713 Eaton Street, Key West - Former Home of Angelo Donghia Now For Sale

713 Eaton Street, Key West as it appeared in 1965

Shortly after arriving in Key West on my very first visit in March 1984 I walked up and down every street in Old Town marveling at what then were mostly funky old houses some of which looked like they were ready to fall over. I started to imagine what I might do to a house if only I owned one. I took pictures of several of the better homes that had already been renovated and just recently went through boxes of photos trying to find the picture I took of 713 Eaton Street, the subject of today's blog. I cannot find that one, and I am upset because it shows the house when it was still pristine. I took the photo below of the home yesterday. The trees in the front shade the front porch of this classical Key West property.

The listing Realtor describes 713 Eaton Street this way:

This iconic Key West home was once owned by Angelo Donghia and his classic sense of style is reflected in this special home. Located just two blocks from Duval, on the corner of Peacon Lane, this property, with its white picket fence and wide front porch represents the Key West ideal. Inside one will love the high ceilings and the tall windows that drench the rooms with natural light. There are three bedrooms and two baths including a master bedroom en suite. The kitchen opens to the living room through a wide breakfast bar. The kitchen door leads to the off street parking and side yard. Both guest rooms have french doors leading to the pool deck. An outdoor covered living/dining room is adjacent to the pool. This home has been photographed many times for various books and magazines.

The house is a simple one story six room Conch house which was owned and renovated by Angelo Donghia,  I did not see the house before it was renovated, but I have seen so many old homes that I am pretty sure the original house was constructed the same as others which would have included beaver board like panels applied over the original Dade County Pine walls. This material looks similar to a dense cardboard which could be painted. Beaverboard is flexible and can move a bit during a wind storm without cracking like plaster. I believe that Donghia removed the beaverboard to expose the Dade Count Pine walls and ceiling and added a clear coat of polyurethane which gives the current day walls and ceiling a grayish patina. The wood floors have the look of a well worn shoe - comfortable. The last thing one should do is refinish the floors: they are wonderful. They are like the walls, a canvas upon which to create art. In this instance, add a great rug.  

Upon his death in 1985 The New York Times referred to Angelo Donghia as one of America's most influential designers and distinguished two of his personal homes writing "a much-publicized Manhattan town house and a turn-of-the century Victorian house in Key West, Fla. The town house espoused a sophisticated, formal look; the Key West house had a more casual point of view that highlighted renovation and preservation." That home sits today the same way as when he sold it in 1980. It has not been touched. Buyers seeking an historic home may want to consider this property.

The front door opens into the living room and dining area on the right side. This is a big impressive space. Extra large crown molding and baseboards frame this space. The custom milled white trim sets off the windows and door.

This home which first appeared in the 1889 Sanborn Fire Map. At that time a small grocery store was partially located in the right front yard and extended out into where the sidewalk is today. That appendage appeared in each successive map until 1912.

When you enter the kitchen the same wood is employed. But the room is decidedly different. The room is even thous visible from inside the more "formal" living room is less formal by purpose and also by design. There is no crown molding or baseboard. The pine cabinets are the same pine on the walls which are aligned of the same plain. The kitchen shelves dial down the sophistication one more notch. Simplicity of design reflects the intended use of this space - food preparation.  The kitchen door opens out to Peacon Lane, formerly known as Gruntbone Alley where there is a bricked off street parking spot. 

The master bedroom is located at the right front of the house. While I did not see the house as it was being renovated, I am certain Donghia re-built the front wall that now includes closets on either side of a built-in bench  

There are two bedrooms at the rear. One is currently used as a den. Both have closets. And both have French doors which open out to the pool.

There is an outdoor shower on the west or right side of the house. All bedrooms have access to it as do people using the pool.

One of the real estate agents in my office told me he used to go to parties in the Donghia house back in the day while Donghia still lived there. He talked about the famous (and infamous) people from New York and Key West who attended the parties. He said the house was different then - furnished with designer furniture and art and famous people. The house itself has not changed. In fact, the passage of forty years have given that Donghia design a patina that only comes from age. If you are a fan of Antiques Road Show like I am, you know not to do something stupid by trying to clean or brush away patina. 

Eaton Street at Peacon Lane,  1937

Peacon Lane current

 

I can see why out of all the old houses for sale forty some years ago Donghia bought 712 Eaton (across the street) and also 713 Eaton Street. He renovated 712 Eaton and sold it to Calvin Klein. He kept 713 Eaton for himself. The simple facade of 713 is the opposite of the octagon house which is way fussy. It's better to look at fussy than to be fussy. People talk about fussy people. They admire the beautiful and unpretentious. That's what 713 Eaton Street is.  And it will stay that way as long as nobody messes with it.

