lot. Just out of sight is an equally large terrace with bandstand and service entrance. The lot measures 110' X 117.5' or 11,750 sq ft. It is zoned SF-1 - single family. This property is currently part of 1617 White Street. The Seller will divide for closing.

This unique parcel is offered for sale at $1,595,000.  CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on this property. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange a personal visit to view the grounds. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

1322 Thompson Street - Key West - The Essence of Cool

Cool.... in Key West!

1322 Thompson Street is the antithesis of the quaint cigar maker's cottages, the big conch houses, or the eyebrow houses that dominate Old Town Key West. Most of those houses are old and have been updated to accommodate today's lifestyle. Some renovations are highly successful while others are often challenged by small buildings, small lots, small budgets, or small imagination.

1322 Thompson Street, located just east of the Casa Marina Area, on the other hand, is a 1958 ranch renovated a few years back by Debra Yates and Raymond Jungles who created a one-of-a-kind Key West residence that is the essence of cool. The Urban Dictionary defines cool as 'The best way to say something is neat-o, awesome, or swell. The phrase "cool" is very relaxed, never goes out of style, and people will never laugh at you for using it, very convenient for people like me who don't care about what's "in.' At least half the people in Key West are cool by that definition. And so is this tropical residence.

 

  The first time I went to this house I was taken aback. The house sits on a large corner lot on a Key West suburban block (not Old Townish by any stretch of the imagination). The lot dominates its corner location which is enclosed by a large privacy fence. Tall palms and specimen trees ring the inside of the fence and grass that looks like a velvety moss delicately frames the lot at the corner of Thompson and South Streets. As much as I know I live on an "island" I sometimes forget it. This property exudes an island flair as soon as it comes into view.

When you open the gate you walk into an oasis of lush vegetation in all directions. Specimen trees of all types and wondrous foliage separate this property from the hum-drum of so many Home Depot instant gardens.

I don't know whether it is the sound of the waterfall or the vibrant colors of the mosaic tiled wall that draws your attention to the pool. But you cannot avoid looking and hearing and just be captivated with this area. It is like "wow" in every direction you look. This is not what you expect to see-in suburbia.

The house itself is bold in design yet very understated. Travertine marble floors in the main living, dining and kitchen areas keep the tone very low key. A glass wall in the living room looks out to the pool and waterfall. The kitchen sits at the back of the living space and is defined by fire engine red wall with non-traditional horizontal windows over the kitchen sink. An intimate dining room without doors (or pretense) completes this part of the house.

The master bedroom and bath are on the south side of the house. The bedroom is totally understated, but it too has a glass wall that opens out to its own private sitting area. There is a separate Debra Yates mosaic in the master bath. A second bedroom and bath are also located in the main house. And then there is the guest cottage located out under the palm trees. Guests can access this cottage from either the front entry or a side gate on South Street.

Indoor and Outdoor Showers - Way Cool !

The listing Realtor describes the new listing at 1322 Thompson Street this way:

"This spacious home is surrounded by privacy fencing. Just step inside the front gate to a private tropical world. A lovely pool with a waterfall and beautiful mosaics tilework designed by the talented artist Debra Yates. A covered lanai perfect for entertaining guests. The interior of the home offers a wall of glass doors which open to the pool area to incorporate the outside living area, a fantastic kitchen complete with a gas stove, stainless appliances and a concrete custom counter top. The master bedroom has a small covered private deck to relax in comfort and enjoy the lush landscaping. All of this along with a one bedroom one bath separate cottage to place guests or use as an office or studio."

---

Guest Cottage

Let me add this: it is better than that! It is one of those places that just knocks you over when you enter the property. 1322 Thompson Street is offered at $749,000 or $482 per sq ft.  CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet on this property.

This place is really cool. The chic contemporary interiors may not work for those with a yen for an Old Town Conch House. But if you are open to new ideas and want a really beautiful place to call your Key West home, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305.766.2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. Let me show you this truly remarkable property.

Bank Owned - Designer Home - 1103 Ashby Street - Key West

City is doing landscaping

 Just listed, but not by me, a Bank Owned property that was originally designed by the noted design team of Debra Yates and Raymond Jungles. (They were not the owners of this property when it was foreclosed.) The house is located at 1103 Ashby Street in the mid town area of Key West.

I have written about other houses the Yates-Jungles team designed. The homes I have written about previously (and this one) were previously owned houses which Debra Yates updated by using space, height, color, and contemporary structural and architectural elements to re-purpose the house. This particular house is like of many in this area. It is an 1116 sq ft three bedroom home that was built in 1955. It is located on a corner lot adjacent to our local middle school.  You can drive up and down the nearby streets and see dozens of similarly constructed and built homes that have been updated in the more than 50 years this subdivision was built. But you won't see any house like this. This is a one of kind.

