1217 Grinnell Street - Old Town - Key West

It's time to take a second look at 1217 Grinnell Street in the Grinnell Gardens Compound which is a listed by Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc.

This is how the listing Realtor describes this home:

"This fee-simple unattached townhome in the Grinnell Gardens Compound has it's own private, heated swimming pool and spa. In addition it has access to another heated compound pool shared with the six other homes, so you can follow the sun around. The home has a surprisingly large rear garden and an assigned parking space. The spacious, sunny house has large open rooms with many windows and French doors and four covered porches -two up and two down. The new designer kitchen was recently featured in the newspaper."

A picture is supposed to be worth a thousand words. Here are some pictures I took of this ready-to-move-into home. I had been here before many years ago when a friend lived there. I remembered the place being really neat back then. But, baby, look at it how.

The main entry to 1217 Grinnell Street

The private pool and spa are located just off the livingroom at 1217 Grinnel Street

The spa

The new kitchen is incredible

A room with a View!

French doors open out to the private pool at the rear of 1217 Grinnell Street

French doors in living room also open onto front porch on main level

Master bedroom on west side has French doors and private balcony off sitting area

A separate master bedroom has a sitting room with French doors opening to private balcony

Shared pool with privacy entrance on the left

Shared pool and common entry to the Grinnel Gardens Compound

CLICK HERE to see the mls listing info and view more photos. 1217 Grinnell Street is offered at $695,000 or $446 per sq ft for this 1560 sq ft home. The home sits on a fee simple lot of 3945 sq ft. The lot includes a separate cottage the houses the laundry; the private pool and spa are located at the rear ; a lush side yard to the east offers a private sanctuary for the contemplative types; and the deck just off the kitchen provides a nice place for al fresco dining.

1217 Grinnell Street was built new in 1990 as were the other homes in this compound. Some of the other homes also have private pools but others do not. Beside the shared community pool, the compound provides lush gardens and a share off street parking area. Each unit has its own dedicated parking spot. I know a lot of potential buyers want a place of their own and have never thought of living in a compound. I "get" the resistance argument. But there is also a group of potential buyers that do not mind having nearby neighbors that live in close proximity to keep an eye on the place when the owner is not in residence. The people who live in compounds pretty much love it. Compound living may not be for everyone, but it is easy peasy with others.

This home is located at the southeast corner of the compound. There are French doors located off of each room downstairs and on the second floor. So each room has beautiful views from every room, and every room has immediate access to the beautiful outdoor spaces. The two master suites on the second floor have adjacent sitting areas and en-suite baths. Both bedrooms have separate balconies that overlook the gardens below.

Click MAP to see where 1217 Grinnell Street is located if you are unfamiliar with the area. This property is located in the area knows as South of Truman-Old Town by Key West Realtors. It is a stones throw to the Casa Marina area. The beaches are about six blocks to the south. Upper Duval Street is a five minute walk to the west. The shops and restaurants in the arts district are a five minute walk to the east.

If you would like to schedule a visit to see this terrific home, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida.

631 United Street - Old Town - Key West

Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. (that's where I work) just listed the really sweet house located at 631 United Street. The asking price is just $675,000 or $438 per sq ft for this 1542 sq ft two bedroom home. The listing Realtor describes the property this way:

" Exquisitely renovated Cigar makers cottage in Old Town Key West, close to the beach and some of our best restaurants. As you enter this home you are greeted by soaring ceilings and a beautiful foyer. Off the foyer to the right is a bright large living room with French doors that lead to the side herb garden As you go down the foyer you have a dining area, which is currently being used as a den off the Cooks kitchen. Off the dining/den are french doors which lead to a charming patio, heated pool and the two bedrooms/baths. This is perfect Key West gateaway Off Street parking or one car."

This house is a must see for the buyer that wants a darling place that is not a copy cat but a truly unique Key West property. The white picket fence and simple Conch exterior appearance belies the home hidden on the other side of the front door. Who would expect the view below in such a 'simple' shotgun or 'Cigar Makers Cottage '?

Entry hallway extends to the pool and outdoor entertaining area

Formal living area with entry hall to the right

The Family Room is shown to the rear in yellow

The chef's kitchen is flawless and can be shut-off via pocket doors

Guest room

The Master bedroom is at the rear of the house...

...which has French doors that open onto the pool

CLICK HERE to checkout the Key West mls datasheet on this sweet home. I have more High Resolution photos which you can view HERE.

Atlantic Shores of yore...tis no more!

