The Key West Garden Cottage

The Key West Garden Cottage is located at 526 Southard Street, just steps east of my office. It is owned by Dominique Barrera and Laurie McChesney (both of Preferred Properties). A couple of years ago they converted the former real estate offices into a shop that could offer one of a kind items for home or garden including fountains, lattice work, benches, mirrors, fences and gates, as well as hard to find or limited editions of special home and garden items that you will likely not find anywhere else. There are also vintage and new treasures for the home or garden. And of course there are gifts and mementos unlike the kind you'll find at a dozen stores on Duval Street.

Come by, sit down, relax, converse. You are sure to find something that you absolutely cannot live without.

Starting today all holiday items are 50% off the regular price. If you aren't in town right now, make a note to stop by on your next visit and mention that you read about The Key West Garden Cottage in my blog and you will receive 10% off your next purchase. Hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Or shop online at Key West Garden Cottage.

And if you want to buy a house to go with your new found treasures, my office is located steps away at 520 Southard Street in Old Town Key West.

1021 Johnson Street - Casa Marina Area - Key West

1021 Johnson Street - Casa Marina Area - Key West

1021 Johnson Street is located on one of the best blocks in Key West, just a one block walk to the Casa Marina Resort and the Atlantic Ocean is only to blocks to the south. I found an old aerial photo taken of the area in 1970 that shows the edge of 1021 Johnson Street. You will note that the house is located just a couple of blocks north of the great Atlantic Ocean and Higg's Beach. The Casa Marina Resort is just a block to the west.


The house was originally constructed in 1958, but it has been updated several times over succeeding years. It received the 2006 Historic Restoration Award. For those readers who were born sometime around 1958 I am sure you are delighted to know that people of your era are now deemed "historic".

1021 Johnson is a big ranch house set back from the street and surrounded by a large privacy fence. The house has lots of room for either a local family or for a second home buyer who wants a lot of space for family and guests.

The living areas have large open spaces with terrazzo floors and flying ceilings. The master suite is located at the east rear of the house. That space is extra large. It has immediate access to the pool. There is a nice sized second bedroom at the east front which has its own bath. The house has rare double garage on the west side plus two large guest bedrooms above. The pool is sunny and inviting - a must for you sun worshipers. The covered lanai offers respite from the sun. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on this property which is offered at $1,995,000.

I was driving some potential buyers through the Casa Marina area last week and took them past Louie's Backyard and Salute Restaurant on the beach. Louie's is high-end and expensive. Salute is cheap. Both serve good food and both are located about five to seven minutes away by foot from 1021 Johnson. Several gyms and yoga studios are located about six blocks away. Good food and a place to work off the fat nearby. What a winning combination.

Please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, if you would like to see this home or any other property in Key West. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

Merry Christmas

813 Eaton Street (Rear) - Old Town - Key West

813 Eaton Street (Rear) - Old Town - Key West

The one story house that sits near the end of Caraballo Lane (located north of Eaton between Margaret and William Streets) was built in 1889. I dug into the old shoe box and found a photo taken in 1965 that shows the clean lines of this old house.

813 Eaton Street Rear is near the end of this slow Key West lane

813 Eaton Street (rear) as it appeared in 1965

As it looks in December 2011

I decided to interrupt Christmas Eve festivities in case any house shoppers are looking for a last minute Christmas mark-down. This may be the one you have been waiting for. The asking price was just reduced from $650,000 to $499,000 for this two bed two bath cottage style home located on a large "irregular " lot (91'x54' or 4596 sq ft). I can't say I consider the price to be a bargain, but this house has a lot of the features second home buyers want and now the asking price is in the price range that may make it more attractive.

The listing Realtor is Maya Thomas (no relation to me and she asked that I mention her by linking the mls photos and the virtual tour). She describes the property this way:

"Spectacular lot, incredible location. Quaint wrap around porches frame this whimsical and romantic gingerbread Conch cottage. Papaya, banana, coconut palm, noni, orange and lemon trees. Lovely Old Town neighborhood between William and Margaret. Relaxing retreat just around the corner from the historic seaport, orange and gold sunsets, tall ships, great food, tasty drinks and lively entertainment. Walk or bike to everything fun and interesting. Just 2 blocks to Duval Street art and culture. Excellent location for fun-lovers. Beautiful wood floors, huge side yard, nice sized back yard. Peace and serenity on this private lane is more country than city. Parking too!"

