820 Windsor Lane - Old Town - Key West

Preferred Properties (that's where I work) just reduced the asking price on this utterly charming house at the corner of Windsor Lane & Poorhouse Lane in the Old Town area of Key West. But you won't be poor if you buy this house located at 820 Windsor Lane which is offered at just $479,000. The listing Realtor describes the property this way:

"A sweet conch home in the heart of old town, this property offers historic significance and a great floor plan from which one can make improvements. The guest bedroom and bath are downstairs while the master bedroom and half bath occupy the entire upstairs. Features include high ceilings, Dade co. Pine walls and floors, spacious rooms and an open kitchen with breakfast bar. A private deck and a bricked patio provide more outdoor living. This home has a lot of charm and is a rare find in old town."

In his book The Streets of Key West: a History through Street Names J. Willis Burke says Poorhouse Lane got its name because "a poorhouse was once tucked away there". I found another of those old photos that show how this property looked like in 1965. Poorhouse Lane is denoted by the unpainted vertical fence on the opposite side of the house. See the photo below. Now look at a similar photo I took in December 2010 looking in the same basic direction. With the overgrown trees and cars it is hard telling it is the same place. But it is.

820 Windsor Lane circa 1965 - Poorhouse Lane is denoted by the vertical unpainted fence

820 Windsor Lane as it appears in 2010 hidden behind the foliage

820 Windsor Lane is a two bedroom two bath home that sits on a good sized 40' x 50' lot just across the street from the Key West cemetery. St. Mary's Catholic Church is located two blocks to the south at the corner of Windsor Lane and Truman Avenue. Bill Butler Park is a short one block walk at the west end Poorhouse Lane. I must confess the City of Key West ought to spend more time and more money to maintain this potential gem.



The Historic Key West Seaport is a five or six minute walk to the north. I mention that not because a lot of potential buyers have boats or plan to go on fishing trips or sunset cruises, but because there are many great restaurants there. I love Harpoon Harry's for breakfast and a lot of friends are wild about the Half Shell Raw Bar.

You can walk to Duval Street in about five minutes. The fact is you can be just about any place in Key West within ten minutes by car. You can be most places in Old Town by foot or bike in about the same time. And it is that convenience that makes a location like 820 Windsor Lane so appealing.

Front room used as an office or second bedroom

Open living, dining and kitchen

Master bedroom and open bath

This home has a very Old Key West feel. All rooms are natural (unpainted) Dade County Pine walls, ceilings, and floors with all windows and doors painted white. The window panes are old and the glass has 'stretch marks' that show their age. There front room downstairs does double duty as an office/den and second bedroom. There is a full bath on main floor. The living room, dining area, and kitchen are one big open space with lots of windows. The master bedroom and an open bath occupy the entire second floor. There front porch has view of the Key West cemetery. The side and back yards are private and spacious.

CLICK HERE to checkout the Key West mls datasheet on 820 Windsor Lane and to view more photos of the house and grounds

Better yet please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing of this cute Conch Cottage. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. Our office is the Exclusive Lower Florida Keys affiliate of Christie's Great Estates.

Stop! Quit Waiting! Bank Owned - Key West

102-9 Southard Street is about 40 feet behind the stopped car

Duval Street is just two blocks ahead - just past the security booth

102-9 Southard Street (shown) - The park is just two units to the left

I get phone calls and emails from readers who say they really want to buy a place in Key West. They say they missed buying a place before the real estate market ran-up and that now they feel they have a second chance.

The 'pain' level (price willing to pay) is typically between $400,000 to $500,000. Some buyers have 'wish lists' while others have 'requirements' which often include having a pool, off street parking, good Old Town location, and so forth. Many want or require a transient license so that they can rent the new place to help pay for it.

Today's hot property will likely be under contract to some fortunate buyer who can make a quick decision and has the ability to act now. Remember, this Bank Owned unit has a valuable Transient License which allows owners to rent the unit weekly.

102-9 Southard Street is a Bank Owned second story Shipyard Condominium in the very popular Truman Annex. It is located in the westernmost building building and across the street from the large single family homes. The parking lot for this unit is only 75 feet away.

This unit is offered at just $379,900. The listing Realtor's description is very short and to the point:

" Lowest priced unit in the Shipyard, Truman Annex complex. This two-story, 2 beds and 1 bath unit has front and back balconies."