Door leads to outdoor shower

Laundry and closet area

Deck off the master bedroom

 I have also written about Raymond Jungles who was the premier landscape architect in Key West until he left our area. He did the gardens and pools at the Marquesa Hotel and in some of the most expensive homes in Key West.  A home owner who gets a Raymond Jungles garden is getting a design worthy of note.

Privacy fence encircles the entire property

Pool and fountain

 
 You can view more photos I took of this house and grounds if you CLICK HERE.

1103 Ashby Street is offered at $356,400 or $319 per sq ft. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view listing photos.  If you are interested in seeing this property, I suggest you act quickly. I was there twice on Friday and the place was jammed with Realtors and buyers looking for a steal. Please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc.  Don't wait too long. You will be sorry.

1322 Thompson Street - Casa Marina Area - Key West

Cool.... in Key West!

The new listing at 1322 Thompson Street is the antithesis of the quaint cigar maker's cottages, the big conch houses, or the eyebrow houses that dominate Old Town Key West. Most of those houses are old and have been updated to accommodate today's lifestyle. Some renovations are highly successful while others are often challenged by small buildings, small lots, small budgets, or small imagination.

1322 Thompson Street in east portion of the Casa Marina Area, on the other hand, is a 1958 ranch that was renovated by Debra Yates and Raymond Jungles who created a one-of-a-kind Key West residence that is the essence of 'cool'. The Urban Dictionary defines cool as 'The best way to say something is neat-o, awesome, or swell. The phrase "cool" is very relaxed, never goes out of style, and people will never laugh at you for using it, very convenient for people like me who don't care about what's "in.' At least half the people in Key West are cool by that definition. And so is this residence.


The first time I went to this house I was taken aback. The house sits on a large corner lot on a Key West suburban block (not Old Townish by any stretch of the imagination). The lot dominates its corner location which is enclosed by a large privacy fence. Tall palms and specimen trees ring the inside of the fence and grass that looks like a velvety moss delicately frames the lot at the corner of Thompson and South Streets. As much as I know I live on an "island" I sometimes forget it. This property exudes an island flair as soon as it comes into view.

When you open the gate you walk into an oasis of lush vegetation in all directions. Specimen trees of all types and wondrous foliage separate this property from the hum-drum of so many Home Depot instant gardens.

I don't know whether it is the sound of the waterfall or the vibrant colors of the mosaic tiled wall that draws your attention to the pool. But you cannot avoid looking and hearing and just be captivated with this area. It is like "wow" in every direction you look. This is not what you expect to see-in suburbia.

The house itself is bold in design yet very understated. Travertine marble floors in the main living, dining and kitchen areas keep the tone very low key. A glass wall in the living room looks out to the pool and waterfall. The kitchen sits at the back of the living space and is defined by fire engine red wall with non-traditional horizontal windows over the kitchen sink. An intimate dining room without doors (or pretense) completes this part of the house.


The master bedroom and bath are on the south side of the house. The bedroom is totally understated, but it too has a glass wall that opens out to its own private sitting area. There is a separate Debra Yates mosaic in the master bath. A second bedroom and bath are also located in the main house. And then there is the guest cottage located out under the palm trees. Guests can access this cottage from either the front entry or a side gate on South Street.

Indoor & Outdoor Showers - Way Cool !

The listing Realtor describes the new listing at 1311 Thompson Street this way:
"Wonderful home surrounded by privacy fencing. Just step inside the gate to appreciate Key West living at its best. This CBS home features three bedrooms with three baths. The main house offers two bedrooms and two baths. The master bedrooms is spacious and comfortable with doors leading to a private covered deck. The relaxed environment is perfect for getting away from chaos or entertaining friends and family. Enjoy cooking in the kitchen with plenty of storage space and stainless steel appliances. Each room is designed to appreciate the lush garden area. The outdoor covered lanai is situated by the heated pool with a mosaic mural waterfall wall. A pool house with a full bath is another wonderful feature of this charming oasis."

Let me add this: it is better than that! It is one of those places that just knocks you over when you enter the property. 1322 Thompson Street is offered at $789,000 or $508 per sq ft. CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet on this property.

This place is really cool. The super chic modern interiors may not work for those with a yen for an Old Town Conch House. But if you are open to new ideas and want a really beautiful place to call your Key West home, please call me,Gary Thomas, 305.766.2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. Let me show you this truly remarkable property.