I showed this property a couple of times. I appreciate the value of this location that is near everything and yet seemingly hidden away at the same time. The lot is big enough to accommodate a nice sized sunny pool. There is easy access to install a pool so the cost should not be a big deal.

The house itself has been updated, but I think a new owner will do as most new owners do and that is to do some painting and remodeling to make the space fit the new owners' style. CLICK HERE to view the virtual tour which shows the interior quiet well (let the tour load for about one minute).

If you are looking for a sweet cottage style home located at the end of one of the slow lanes of Key West you might want to take a look at 813 Eaton Street (Rear). I hope you will call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange that showing. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

Home Buy Chirstmas #10 - Old Town Key West

1011 Eaton Street - Old Town - Key West

Wouldn't it be lovely to open the front door and welcome your friends and family to this wonderful Key West home next year at Christmas? You can. It is offered for sale this year. The listing Realtor describes 1011 Eaton Street this way:

"This beautifully renovated home was once a Rumrunner's house. It still retains much of its original character with Dade Pine walls and hardwood floors and a handsome wood staircase. The upstairs master suite includes a separate office space, large walk-in closet with additional storage. There are two bedrooms each with a bath on the first floor plus a separate office. French doors open from the kitchen and breakfast area to the covered dining and sitting porch. There is a heated pool with lounging area, spa jets and waterfall. The rear gazebo is perfect for reading or relaxing in a hammock. There is covered gated parking in the rear off Thompson Lane. This home is located just one block from the Historic Seaport."

I recently showed this property and was totally 'taken' by the relaxed and welcoming style of this very charming home. The house has 2064 sq feet of living space divided evenly between first and second floors. The lot is deceptively large from the front because you only see the crisp white picket fence from the front. After you open the front door your eyes are immediately drawn past the French doors at the rear of the house toward the pool and garden beyond. Egads! The rear is just amazing!

Some of the biggest gripes of many potential buyers include the small size of bedrooms, or bathrooms, or the pool being too small or too shady, or the yard too overgrown, or there is no parking. That is not the case here. The rooms are spacious. Each bedroom has its own large bath. The front yard is perfectly dignified. The back yard is spacious and sunny. There is even covered off street parking. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on this property that is offered at $1,285,000. Or, CLICK HERE, to view more photos I took of this great property.

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If you would like to see 1011 Eaton Street please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. This could by your home by Christmas in 2012 and you could be enjoying the holidays here instead of the cold north.

804 South Street - Home Buy Christmas #9 - Key West

804 South Street - December 2011 - Key West

South Park Condos

If your Christmas Wish is to own a nice place in a good location that is perfect for you and your mate and that won't break the bank, the new South Park Condominium listing at 804 South Street Unit No. 103 may be your dream come true. The listing Realtor describes the listing this way:

" Located in the Casa Marina area is this crisp, clean, modern condo. This condo has been meticulously renovated with attention to detail and with top of the line craftmanship. Enter the secured building which allows access to the second floor where this beautiful condo is located. Upon entering you will be impressed with all of the natural light, the cool island breezes and all of the modern conveniences in place to make your home everything it should be. Some of the upgrades are all new plumbing, electric, new AC,french doors leading to the deck off of the bedroom, 2 new french doors leading to the veranda off of the living room, new kitchen cabinets, appliances and so much more. The grounds have the feel of being in a forest. Impressive!"

804 South Street Unit No. 103 is located on the second floor and has 640 sq ft of interior living space plus a large and sunny deck located just off the bedroom. There is a second floor front balcony as well that is great for people watching. The unit has been recently renovated with the installation of a sleek new kitchen and bath. This unit has split system air conditioning.