I remember the south end of Key West pretty much stopping at Truman Avenue when I came to Key West 25 years ago. Oh sure there were places on Duval Street but with the exception of La Te Da and Atlantic Shores Resort (which is sadly, very sadly, gone), the south end of Old Town was dead. Not anymore. Today there are great restaurants, cheap eats and coffee houses, lots art galleries, shops, some bars, an Adult Entertainment Club (wink), an ice cream destination station, and good ole' La Te Da is still ruling the roost. South Beach has always been a place to sunbathe but now its Key West destination itself.


I mention the above because 631 United Street is positioned midway between Truman and South Beach and just a block and one-half east of Duval. Many of the reasons people choose Key West are located within a short walk. And I like to remind people that after a night on Duval Street (like last night-New Year's Eve) sometimes people find it difficult to make their way back home, especially if the trek involves winding down side streets and lanes. 631 United Street is easy to find so you and your guests should always make it back to the right house without any trouble.
Because the location is easy to find, a new owner may choose to rent the home as a monthly vacation rental. I can imagine a lot of seasoned Key West vacationers would love to stay in a place like this.

If you want to see 631 United Street (or any other Key West property) please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or by email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. Start the New Year right, buy a place in Key West while prices and interest rates are still low.

Windward Park - Key West - Short Sale

Just listed, but not by me, 606 Truman Street Unit No. 2 in the Windward Park townhome complex. If the address seems familiar, it is. I wrote about this same unit a little over a year ago when it had just been listed by another Realtor at a higher price but also as a short sale. Those two listings caused a big stir. Several other agents got a chance to see the 'other' unit but not No.2. I was told that the owner received several very good offers on both units. As I recall the owner did not accept any of the offers. Maybe this time an offer will get accepted.

Windward Park was developed in 1988 as a compound of 13 town homes featuring Bahamian style architecture. Most of the town homes have first and second story front porches that overlook the huge heated pool and beautifully landscaped grounds. Each unit has a designated off street parking space. Entrance to the property is controlled via security gate.


This is how the listing Realtor describes Unit No. 2:

" Located in the stunning Windward Park complex located one block from Duval Street. This 2 bedroom/2 Bath unit has cathedral ceilings and a wonderful open floor plan. A great buy for the discerning investor. This property is a potential short sale and will be subject to lender approval."

CLICK HERE to view the mls data sheet on this property which is listed as a short sale at $362,250 or $288 per sq ft. I don't know what the interior looks like since I was unable to see it when it was for sale last year. If I were to make a sight unseen offer on this place, I would assume the worst and hope for the best. By that I mean plan on new kitchen cabinets and appliances, new French doors, new flooring, complete interior and exterior paint job. And maybe replace the air conditioning. This unit is 22 years old and most properties that age in Key West need a periodic update. This unit does not have a transient license.

Each unit has two bedrooms and two baths, washer & dryer, private outdoor space, main level and a second floor porch. The floor plans, however, vary from unit to unit.

Windward Park is located one block from Duval Street so it is near all of the great galleries, restaurants, nightlife, and attractions. The neighbor next door to the east is St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church. In fact both bedrooms look onto the church lawn. This town home sits back quite a distance from Truman Avenue. It's very quiet. And it is conveniently located near to everything that second home owners want.

Please call me Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or email me at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc. in Key West, Florida. By the way, I had the last arm's length sale in this complex. That was in January 2009.

6 Tern Lane - Geiger Key - Bank Owned

The new Bank Owned duplex located at 6 Tern Lane on Geiger Key is a property that may appeal to a select group of buyers who want direct water access at an affordable price. The property is located east of Key West at Mile Marker 10. CLICK MAP. While I have not yet seen this particular property, there are two things I know about the area. First, the Naval Air Station located there. That means houses in the vicinity will always be subject to the noise of jets. Second, there is a desolate nude beach up there someplace. If either offends your sensibilities, don't read any further. (Please don't send me emails asking how to find the beach because I don't know.)

The listing Realtor describes 6 Tern Lane this way:

"The main house features a 3 bedroom 1 bath unit upstairs and a 2 bedroom 2 bath unit downstairs. Waterfront duplex located just minutes from Key West, this property is nestled at the end of a small private road with a private pool and hot tub."

The agent that listed this house when it sold in Mach 2006 for $699,000 described it this way:

"Own your own Waterfront Tropical Retreat & Nature Preserve! Located just minutes from Key West, this property is nestled at the end of a small private road. The main house features a 3 bedroom 1 bath unit upstairs and a 2 bedroom 2 bath unit downstairs. New pool has a unique coral rock waterfall, adjoining jacuzzi and Tiki Hut. Grounds surrounding offer a lagoon, tropical gardens, walking paths and covered sitting areas. There is a small beach nearby. This is truly all the Keys offers wrapped up in one property!"

