1119 Johnson Street in the Casa Marina - Key West

 Just listed, but not by me, 1119  Johnson Street in the Casa Marina Area of Key West. The listing Realtor describes this Key West property this way:

"This beautiful home is located on one of the widest and most desirable streets in the heart of the Casa Marina Neighborhood. The split-level home is perfect for entertaining with a large living room opening through multiple French doors to a stunning outdoor area with pool, modern kitchen with adjacent dining area and a spacious den opening out to a gracious 22' x 21' loggia. The second level has two guest bedrooms with shared bath and a nice master bedroom with private bath. The property is walled for privacy with a sunny 32' x 16' heated pool, beautiful coral stone water feature, meandering paths and covered parking."

 As the listing agent notes, this block is one of the most desirable locations in Key West. The three block stretch from White to Reynolds Streets hosts a limited number of larger homes situated on large lots. Some of the homes have expansive front yards while others are protected by large privacy fences. 1119 Johnson Street has the latter. When you pass through the gate you enter into the pool area which is located at the front of the property (the exact opposite of what you find in most of Old Town). The amazing blue pool takes your breath away with its simplicity.

Multiple French doors open from the living room out to the pool.  I've got to say my eyes were transfixed to the pool. So many people dream of owning a home in Key West with a pool. This property, Dear Reader, is a pool with a house.

Just a few feet away from the living room you will find the den, dining area,  and kitchen. A large covered loggia is located just off the den area and provide more than ample covered outdoor living and dining space. 

The house has 1992 sq ft of living area under air and sits on a very large lot (75' x 100' or 7500 sq ft). CLICK HERE  to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet on this home. This wonderful home is offered at $1,450,000.

CLICK HERE to view more photos of 1119 Johnson Street and photos of adjacent homes.  The Atlantic Ocean and several Key West beaches are just a couple of blocks to the south. I live in the Casa Marina Area and love it. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

909 Pohalski Ln - Key West - Open House - Sunday

Now that you know the when and the where, here's why you should come see this home:

• Stunning Renovation Completed December 2012
• 1286 Square Feet of Living Space
• 700 Square Feet of Outdoor Living Area
• Two Bedrooms plus Two 1/2 Baths
• Beautiful New Kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances
• Wind Impact Resistant Glass Doors and Windows
• New Roof
• Optionally Licensed as a Duplex

 Offered at $595,000

Key West or elsewhere

The Northeast is getting pummeled with a monster storm as I write today's blog. CNN is reporting a forecast of up to 38 inches of snow in Milford, Connecticut. I have a lot of loyal readers who live in that part of the country. I feel your pain. I remember living through horrible winters in Denver where I spent my entire life until I moved to Key West in 1993.  I have never looked back with regret at that move.

If you are over living in the cold north and dream of living in Key West please CLICK HERE to search the Key West Association of Realtors mls to find the home of your dream.  If you find a place you like, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. It will be the best move you ever made, too.

921 Whitehead Street - Old Town - Key West

It 's been a few years since I stepped inside the remarkable old Key West home located at 921 Whitehead Street. I had forgotten how big and impressive an this place once was and is again.  The city property records were destroyed in a great fire many years ago.As a result we o not have accurate building records on many of the Old Town buildings.  I dipped down into the old shoe box and found a couple of historic photos of the house. The first one pictured immediately below says 921 Whitehead was built circa 1905.  I found the black and white photo below with a notation taken in 1937.

When I actually entered the house the firs thing I saw was the impressive old stairway. My but they don't make them like that anymore.  The second thing I noticed was the ceiling height.  Few modern homes have ceilngs as high as this home. Off to the right was the dining room and kitchen.

The living area is located at the rear where French doors open out to outdoor living area and lap pool. Too many houses in Old Town have tiny pools and tiny outdoor spaces. That's not the case here. There is plenty of room (and sunshine) to get a perfect Key West tan or host an outdoor party here.

There is an ample sized bedroom plus bath on the main floor as well.

The master suite occupies the second floor. The sitting room/office has access to the second floor front porch which over looks the Key West Light House. What an impressive view that is. By the way, Ernest Hemingway's old home is located a couple of doors to the north.  The master bath is located at the rear and it has access to a second floor rear terrace with big sky views and also the lap pool below.

And then there is there is the third floor which includes another sitting area and another bedroom. The view of the old lighthouse from this floor is nothing less than spectacular.  If you are a lighthouse aficionado, you must buy this house. And if you are looking for a house that would make a great vacation rental, this is a must see.

921 Whitehead Street is listed by Preferred Properties, that is where I work but this is not my listig. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view more photos of the property which is offered for sale at $1,729,000.

Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

1211 Margaret Street - Key West Home For Sale

If you want to find a new permanent home in Key West or if you are looking for a special getaway retreat that has all the bells and whistles, the totally renovated home at 1211 Margaret Street may be the place you have been searching to find. The original home has been updated and expanded to 2100 sq ft of quality living space located on two floors (plus the detached pool house). The property as a whole has four bedrooms and three and one-half baths. The asking price is $1,099,000. 

The listing Realtor describes the home thus:

"Seductive renovation of a classic historic 4 bedroom single family home. Highest quality materials were used in transforming this home to a bright, cheerful and spacious residence. High ceilings, marble countertops, stainless steel appliances and luxurious chef's kitchen. Open floor plan with 2 bedrooms downstairs and large master suite upstairs and an adorable 1/1 guest cottage. Recently painted in bright tropical colors this home evokes happiness and warmth when you enter. Elegant wood floors, crown molding and contemporary bathrooms. Spacious outside deck of Ipe wood with lush tropical landscape and swimming pool. Coveted off-street parking for 2 cars. Located in a quiet, hidden Old Town neighborhood. A Renovated Old Town Treasure."

This home is cleverly laid out such that two of the bedrooms which are located on the first floor just don't seem to appear to bedrooms. The open kitchen is quite inviting. Here the chef will be a part of the action as there is no place to hide. There is, however, plenty of cabinetry and counter-tops. A breakfast bar will be a great gathering spot for family and friends. There is also a formal dining area when the need arises. The stairway to the second floor master suite is located at the rear of the new addition opposite the dining area which opens out to the pool and deck area.

The master bedroom is extra large as compared to many Old Town homes. The bedroom has nice sitting area and a second floor deck that looks down to the pool below.

The nice thing about having a guest cottage like the one shown above is the fact that your guests can have lots of privacy. They'll probably never want to leave! :)

1211 Margaret Street is located just four blocks from such upper Duval spots such as LaTeDa, Banana Cafe, Gingerbread Square Gallery, and the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.  South Beach is a couple of blocks further south. I think this home could effectively  function as a vacation rental.  

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos. Better than that, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing of this super clean and quite lovely home. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. 

719 Windsor Lane (The Key West Writer's Compound)

During the past few years I have written about a couple of the lovely homes located in the Key West Writer's Compound. Today I am adding to that list by discussing the the lovely home tucked away at the back of the compound - 719 Windsor Lane Rear. The assortment of restored shacks, shanties, cottages, and houses were once winter homes for writers such as Pulitzer Prize–winning poet Richard Wilbur; "Divine Comedy" translator John Ciardi; John Hersey author of "A Bell for Adano" and "Hiroshima", and Ralph Ellison who wrote #The Invisible Man".  The compound is located on Windsor Lane near the top of Solares Hill, the highest point in Key West. All of the houses in the compound sit behind a large privacy fence. Each house sits on its individually owned lot which is accessed via common area walkways. Also included in the common area is a beautiful pool and stunning gardens.  I don't reckon there is a more beautiful setting in any shared community in all of Key West.

The listing Realtor describes 719 Windsor Lane Rear this way:

"Writer's retreat at Windsor Village, a secluded community of 11 homes reserved for those who enjoy peaceful living and are 55 years of age or older. Wonderfully located atop Solares Hill on a quiet one way street in the heart of Old Town Key West. Featuring three bedrooms and two baths with high end updates. French doors lead you to the light and airy great room with open floor plan. Spectacular new kitchen with beautiful cabinetry, custom lighting and stunning granite countertops and backsplash. Your private patio overlooks the shared pool surrounded by mature gardens and bricked pathways."

This 1268 sq ft home has three bedrooms and two baths. The front bedroom is currently being used as a den or office. That room and the living room (both pictured below) have beautiful French doors that open out to a private terrace that wraps around to the side where the private outdoor dining area is located.

All of the interiors are smartly decorated and crispy clean.  Both the master bedroom with en-suite bath and the second bedroom (with shared bath with third bedroom or den) have built in closets to provide civilized storage.  Everything about this home is tailored to meet the needs of a discriminating owner.

The open living area provides lots of space for gracious living.  The French doors and windows allow the perfect amount of light into the space.

The pool is located nearby. In the many times I have shown homes here I have only seen one person using the pool.  And that is a shame because this pool is so inviting.  Tall trees and lush tropical vegetation surround the cottages and provide a bit of shade on one side of the pool.The opposite side of the pool is bright and sunny. CLICK HERE to view a slide show of photos of this home and the other homes that make up this compound.

If you or your mate is at least 55 years of age and are seeking a carefree place for a permanent Key West residence or a getaway, this property might be just what you have been looking for. It is priced right at just $655,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on this home. Please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc.

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