the simple life - 814 fleming street key west florida

 

The listing Realtor describes 814 Fleming Street #8 Key West thus:

"Enjoy tropical treetop views from this third floor condominium in the historic Seafoam building. The deep 20 foot porch is on the private rear of the building and overlooks the association swimming pool. Wood floors and walls, ceiling fans and French doors enhance the charm and simplicity of this one-bedroom unit."

The unit is located on the third floor rear of the Seafoam Condominiums building which I have written about several times over the years. The building is stunning in its minimalist design. This unit is the epitome of minimalism. A new owner can change all that - if they want. Or not. 

The building has two sets of stairs - one at the front which goes up and the second at the rear that goes down to the community laundry room and pool. There is no parking. You may not need parking. Everything you need is within walking distance, bike ride or taxi. There is on street parking. Monthly condo fees are $475 which includes building maintenance and insurance and water. 

CLICK HERE  to view the Key West MLS datasheet and more excellent photos of this simple and oh so lovely one bedroom Seafoam Condominium offered at $595,000. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a private showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time agent at Preferred Properties Key West, the listing brokerage. 

812 Fleming St #4 Key West - Old Fashioned Fully Furnished Condo

 

I remember the first time I stepped inside the doors of the Seafoam Condominiums at 812 Fleming Street in Key West. I stopped. Looked up. And saw a three stories  atrium bounded by Dade County Pine wood walls trimmed out by stark white wood railings. I think I called it plane geometry. It is so simple and so perfect. It is genius you can touch and feel and appreciate every time you see it. 

Back in the days before civic groups and city planning gurus who know what's best for everybody, Key West had a more hands-off approach. Owners and re-modelers were permitted to do things to uplift the old homes and buildings in what was becoming the Historic District or Old Town Key West. The former mercantile building at 812-814 Fleming Street was in 1984. The original covered walkway was extended upward to the third floor. It was boxed in so to speak. Five openings on the second and third floor became doors that opened out to the covered porches. The center door entered the porch off the hallway. Two sets of French doors opened from respective units. There are similar decks on rear facing units. The ground floor units are commercial. Today the City of Key West charges fees and requires indemnification and insurance for structures "like" this or any other that invades the city right  of way. Progress. I digress.

The covered porch offers 200 square feet of  extra living space to each unit. And it really is living space. Except on the hottest days, expect owners to leave the French doors open so that they may move in and out with ease for it is the fresh air and ambience of Old Town that drew them to this island home.

The listing Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West describes Unit 4 this way:

"This beautifully appointed one-bedroom, one bathroom condominium is in the historic Seafoam building. It has a 200 square foot balcony overlooking vibrant and picturesque Fleming Street. The owner is a professional interior designer and has recently completed a very stylish renovation of this charming unit. The kitchen boasts quartz countertops, a backsplash of custom designed Moroccan tiles, and stainless steel appliances including gas range, dishwasher and disposal. The bathroom has been updated and this home has central air conditioning, lots of warm Dade County Pine and a hand-painted mural. The Seafoam has a sunny and pretty swimming pool and a dramatic three-story entry atrium. This jewel box is offered furnished."

Jewell box indeed. There is a second set of stairs at the rear which lead down to the pool and laundry area at the rear. When your friends up north in America are complaining "Baby It's Cold Outside" you can be laying by the pool - in January. Condo fees are $559 monthly and include building insurance, maintenance, and water.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and listing photos of 812 Fleming Street No. 4 Key West Florida. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a private showing of this FULLY FURNISHED OLD FASHIONED unit offered at $629,000. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. 

812 Fleming Street #3, Key West - Just Listed

One of the best located condominiums in Key West was just listed for sale at the asking price of $639,000.  812 Fleming Street Unit #3 located on the second floor front of the Seafoam Condominiums. The second floor front unit has an expansive balcony (about 25 feet wide) which overlooks colorful Fleming Street amid numerous guest houses and near some of the finest single family homes in Old Town. The historic seaport is located a couple of blocks to the north.  Duval Street is about a five minute walk to the west.  There are several really great restaurants with three blocks. Locals and returning guests love this location for its convenience and the people who live nearby. Best of all, if you buy this unit you will have a ring side seat to watch the annual People's Parade as it winds its way up Fleming Street each year during Fantasy Fest.

The Seafoam condominiums is a mixed use building with six residential condominiums and two commercial units that are located on the ground level front. Timmy Tuxedo occupies one 0f the commercial spots and a doctor's office the other. Every time I go by Timmy Tuxedo I chuckle at the thought of a tuxedo store in Key West where tee shirts, baggy shorts, and flip-flops are the norm. Whodathunk anybody would need a tux here? They do, otherwise the tuxedo shop would not have existed as long as it has, and it is a Key West institution. 

Neither commercial business interferes in any way with the residential living in this building. They have minimal daytime traffic and none in the evening. The building  was built circa 1906. It was renovated and converted into condominiums in 1980.  The one bedroom units are pretty much identical as far as size and layout.  Individual owners have renovated the current interiors to suit their individual needs.  Four units have balconies that overlook Fleming Street including Unit #3.  It's a , but just two are located on the top floor. Unit #6 is the one that is the subject of today's blog.  And it is a doozy!

During renovation in 1980

The listing Realtor, not me, describes unit #6 this way:
"Rarely available Seafoam Condominium with spacious covered porch overlooking historic Fleming Street in Old Town. Second floor unit has been completely renovated by the owners and no expense was spared. Chef's kitchen with all new stainless appliances, gas range, quartz countertops, glass backsplash, built-in pet station, & wood cabinets. Hardwood floors, Dade County pine, & large closets. Pool!This unit boasts tiger wood hardwood floors throughout and features restored Dade County pine walls. The living area leads to the porch with added space for dining or relaxing in the heart of Old Town. The bedroom has a custom frosted glass contemporary door blending modern with traditional Key West architecture. The bath was renovated and offers a glass walk-in shower, river rock, ceramic tile, and modern fixtures. There is ample storage with two oversized closets plus additional pantry. The Seafoam Condominium has a beautiful pool, patio area, and is surrounded by tropical landscape. This secured entry building in an ideal location near the Seaport, fine dining, and galleries makes a perfect full time residence or vacation home in paradise."

As soon as you enter this building you know it is something special. A rooftop skylight illuminates the three story atrium during the daytime. The rich Dade County Pine walls are set off by the white columns and balusters creating dramatic to each of the residential units.

Bedroom door at right - view from 25 ft deck which spans the unit

View looking north and west. Living room door to the left.  Duval Street is three blocks away.

Spotless new kitchen

Simply Stunning New Bath

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and listing photos. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a private showing of this ideally located property. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.