Historic House Tour Jan 17 & 18 - Key West

 January 17th & 18th

3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

 The annual Key West Home Tours™ is one of the oldest and longest-running home tours in America, with the first tour in 1960. Old Island Restoration Foundation (OIRF) conducts the tours and they are funded in part by our generous supporters. Each tour features five lovely homes and gardens reflecting the varied tastes and originality of their owners.he annual Key West Home Tours™ is one of the oldest and longest-running home tours in America, with the first tour in 1960. Old Island Restoration Foundation (OIRF) conducts the tours and they are funded in part by our generous supporters. Each tour features five lovely homes and gardens reflecting the varied tastes and originality of their owners.he annual Key West Home Tours™ is one of the oldest and longest-running home tours in America, with the first tour in 1960.

Old Island Restoration Foundation (OIRF) conducts the tours and they are funded in part by our generous supporters. Each tour features five lovely homes and gardens reflecting the varied tastes and originality of their owners.he annual Key West Home Tours™ is one of the oldest and longest-running home tours in America, with the first tour in 1960. Old Island Restoration Foundation (OIRF) conducts the tours and they are funded in part by our generous supporters.

I have been inside and written blogs on all but one of the homes on this tour.  You must go and stay tuned later when I spill the beans about on of them.  Neighbors know what happened.  City officials know what happened.  I wonder if the docents will tell you.  Probably not. Sometimes we learn about our history second hand - hearsay.  It doesn't mean it did not happen.  Sometimes there are photos or recordings.

You will be escorted by the Conch Train to each location.  Start at The Oldest House Museum at 320 Duval Street.

416 Elizabeth Street - This place is incredible. The house is so beautiful and simple. Go to the rear to check out the incredible pool and gardens.  The above photo was taken in 2008.  Go see how much this home has been changed and preserved at the same time.

320 Peacon Lane - This is the house I have not been inside. Great little lane close to the Seaport and Duval Street.

730 Eaton Street - Beautiful Bahama House floated to Key West by some of the earliest settlers is located at the corner of Eaton and William Street. It is one of the most photographed houses in town. See why.

1024 Grinnell Street - Key West Fire House Museum.  The firemen did live there so it is a house of sorts. The above photo shows Ronny Bailey's folk art depiction of the old fire house. Locals cherish his unique historic preservation of memories of our older buildings.

912 Fleming Street - one of the iconic Grand Conchs in Key West. Tour guests will get a chance to see one of the most stunning pool settings in Key West.

I have been out of commission the past few days. I got into a street fight with two chickens.  I fell and got banged up pretty badly.  My right hand is in a cast. My face is bruised. My left leg has a big bruise and the right hip is bruised. Moral of story don't chase chickens. I may take up my Second Amendment Rights.

Open House - Key West - No Tarzan

This is the Storybook Cottage

 This is the "Larger Heated Pool with waterfall"

This is the price

$995,000

Come see the rest. Sunday  January 12th  11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

923 Angela Street, Key West

70 Seaside North Court, Key West - Live by the Seaside

Preferred Properties just listed 70 Seaside North Court, Key West with open water views from the living room and guest bedroom and pool views from the kitchen and master bedroom. Let's take a look at all in between.

The seaside community is located at the far east end of the Island of Key West. The community consists of two, three, and four story units about 20 per cent have direct water views. This home has two covered balconies facing the waterfront and two which face the pool.

The eat-in kitchen has a tray ceiling with recessed lighting which adds a bit of drama to the already pleasant space. Note also the retractable panels which open into the pantry and mini-bar. All of the doors doors and windows are wind impact resistant glass. The covered balcony off the kitchen has views of the pool. CLICK HERE to view more photos.

The living room is located on the east side of the third floor and has covered balcony views of Cow Key Channel as it opens out to the Atlantic Ocean. Remember that Key West is the very last island of the Florida Keys. The next island, viewed opposite, is Stock Island where back in the day cattle were raised and herded across the shallow water to Old Town where they were slayed. Today Stock Island includes a golf course, lots of boats, trailers, and expensive homes and some not so expensive. And a good pizza joint.

The living room like the kitchen has lighted tray ceiling plus a media alcove. There is a computer niche located adjacent to the staircase to the rooftop sundeck for alfresco sun bathing. The hallway between the kitchen and living room includes a full bath, elevator access, and stairway.

The master bedroom has pool facing views from the second floor balcony. This bedroom includes a large en-suite bath. The guest bedroom with private bath has balcony views of the water.

The ground floor includes the garage, laundry room, entry hall, and a private rear courtyard which has a small pool with waterfall and garden.

These Seaside town homes tend to sell very quickly. CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet for 70 Seaside North Court, Key West offered at $849,900. 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.

708 White Street, Key West

I attended a roving broker's open house event late Wednesday afternoon at a several locations in the Old Town and Casa Marina Areas in Key West including the beautiful home pictured above at 708 White Street. I recall having been in this home during a Sunday open house just after it was built in 2005.  But I had no real recollection of what the house looked like so yesterday's event made it all new for me. Key West is known for its historic homes. This is new construction which does not copy existing homes. Instead has its own classic aesthetic exterior which features first and second story porches, verandas, and decks. There is a white picket fence and bricked off street parking for at least two cars.

This is a very large house by Key West standards - 4598 square feet divided between two floors. You enter the home in a foyer with doors on either side going into a main floor study or guest bedroom as it has a full bath and the dining room located opposite. You move further into the living room on the left rear which has a 24 ft ceiling. You will look to the right to see an expansive kitchen with breakfast bar plus an adjacent informal dining area. You pause, look up at the ceiling in the kitchen and entry and realize they are 10 ft high. 

The study is located to the left side of the foyer. The formal dining room is located opposite. Brazilian cherry floors, plantation shutters, and tray ceilings are among the features used throughout the house.

There are first and second floor master suites plus additional guest bedrooms on the second floor. Both master suites are very large. The first floor bedroom has doors which open out to the pool. The second floor doors open out onto a covery balcony overlooking the pool and gardens below.

This home has four bedrooms with en-suite baths and walk-in closets plus additional storage. There are first and second floor laundries plus utility room.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and listing photos for 708 White Street, Key West offered for sale at $3,595,000. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a private showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. This is a very well built and appointed home that has been meticulously maintained.  It is move-in ready.