721 Windsor Lane - The Writer's Compound - Key West

Just listed, but not by me, 721 Windsor Lane which is located in the Writer's Compound in Key West.The old cottages and houses were once winter homes for writers such as Pulitzer Prize–winning poet Richard Wilbur; "Divine Comedy" translator John Ciardi; John Hersey author of "A Bell for Adano" and "Hiroshima", and Ralph Ellison who wrote "The Invisible Man".  The compound is located on Windsor Lane near the top of Solares Hill, the highest point in Key West. All of the houses in the compound sit behind a large privacy fence. Each house sits on its individually owned lot which is accessed via common area walkways. Also included in the common area is a beautiful pool and stunning gardens.  I don't reckon there is a more beautiful setting in any shared community in all of Key West.

The listing Realtor describes the property as:

"Charming Windsor Village community established for those 55 and older. This move-in ready cottage is beautifully designed utilizing its 591 sf to maximum effect. A welcoming front porch invites you to read a good book. Leading directly to the kitchen, the bright entry hall separates the living room from the bedroom. The living room features accent windows, a vaulted wood ceiling, & French doors leading to a private garden. Opening to an outdoor dining space, the sparkling new kitchen showcases custom cabinets & stainless steel appliances. The light-filled bedroom features a high ceiling, French doors & a newly renovated en suite bath. With the added bonuses of an outdoor shower, laundry & storage loft, this cottage undoubtedly lives large."

721 Windsor Lane is tucked away at the eastern edge of the compound providing the owner with complete privacy. A small front porch looks out to the bricked pathway that leads out to the common area and pool.  When you pass the front door you might assume this cottage which is only 591 square feet would be small. Tain't so. The living home has a vaulted ceiling. French doors provide lots of light and great views out to the garden. This is but a one bedroom home. The bedroom is opposite the living room. A side door opens out to the outdoor shower - a necessity in any Old Town home. The stylish kitchen even has room for a table and chairs for two. 

721 Windsor Lane is offered for sale at just $499,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls data sheet and to view listing photos taken by Michael Philip at Doug Mayberry Realty who gave me permission to use in this blog.  Please call, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing. This will not last long.  Better act quick.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

616 Petronia Street - Old Town - Key West

Just Listed by Preferred Properties Key West, that's where I work but this is not my listing, 616 Petronia Street.  Frequent visitors may recognize the location as being at the top of Solares Hill - the highest point in all of Key West. This home is not only located in the X Zone for flood insurance purposes, it is at the highest point in all of Key West. And it is less than a full two block walk to Duval Street.  Even better, it is offered at $585,000.

The listing Realtor describes this property as:

"At the top of the hill on Petronia between Elizabeth and Simonton, this renovated home has three bedrooms and two baths in an open floor plan. The kitchen opens to a nice deck and the big back yard. The lot is 116 feet deep. There are stylish details throughout including a chef's kitchen with s/s appliances, high end fixtures and more space than you expect. Off street parking, central air and all walking distance to everything!"

I searched the historic Sanborn Fire Maps to determine the approximate date this home was built.  It first appeared in the 1912 edition which means it was likely built between 1899 and 1912.  While searching the maps I learned a new fact about this specific area - it was once called Buzzard's Roost. I assume the name was given because of the high location from whence a nesting buzzard could see just about anywhere.

The house has been recently updated. The house is efficiently laid out with an open living area on one side the the bedrooms and baths on the opposite side. CLICK HERE to view all the photos I took of this 1098 sq ft home.

I was surprised by how large the backyard is. The lot is 2900 sq ft ( 25' X 116'). An existing small cottage is currently being used as a birdhouse for exotic birds. I think there is room for small pool. There is gated and covered off street parking.  That is a rarity in Old Town.  

CLICK HERE  to view the Key West mls database. Then, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing of this Old Town area home. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Let me help you find your place in Paradise. 

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630 Elizabeth Street - Key West

Frequent readers will recall my former listing at 630 Elizabeth Street (above). The house sits at the very top of Solares Hill - the highest point on the Island of Key West. Passers-by could not help notice how poorly she looked.  Last year the new owner had started a major renovation to the property when his business and home were devastated by Super Storm Sandy. That put the Key West project on hold. The renovation was stopped after the new foundation had been added. The property is now offered at the asking price of $650,000 or $328 per sq ft which makes it the least expensive property for sale in Old Town on a per square foot basis. 

630 Elizabeth Street built circa 1887, photographed in 1965

Photo taken during renovation of the piers

This property was historically a two unit. In the very old days the downstairs unit was a neighborhood store. Presumably the owner lived on the second floor. The property was converted into a legal duplex in the 1970s. The downstairs was a three bedroom apartment. The second floor was a two bedroom apartment.  The property would still qualify as a duplex were a new owner want to keep that usage.  However, in my opinion the highest and best use of this property would be to make it into a single family residence.

The listing Realtor describes the property today as:

"Historical renovation project 1.5 blocks from Duval street, built in 1887 located at the highest point in Key West on the top of Solares Hill. The seller began the renovations on a legal duplex and has plans already in place which would convey with the sale. The property also has plans to be turned back into a single family home. The seller has lifted the property up and renovated the footers/subfloor, leveled the home and placed it back down. Inside is now stripped down to just the shell so it is prepared for the floor plan of your choice.2nd floor views looking down Solares Hill are extraordinary. Plans Provide for 2300 sq ft of Living Space upon Completion of Remodel plus Porches&Siding (Exc20%of Existing)."