Some buyer will look at this isolated waterfront property and see Paradise

And some fisherman will look at this photo and call it Home

6 Tern Lane is a duplex with a total of 5 bedrooms, 3 baths situated in 2051 sq ft of living space on two levels. The lot is a whopping 16,672 sq ft. The house was built in 1968. County property records show a new roof was installed in 2001 and other improvements added after the last purchase. The asking price on this Bank Owned property is $291,900 or $145 per sq ft. CLICK HERE to checkout the current mls datasheet and to view the current mls photos submitted by the current listing Realtor.

Below you will see some photos I found that show how this same property looked in 2006. Please note that the old photos are just that: old photos of what a house and grounds and pool looked like a four years ago. Do not assume that the place looks nearly the same now. The photos are offered only to entice potential buyers to take a personal look at the property to see the current condition.

6 Tern Lane as it appeared in 2006

The pool at 6 Tern Lane as it appeared in 2006

The pool, spa, and grounds as they appeared at 6 Tern Lane in 2006

A place that has this much to offer at such a low price (by Key West standards) deserves a look by a potential purchaser that wants space, seclusion, a pool, water access, and an affordable price. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange a showing. I am a buyer's agent at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc., and I would love to work with you to find your place in Paradise.

903 Thomas Street - Key West - Back on the Market

903 Thomas Street Key West - Classic Eyebrow House

The outdoor living area at 903 Thomas Street overlooks the cool pool !

This is what I refer to as the Cool Pool !

Vaulted ceiling in the bright and cheery kitchen that overlooks the cool pool as well

As soon as you cross the threshold and enter the Eyebrow house at 903 Thomas Street, you know you have walked into a home that was restored with love and attention to detail. This is no cookie cutter, could be located anywhere house. This is a true Key West classic. This is how the listing Realtor describes this home:

"Charm and price make this exceptionally well renovated cottage in the heart of Old Town a best buy and a must see. With 3 bedrooms/2 baths plus den/office this classic eyebrow home is in a gated compound with three single family homes lushly landscaped with an outdoor shower, shared pool with waterfall, off street parking, all new plumbing, electric, and HVAC. This is the perfect investment or your personal tropical paradise not to be missed. Seller is licensed Florida Realtor - not listing agent."

This place is captivating. The owner did the restoration himself several years ago. But the place looks as fresh today as it did then. The house is laid out like many Key West houses with the bedrooms at the front and the living area at the rear overlooking the pool and garden area.

Downstairs there are two bedrooms on either side in front. The bedroom on the left has an armoire built into the wall. What a beautiful piece of furniture and an equally novel way to use it. This was an OMG for me. The bedroom on the right is bright and cheery. The center hall leads back towards the kitchen with a vaulted ceiling. Unfortunately, the photo I took of the kitchen does not show the height or equally clever use of space. Rats!!! Just to the left is a separate office area (not a bedroom) and the downstairs bath. The dining area and living room wrap around the kitchen which is open to the living room. But the real kicker is the covered outdoor room that overlooks the cool pool with its adjacent bar and grill area to the north. There is a private garden and outdoor shower area on the right side of the house. Since this is an eyebrow house, there is a second floor where the owner located the master bedroom and bath. Everywhere you look, outside, inside, first floor, second floor or just the stairway, you can tell that his home was lovingly restored and made better than before.

This house is technically a condominium because the pool and some of the rear area are owned in common with the two other cottages that are adjacently located. Each of those houses have their own separate private outdoor spaces as well. Here each homeowner maintains his/her own residence as in "fee simple" ownership. The common areas (including pool and deck) are maintained the the association. There are several similar type of condominium, townhome, and compounds in the Old Town area of Key West. 903 Thomas Street has its own private parking space.This just happens to be one very precious home that is oh so charming and that is now priced to sell. The new asking price is just $525,000.

903 Thomas Street is located two blocks from Duval Street and just one block west of the Ernest Hemingway House at 901 Whitehead Street. If you watch JEOPARDY, you would have known that address (Hemingway and Key West are frequent clues).) One block to the north you will find two competing eateries, Blue Heaven and La Creperie which is a new addition to the corner of Thomas and Petronia. La Creperie is so cute and the food is good. Santiago's Bodega is one block further west on Petronia. Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park and the coolest beach in Key West is a five minute bike ride.

CLICK HERE to view the mls listing information and to view 15 photos of this home. Better yet, call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. 903 Thomas Street is a lot of house for the money. You owe it to yourself to take a look - with me!