24 Arbutus Drive, Key West - Bank Owned Home on the Water

Just Listed, but not by me, is a Bank Owned home located at 24 Arbutus Drive in Key West, Florida. This 1832 sq ft home was built in 1964 which sits on a 6,000 sq ft (60' X 100') canal lot in the Key West suburb known as Key Haven.  I found an aerial photo taken by Cory McDonald in 1968 to which I have add an arrow to point out this house. More telling in the photo is the relative newness of all of the houses located there and the lack of trees.

I found the aerial photo below which was taken 19 years later (1987) which shows 24 Arbutus Drive from a different angle. In this photo you can see that the subdivision has more homes and more trees. I point out the addition of more trees for good reason. If you are a follower of my blog you have probably seen a lot of photos of Key West that were taken around fifty years ago. Perhaps you have noticed that there was a relative scarcity of trees in Key West at that time. I think it was the "discovery" of Key West in the 1970s that led to the renovation of the houses in Old Town which included the addition of pools and tropical gardens. In the forty or so years that followed, the island has become lush with vegetation. When I went to the Key Haven house to take photos I could not help but remember how much that area has "greened up" since I first saw Key Haven 20 some years ago.

The aerial photos also help us understand the lure Key Haven. In talking to long time Key West residents I learned that the younger generation of locals moved out to Key Haven as the older homes in the Old Town and Casa Marina areas were being purchased by out of area buyers looking for second homes. Most of the Key Haven houses are located on man made canals that provide relatively quick ocean access for boaters. These houses were also modern in construction and built for families as opposed to the cigar maker cottages that make up part of the Key West housing stock. Today many of the original homes have been expanded in various ways. Some have what I can "pop tops" while others have additions to the rear or side. The house at 24 Arbutus Lane appears to have had a carport enclosed for more interior space.  Just below you will find photos I just took of this home. I can report this house has been freshly painted in neutral tones. New floor tiles have been added in some areas of the house. The kitchen and baths have new counter-tops and new cabinet facings. There are new wall unit air conditioners throughout the house. Also, it appeared to me that the roof was replaced. (I did not get up there to verify, but the metal flashing on the sides is certainly new.)

This home has a screened patio overlooking the canal plus a large area for the kids and the pets to play. There is a dock that needs a little TLC to make it usable. The view is pretty neat. CLICK HERE to see all the photos I took of this home.

 I think this home would appeal to both a family looking for clean, affordable housing in the Key West area as well as a second home buyer who wants a Key West address but does not need to be located in Old Town. You can buy so much more of a home if you get out of the core area. This is worth a look.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on 24 Arbutus Drive which is a Bank Owned property that is offered for sale at $549,900. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Let me help you find your home in Paradise.

2649 Gulfview Drive - Key West Waterfront Home

Yours truly just listed 2649 Gulfview Drive in Key West, Florida  I have written before about the scarcity of homes that actually have waterfront views on our little island. This home is one of the few homes on the isle of Key West with a waterfront view from the first and second floor rear porches. The home sits at the far end of the private drive in the gated Gulfview Pointe community also known as Roosevelt Annex. The setting, Dear Readers, is park-like. The grounds are meticulously maintained.

 The planned community is situated on the former site of the Monroe County Fairgrounds. The photo below (dated circa 1990) shows the site before the new homes were constructed about fifteen years ago. Today 2649 Gulfview Drive is located in the same proximity of the single house shown in the old photo below. Don't let the barren space fool you, today the site is lush with swaying palms and verdant grass.

Each home has covered off street parking which also includes overhead storage.

This three bedroom home has first and second floor porches on the front and rear.  The current owner installed electric roll down mechanical shutters to provide easy storm protection.  Wind insurance is only $2,100.(Flood insurance is $913 and fire/hazard is $817.) 

The first floor rooms include the updated kitchen with granite counter-tops and stainless steel appliance, the combined dining and living area with French doors that open out to the covered rear lanai, and a first floor den or third bedroom plus adjacent bath. Note also abundant recessed lighting,  crown molding, and crisp white painted trim throughout this home.

The guest bedroom on the second floor has vaulted ceiling and lots of closets. French doors open out to the covered front porch. This home one house away from the very end of the private drive. You won't have much traffic to watch (or listen to), but you can bide your time watching the palm fronds grow. The laundry is located in the hallway between the guest bedroom and master suite.

The water views are a contributing factor on why this home may appeal to buyers looking for a second home in Key West. The photos below show the extended first and second floor decks which provide ample space for lounging. When you enter the home for the very first time your attention is drawn through the rooms and out past the pool, through the mangroves, and toward the gulf. But on the second floor you get to see a much more

CLICK HERE to view more photos of this very pretty and very clean home. There is true pride of ownership here. While you could do somethings, you won't need to do anything. This home is spotless. Some owners have added floating docks to moor their shallow watercraft.

2649 Gulfivew Drive is offered at $675,000. It has 1320 sq ft of air conditioned living space divided between the two floors. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet for more information. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing.  I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

Casa Caselles - 1616 Atlantic Blvd. #2 - Key West, Florida

Casa Caselles is a town home community of just twenty ocean front units.  1616 Atlantic Boulevard Unit No. 2 is a three level unit two bedroom two and one half bath unit with two balconies and a private gated rear garden.  The listing Realtor describes this 1940 sq ft property this way::

"This three-story townhome at glamorous Casa Caselles has two balconies with ocean views and two balconies overlooking the lush and green nature preserve. The modern kitchen is light and bright and each spacious bedroom has a walk-in closet and a sleek well-appointed bath. There is covered parking at the front door and a private and tranquil rear courtyard. The oceanfront pool is one of the prettiest in Key West. There are no rentals at Casa Caselles so the neighbors are all owners or their guests."

Large Master Suite with private deck, vaulted ceiling, large closet and large master bath

Guest bedroom has private front balcony, bath and large closet

 Each unit at Casa Caselles has private under unit parking, a private rear garden area, and shared access to the spectacular ocean front pool.  Anytime some civic group shoots of fireworks at Higg's Beach, you could walk out to the pool for a spectacular view of the fireworks. On other days, you can watch our beautiful sunrises and sunsets for free. HOA fees are $1800 paid quarterly and include cable, common area and pool maintenance. No rentals are permitted.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos on this property.  Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing of this home. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.  Let me help you buy your place in Paradise.