In 2007 a different listing agent described the property this way

"Beautiful transient licensed shipyard unit with tile floors,new appliances,and the additional soundproofing installed in some origional units.This second floor unit also has a huge attic space for storage,and no noise from above.Balconies on both sides provide cool breezes,and views of the courtyard, or down Southard St. to the gulf."

Balcony view looking west

Second floor balcony is noted with black arrows - third unit back from park

Rear balcony view looking toward park

If you take your time to contemplate the meaning of life (or to shovel snow one more time), you will lose your opportunity on this unit. I think it will be gone within days. That's how fast property is selling right now. People are in town and they are buying. If you snooze, you will lose. CLICK HERE to read the Key West mls database and to see interior photos of this Bank Owned condo with a Transient License.

If you are looking to buy your place in Key West and are not working with another agent, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. The only regret I have about buying a place in Key West is that I took too long to do it. Don't make the same mistake.

Two Homes - Different Views - The Sanctuary - Key West

The Sanctuary at the Key West Golf Course

I played golf once - with my dad and a few of the men he worked with. I was twelve or thirteen and felt totally inept and never tried it again. But that never stopped me from loving the beauty of the green links, the blue skies, and wonderful weather I associate with the game. Today I am writing about two nearly identical homes in The Sanctuary at the Key West Golf Course (square feet, bedrooms and baths) that are located just a few houses apart but that have differing views, lot layout, and asking prices.

269 Golf Club Drive - The Sanctuary - Key West

269 Golf Club Drive - The Sanctuary - Key West

Take a moment and consider the views from two comparable homes located in the Sanctuary at the Key West Golf Club. The two photos above were taken at 269 Golf Club Drive looking from the livingroom out toward the course and then from the deck towards the course. A small pond and mangroves protect this property from golf carts, errant balls, and talkative golfers. The scene from the livingroom and the deck is bucolic-almost as if the golf course was an after thought.

The listing Realtor describes 269 Golf Club Drive this way:

"Premiere property located in the Sanctuary at The Key West Golf Club. Simply the BEST location available and priced to sell, today! This wonderful home has it all, expansive decks, pool, space, privacy and ONLY one owner, who has lovingly maintained the property."

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls database and to view more photos on 269 Golf Club which is priced at $549,000.

283 Golf Club Drive - The Sanctuary - Key West Golf Course

283 Golf Club Drive - The Sanctuary - Key West Golf Course

It's amazing the different feeling you get when you walk in the front door of 283 Golf Course and view the fairway through the French doors. It is stunning. There's no mistaking that view for anything other than a golf course. The homes on the opposite side of the course remind you that you are in Key West and not some other locale as the Key West architecture is par for this course.

283 Golf Club Drive is offered at $649,000. The listing Realtor describes this property thus:

"Exciting opportunity to live in Exclusive Sanctuary @ KW Golf Club! Separate gated single-family residence enclave w/in gated community. Superb location near Sanctuary gates, no need to drive thru entire loop! Magnificent vista, overlooks 16th fairway/green, peaceful lake, hammock preserve w/egrets nesting @ sunset. Lush landscaping to enjoy from delightful double-decker screened verandas directly off liv. rm. & master suite upstairs. Upgrades abound, Italian tile throughout, Berber carpet on steps, Corian countertops, Radiant range, natural wooden blinds, 2-car driveway, private covered carport, inground jacuzzi w/island tin roof & wooden latticed privacy walls. Meticulously maintained home w/only two separate loving snowbird owners!"

I included a view from the second floor veranda at 283 Golf Club Drive (see photo below). Both properties have them. It is just the views that are different. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls database and to view more photos of 283 Golf Club Drive.

283 Golf Club Drive - The Sanctuary - Key West Golf Course

There are many similarities and several differences between these two properties. If you are looking for a recently built single family home in Key West, you owe it to yourself to take a look at these two homes (any maybe a couple of others) located at the golf course. They make a good price and feature comparison to other homes in the Key West metroplex.

I sold a combined total of 13 townhomes and single family homes at the Key West Golf Course last year. I'm no 'pro' on golf course properties, but I do think there are still some bargains there. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange a showing. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc.