View from the second floor looking down Windsor Lane

The photos immediately below demonstrate balloon framing. The exterior walls support the structure. The second floor will then be added to stabilize the entire building. Finally, the interior framing will be added.

Early photo showing balloon framing

630 Elizabeth Street is vastly improved from the way it looked when purchased. With the piers replaced and the building stabilized, the hard and most expensive part of the renovation has been done. Building plans have been approved by HARC and the building permits are in place. However, a new owner could change things - even at this late date.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view listing photos. This property is listed by Scott Forman who kindly gave me permission to write about it in my blog.  If you are interested in seeing this property please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. 

607 Elizabeth Street - Old Town - Key West

Just listed by Preferred Properties Key West, that's where I work but this is not my listing, 607 Elizabeth Street.  The listing Realtor describes this cottage home as special and adds:

"Quaint cottage in perfect location in Old Town Key West. This two bedroom home has been updated. Private yard with lush gardens and small pool. Covered outdoor area provides for perfect Key West living. Both bedroom have attached bathrooms, plus an additional half bathroom. A very special home."

 I checked the old Sanborn fire maps and learned that 607 Elizabeth Street was located on the 1892 edition. That means the original house was built on or before 1892.  Today, the house looks as nice as about any cottage style home in Key West.  And we have some doozies. Compare the exterior as it appeared with a 1965 photo and how it looks today. I think you will agree that it looks great.

Today the home has two bedrooms, both of which have baths, plus a third potential bedroom and a separate half-bath. The combined living and dining area have vaulted ceilings and bright interiors that provide a more updated feel than you might be used to in some cottage style houses that can seem quite cramped. CLICK HERE to view more photos of this property.

 This home has 1400 sq ft of living space and sits atop Solares Hill - the highest point in Old Town Key West. Most of the neighboring homes are single family residences.  Some are very expensive homes and others, like this, are more moderately priced. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view more listing photos. This home is offered at $695,000 or $496 per sq ft.  A couple of weeks ago I wrote about a similar home at 1101 Fleming Street. It sold in less than one week.  I think 607 Elizabeth Street will sell quickly as well. This home has the look and location buyers want. It has a small pool and easy access to all the places locals and vacation travelers want to go.  I think this home would make a wonderful vacation rental as well.

To see 607 Elizabeth Street or any other listing in Key West, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.  Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

630 Elizabeth Street - The House at the Top of Solares Hill - Key West

 

Frequent readers will recall my former listing at 630 Elizabeth Street (above). The house sits at the very top of Solares Hill - the highest point on the Island of Key West. Passers-by could not help notice how badly she looked. The big old girl was in the process of getting a major face lift as well as new dentures, a tummy tuck, hip replacement, intestinal bypass, and breast augmentation. I kid you not (well just a little). I represented the former owner who bought this big old girl when it was bank owned. That owner decided to sell rather than renovate. The new (current) owner started a major renovation and now that owner has put the property back on the market at the asking price of $650,000 or $328 per sq ft which makes it the least expensive property for sale in Old Town on a per square foot basis. 

630 Elizabeth Street built circa 1887, photographed in 1965

This big old building was traditionally a two unit. In the very old days the downstairs unit was a neighborhood store. Presumably the owner lived on the second floor. Judging from the interiors when I had this property listed for sale, I would guess the interiors were updated in the 1970s.  The front porch on the second level was unsafe and it was removed.  The main level had some noticeable foundation issues and it was the probably the cost of fixing the foundation more than any other issue that deterred most of the potential buyers who looked and lusted after this old house.

The listing Realtor describes the property today as:

"Historical renovation project 1.5 blocks from Duval street, built in 1887 located at the highest point in Key West on the top of Solares Hill. The seller began the renovations on a legal duplex and has plans already in place which would convey with the sale. The property also has plans to be turned back into a single family home. The seller has lifted the property up and renovated the footers/subfloor, leveled the home and placed it back down. Inside is now stripped down to just the shell so it is prepared for the floor plan of your choice.2nd floor views looking down Solares Hill are extraordinary. Plans Provide for 2300 sq ft of Living Space upon Completion of Remodel plus Porches&Siding (Exc20%of Existing)."

The photos immediately below show an example of balloon framing where the exterior. Them the second floor is then added. And finally interior framing and part ions are added at the end.  In this instance, the second floor balcony will get replaced and new and the old columns either replaced or repaired.

Early photo showing balloon framing

Something akin to intestinal bypass

I hosted many open houses when I listed this property. Most were lookers - not real buyers. But those that looked and have nerve enough to peer out through the second floor (Dutch door) got to see the views that only 630 Elizabeth Street can offer of Old Town.  Take a peek.

I dug through my old shoebox and gathered lots of photos of 630 Elizabeth Street which you can see if you CLICK HERE. Those photos will give a potential buyer the opportunity to compare the house as it existed with the way it looks today.  The property today is vastly improved from the way it was when it was purchased. The hard work has been done. Plans exist and are in place to complete the renovation. But a new owner could change things - even at this late date. The fun part awaits a new owner.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view listing photos. This property is listed by Scott Forman who kindly gave me permission to write about it in my blog.  If you are interested in seeing this property please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.