Parking is adjacent to the building

Cottage at the rear of the pool provides additional storage for each owner

Each unit has one dedicated off street parking spot plus one big storage container in the separate building located near poolside. This unit is offered at just $369,000. Condo fees are $425 monthly and include building maintenance, building insurance, common area and pool maintenance. And you can get a new mortgage on this property.


I sold two units in the South Park Condos in the past two years. My buyers love their getaway homes. And for good reason. The buildings and grounds are well maintained; they have one of the prettiest pools on the island; units are owner occupied or rented on a long term basis; and the location is close to Higg's Beach to the south and South Beach to the west (sounds odd, I know, but it is Key West geography).

If you would like to see this newly listed condo, or any other property in Key West, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. This could be your home by Christmas in 2012 if you act soon enough.

1025 Thompson Lane - Home Buy Christmas #8 - Key West

1025 Thompson Lane - Old Town - Key West

If you are looking for a cute and cozy house on a quiet little lane in Old Town Key West that is offered at $449,000, you just might want to seriously consider the newly re-listed two story house at 1025 Thompson Lane. I have written about this place before when it was priced higher. The price is a bit less, but the charm and potential are still the same. The listing Realtor at Preferred Properties describes this home as follows:

"Charming historic home on Old Town lane. This delightful home has 2 bedrooms / 2 baths with outdoor living area. This home is in the heart of Key West and walking distance to restaurants, attractions and historic life that the island has to offer. Perfect second home or year round residence!"

Black & white photo dated 1965 shows house prior to modern renovation

Color photo shows new windows added but exterior remains unchanged

1025 Thompson Lane is a good example of an Old Town home built circa 1891 that has been updated over the years. (There's a plaque on the front porch letting passers-by of that fact.) When you walk inside and you either love it for its charm or you think it is too small. The rooms are colorful, compact, and cozy. I find the place absolutely charming. There is a fake fireplace in the living room that reminds you why you chose to move to Key West: we do not need fireplaces. But it adds charm and that's the point. None of the rooms are really large, but they work. The main bedroom and bath are located just off the living room at the front half of the house. The kitchen and dining area plus the stairway to the second level are at the rear. The upstairs is presently divided into a sitting room, a bedroom, and a bath.

There might be room for a pool if the upper porch and stairs were eliminated

There is presently a small second floor deck or porch that is accessed from the bedroom or via an exterior spiral staircase. Neither the stairway nor the porch are historic to the house. I think both the porch and spiral stairs should be removed. That would allow the homeowner to utilize the ground area better. I think there may be room for a small pool and still comply with the set back requirements. Any serious buyer will need to verify the ability to add a pool and should not rely what I say.

1025 Thompson Lane has 1341 sq ft of living area and sits on a 1600 sq ft lot. The house has two bedrooms, two baths, a lovely living room and an open kitchen. That is twice the size of a two bedroom unit at Shipyard condos for about the same price. It is offered for sale at $425,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet and to view listing photos.

Thompson Lane looking west toward Grinnell Street

Finnegan's Wake is located nearby at the corner of Grinnell and James Sts.

Old Town Bakery is located on the corner of Eaton and Grinnell Sts.

Inside the Old Town Bakery - They really are Delicious!

Cole'z Peace is a block to the east on Eaton Street

Thompson Lane is a lot like many of the other slow lanes in Key West: quiet. It runs one block long from Frances Street on the east to Grinnell Street on the west. Finnegan's Wake is located on Grinnell Street and just a few feet past the exit from Thompson Lane. The City of Key West's parking structure is located across the street from Finnegan's Wake. The Historic Key West Seaport is a minute walk further to the north. The new Old Town Bakery is up on the corner at Eaton Street. You can get some of the best home made pastries there or you could walk a block further east to Cole'z Peace Artisan Breads and get equally delicious baked goods. What a delicious dilemma that is. The house is located in a very quiet area but it is within easy walking distance to so many vibrant, fun, and sometimes yummy locations.

1025 Thompson Lane is a listing of Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or email me at kw1101v@aol.com to set up a showing. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. This could be your home by Christmas next year!