Home, James

What do you think of when you hear the phrase "Home, James"? My mind conjured up a vision of a chauffeur driving someone very rich to some fancy house. I Googled that phrase and up popped a pic of King George V (see above) with a beggar chasing his carriage. And that is the roundabout explanation of today's blog except the home I offer for your consideration isn't fancy, but it is located on James Street.

Today's blog is about the hodge podge house located at 1018 James Street in Old Town Key West. The Monroe County Property Appraiser photograph below says the house was built in 1900.

1018 James Street as it appeared in 1965

1018 James Street - January 2011

I met a gentleman last weekend who told me the story of how he almost never saw Old Town. Many years ago friends told him about this wonderful place called Key West. He drove his car to see what the commotion was all about. When he reached 'new town' he was so disappointed he thought of turning around and going back to Miami. He couldn't imagine anything worthwhile beyond new town. Since he had already driven 120 miles, he decided to drive a couple more to see if Old Town was any better. Then he discovered why so many people return to Key West year after year after year.

James Street is a two block long street located between Frances Street to the east and Margaret Street to the west. The Key West Seaport is located one long block to the north. There are three notable landmarks at the corner of James and Grinnell Streets: Finnegan's Wake Restaurant and Bar, the Key's Energy building, and the Old Town Garage.

Finnegan's Wake

Keys Energy Building

Old Town Garage

1018 James Street is located four houses east of Grinnell Street, and it is not affected by the traffic. Thompson Lane is the rear boundary. Thompson Lane is a tiny lane with some houses that 'front' onto the lane whereas 1018 James has a large lot that extends from James Street to Thompson Lane. It is the size of this lot that makes 1018 James Street so appealing. The listing Realtor says the lot is 3508 sq ft.

The listing Realtor describes 1018 James Street this way:

"Classic Old Town diamond in the rough! This property has the charm of a cute Conch cottage backing up to Thompson Lane. In it's present state, this 3 bedroom/1 bath has Dade county pine throughout, large bedrooms,great front porch, large cistern,off street parking in the rear, and a new roof. Motivated sellers that are willing to entertain all reasonable offers. Great renovation project with a great location within a block to the waterfront."

Historic Key West Seaport as it appears in 2011

1018 James Street is offered at $425,000. The photo below shows the property from the rear. I numbered five (5) different roofs that show how this house was cobbled together. This place cries out for someone to do something creative.

Count the roofs - five in total

CLICK HERE to checkout the Key West mls datasheet on 1018 James Street.

The house next door at 1016 James Street CLICK HERE is also available. It is priced at $325,000.

1016 James Street (above) is also for sale

View east of 1018 James Street

Manley deBoer Lumber Yard is located northeast of 1018 James St.

I know the neighborhood with its mix of commercial and residential will not appeal to most buyers. The thought of such a big renovation will scare most other potential buyers. This property will take a special buyer who has been coming here for years who appreciates the value of the land and its proximity to the waterfront. That buyer may not end up with a place grand enough to have a chauffeur named James, but the buyer surely will end up with a nice place to call home.

If you are looking for a fixer property please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

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.