1518 United Street - Key West - Short Sale

We are getting to the bare bones of houses for sale at reasonable prices in Key West. I did a quick search of properties priced on a 'per square foot' asking price in the Old Town and near Old Town areas. I only found 14 priced below that of 1518 United Street. I have written about 5 of those properties before. They are all challenged a bit by location or condition or both. That's why they are priced so cheaply.

Tennessee Williams House on Duncan Street

That's why I decided to discuss the United Street property. The asking price is just $324,000 or $300 per sq ft. The listing Realtor (at Preferred Properties-that's where I work) describes 1518 United Street this way:

"Three bedroom, two bath mid-town home located next to the electric substation which is the quietest neighbor you could ever hope to have! Ceramic tile floors, wood floor in Master bedroom. Lots of windows, new kitchen cabinetry and the living area has glass doors leading to the deck and large yard. Very private and completely fenced."

Tropical foliage and brick pavers surround the property

1518 United Street next door neighbor to the east

The 3 bedroom two bath house has 1080 sq ft of living space and sits on a large 5025 sq ft (50'x100') lot. The house is a big rectangle with main entrance on the side. The livingroom is at the rear house. The livingroom has nice new windows and French doors that look out to the rear deck and lush tropical foliage. I think there is adequate room for a pool at the rear and certainly on the side. There is a large covered carport attached to the right front of the house now. A new owner might ditch that carport in favor of a bricked driveway and white picket fence. The Keys Energy power station next door to the east is probably turn off to a lot of potential buyers who decide not to look. That's a mistake bargain hunters make. They want perfect for near-free. This is a good house at a good price with a big lot. A buyer with the zeal for a deal and a good imagination, a sense of design, and a few extra bucks could turn this bare bones short sale into a very nice home within the matter of a month or so. It is worth the look. CLICK HERE to checkout the mls data base and to view more listing photos.

Bayview Park is our real and very useful city park

The Key West Police & Fire Departments are across from Bayview Park

Horace O'Bryant Middle School is nearby

Get your licks in at the DQ

This property is located in the Arts District east of White Street and south of Truman. Bayview Park is only a couple of blocks to the north. The Horace O'Bryabnt Middle School (across from Bayview Park) is in the process of being replaced by a brand new school within the next year or so. The MARC House is a couple of blocks to the west where you can find wonderful plants to fill your amazing new Key West garden. The one and only Key West Dairy Queen is a three block walk-you'll be surprised by how many famous Key West locals you will find there at night getting their licks in. The Atlantic Ocean is probably a seven to ten minute walk. Ride your bike; tote a beach chair; and tan for free.

The beaches are within walking distance

If you would like to see 1518 United Street or any other property in Key West, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida.

4 Pinder Lane - Key West - Life on a Really Slow Lane

4 Pinder Lane built in 1859

This Key West property is a singular sensation because of its unique history, architecture, location, and usage. The original part of the home was built in 1859 . It was updated and expanded with contemporary additions in the 1970s.

Sophisticated and understated contemporary addition to 4 Pinder Lane

I first saw this property about three years ago when it was listed (with an adjacent cottage that has since been sold) at the then asking price of $4.5 million. My buyers were so taken by this property that we required a second visit that night to see how wonderful this place shines in the Key West moonlight. Both visits were memorable. The property was just listed, but not by me, at the reduced asking price of $2,995,000.

I remember entering the front door of the original seemingly 'normal' old Key West house only to find the 'old' seemed more like the rest of the house which was contemporary addition built in the 1970s. This place is unlike any other house I have seen in Key West. And I have been inside of a lot of houses.

You know how so many Key West houses are referred to as 'quintessential Key West cottages'. This place isn't one of those. It is the opposite. It is big and sophisticated but at the same time intimate and inviting. This house is a 'party house' that was designed to entertain friends. But there are only two bedroom so your guests must go home at night. No sleepovers.

Seamless transition from livingroom to pool area

Romeo & Juliet balcony overlooks the livingroom

The main living area has an 18' vaulted ceiling with a glass wall of windows and doors that frame the entire room and that look out to the even larger pool and gardens. The design is so comfortable and informal that you immediately feel welcome in this wonderful living space. The brick floors of the livingroom make a seamless transition to the pool area which also has brick pavers. It is as if the outdoors is part of the indoors - only the outdoors 'ceiling' is boundless. The pool area and gardens at night just screamed to have a really swank cocktail party with a hundred of one's closest friends.