713 Eaton Street is offered for sale by Preferred Properties Key West for $1,500,000. Please CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet. Then call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to set up a personal showing. Days and times are limited. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

1406 South Street, Key West - Just Listed

ATTENTION!  Just Listed, but not by me, 1406 South Street, Key West, Florida. This freshly updated house is now available just in time for Christmas.  The house is located in the Casa Marina east neighborhood near the beaches and within easy biking to all that goes on in the Duval Street and Old Town areas.

Like many of the homes in this neighborhood, 1406 South Street sits behind gated privacy fence with swaying palms beckoning passersby to wonder what kind of Key West magic might be beyond.  I had shown this house several years ago when it was owned by someone else. I was surprised to see the new front yard with a semi-circular walkway of carved coral rock which leads to either side of the home. The main entry is located mid-way on the west side of the property.

This 1967 sq ft contemporary home was built new in 1988.  It was designed with the main living area at the rear with numerous French doors that light the living areas by day and provide easy access to the large pool and spa beyond. The vaulted ceiling visually expands the already large space in the mind's eye. The light colored travertine marble floors work well to soften the feel of this large space. The home has been freshly painted throughout (inside and outside). New Viking appliances were recently added to the ample kitchen with multiple stations for food preparation and storage.

Not shown in the outdoor photos are storage closets on either side of the house where there is a place for everything. And in this house, everything is put away where it belongs. There is a pool bathroom located on the east side of the house near one of two storage closets. There is also a whole-house generator for those occasions we lose power from the mainland.

1406 South Street has three bedrooms, each with en-suite baths. The main floor guest bedroom is shown in the first photo directly above. The master suite is located at the front of the house. Part of this room has the same vaulted ceiling architecture which exists at the rear. The room is visually stunning when you enter. Plantation shutters provide filtered sunlight and privacy. However, nobody can see into the property from the street. The privacy thing is an issue many people bring with them from up north in America. Tall fences and tropical foliage usually provide all the privacy anyone needs in Key West. The master bath resembles something you might see in a suite at a Ritz Carlton.

Several years ago the Thompson Estate located directly across the street. Thompson was a friend of Ernest Hemingway. There was a giant head of a rhinoceros or some other huge dead beast brought back to Key West from Africa hanging on the wall. The grounds were huge but filled with palm trees to provide total privacy. As I reflect on this little part of the island, many of the lots, like 1406 South Street, had not been built upon before. Perhaps Papa Hemingway and Thompson stood on the grounds of 1406 South and practiced shooting a wild chicken or iguana. Who knows.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet on this home offered at $1,399,000. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. to set up a private showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

1403 Pine Street, Key West - Re-visited

I wrote about 1403 Pine Street, Key West, a few months ago just after it was listed for sale. To my surprise, this really interesting property has not sold. For first time readers and return loyal followers, let me share with you my thoughts about this place.

The property consists of the main house (visible front above) is a classic bungalow of 1283 sq ft which has two bedrooms and two baths. The house was updated with a new kitchen and baths several years ago. It works and functions fine. Buyers looking for a small project house that could be fun to renovate should definitely take a look at this place.

You can tell when you step up to the front porch that the people who live here love this home and this island. Tromp loi palm fronds adorn the arched porch that is set up like an outdoor living room. This is Key West casual living. I would point out that since this street is near the end of the Old Town and Meadows area, there is not a whole lot of commotion going on in this location.

There is a nice bricked rear and side yard for private outdoor living. There is a small shed being used as a potting shed and laundry combination. The yard wraps around the house and extends back to the large gated entry at the front of this 44.35' X 76..3' (3257 sq ft) lot. 

But that's not all. There is a two story guest cottage with about 460 sq ft of living space located at the right rear of the lot.  The ground consists of a living area and kitchen. The second floor is the bedroom and bathroom plus a large covered porch which overlooks the side yard.

 This place is as cute as all get-out.  I know some buyers want to re-do places and imprint their lifestyle into their home. While I am not a builder and have no particular knowledge as to structural condition or construction costs, I did not see any deterioration that requires repair. Rather the age of the amenities just dates the house a bit. CLICK HERE to view more photos of this home.

1403 Pine Street is offered for sale at $890,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS for more information. Then please call Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to set up a showing of this home. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.