The kitchen and dining area are in a separate wing of the house which also has a separate vaulted ceiling. In most houses the kitchen is the 'gathering' where family and friends talk (and drink) while the chef cooks. The kitchen is extra large and designed for entertaining (read more later). The kitchen has French doors that open out to a separate and large garden area.

Both the living room and kitchen have what I call Romeo & Juliet balconies that look down from the second floor core of the house where the two bedrooms are located. I can just see a Jules or Juliet up in the bedrooms running from balcony to balcony looking for Romeo amid all the people below attending some big party.

The listing Realtor describes 4 Pinder Lane like this way:

"Sensational Old Key West history at its best! Dramatic 18' ceilings & multiple glass doors lead to a huge heated pool & tropical gardens, entertaining area, poolside bath & dressing room. Beautiful brick & hardwood floors, a fireplace, dining room & enormous new kitchen that boasts stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, 2 Bosch ovens, 2 Bosch dishwashers, SubZero refrigerator, professional ice machine and 2 commercial sinks. Master suite upstairs includes a sitting room/office, a large dressing room opening to the sundeck. The 2nd bedroom and bath are on the 1st floor. Brick walkways & lush gardens surround the property. There is off-street parking for three cars & a separate storage cottage with vaulted ceiling & French door."

The phrase "Sensational Old Key West history at its best!" refers to the legendary writers, artists, actors, and Key Westers that frequented this one-of-a-kind property over the years. Sharon Well's "See Key West" wrote the owner of Pinder Lane property "introduced Tallulah Bankhead to the island. Clad in flowery pedalpushers, she could sometimes be seen at Fausto’s Food Palace."

Pinder Lane is another slow lane in Key West located in the 500 block of William Street. It dead ends about 250 feet east of William Street where the lane ends at 4 Pinder Lane. Two other homes are located on Pinder Lane as well as a pretty fancy guest cottage that belongs to a main house located on William Street. If you buy 4 Pinder Lane you will have some mighty fine neighbors.

French doors open from kitchen onto a separate bricked terrace and gardens

Notice the second Romeo & Juliet balcony that overlooks kitchen

Interior makes a seamless transition to the pool area

Huge pool with poolside bath & dressing room

If you would like to see this property, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. This place is sensational!

Ronny Bailey - Key West Artist

The Northwest Passage Lighthouse aka Hemingway House on Stilts

How would you like to buy a cigar maker's cottage made of real Dade County Pine for $2000 or less? Well, you can. Sort of. Ronny Bailey is a fourth generation conch that spent 30 years of his life restoring many of the old houses in Key West. A few years ago he started fooling around with some salvaged Dade County Pine and created his first new old house replica. His wife came home and exclaimed "I didn't know you could do that!" Ronny replied "Neither did I." And so began his new career as artist-carpenter where he creates miniature near replicas of real houses in Key West using salvaged lumber. Ronny stresses that he only uses old salvaged wood to construct the houses. He doesn't paint the pieces. Instead he relies on the ravages of our sun and the weather to create the natural patina that make each piece look so genuine. Ronny's inner artist comes out when he adds a bit of whimsy such as a rooster or a cat napping to his work.

Ronny dropped by my office a couple of weeks ago so that I could take photos of his new piece entitled "The Northwest Passage Lighthouse aka Hemingway House on Stilts". CLICK HERE to view a US Coast Guard photo of the real lighthouse. See the photos below of the artist and his rendering of the lighthouse.

The Northwest Passage Lighthouse aka Hemingway House on Stilts before completed

Photo of the lighthouse interior.
Note the real Dade County Pine wood walls and floor.

CLICK HERE to see Ronny Bailey's website with lots of photos and information on his one of a kind Key West art. Take a couple of minutes to go through the original miniature facades and the more affordable prints. Ronny does commissioned pieces as well.

Ronny Bailey will be exhibiting his works in this weekend at the Key West Craft show (Whitehead and Caroline Streets). If you are in town, you must drop by and view his work. You have to see Ronny's work in person. You cannot resist getting up close and personal with his art. You will be awed! Looks are free, prints cost a bit more, and originals are very expensive. Buying one of Ronny's original artwork facades and taking it back home is cheaper and safer than buying a trailer. We all know that God hates trailers.

Ronny Bailey - Artist

If you are looking to purchase a life size Key West house and are not yet working with a Realtor, please consider contacting 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, Florida. I sell real houses in Paradise.