812 Fleming Street #6 - Back on the Market - Key West

I wrote about 812 Fleming Street, Unit #6 located in the Seafoam Condominiums in Old Town Key West just after it was listed in January. The unit went under contract soon thereafter.  The unit went back on the market on February 28th. This is a second chance to buy this top floor unit which has a commanding view of Fleming Street from the broad covered balcony. There you can watch one of the best people parades on a daily basis or enjoy the roof top views of our little town.  The listing Realtor describes this 618 sq ft one bedroom condominium this way:

"Wonderful Old Town condominium in beautiful condition and ready to move in. 9ft ceilings, Dade County pine walls and floors throughout and a great cathedral ceiling above the 200sf balcony overlooking Fleming Street. This third floor, one bedroom, one bath unit with 618 sf of living space is a true gem with tons of natural light. In the back yard there is a pool and private grounds. Seafoam Condominiums consists of eight condominiums and two commercial units."

Timmy Tuxedo is one of the two commercial units in the building

I searched the old records and found a Property Appraiser reference that the building was actually built in 1906 despite what the computerized property records show. (The old courthouse burned years ago and members of the WPA reconstructed property records based on the year they created the new data system which was 1933 unless they had independent verification otherwise. It is not uncommon to have two sets of totally opposing dates. The style of the original building certainly looks much older than the types of buildings built during the middle of the Great Depression for one important reason: they were not building new buildings in the Depression.)

812 Fleming Street in 1965

812 Fleming Street in January 2012

First, you can't find a better location in Old Town: it is near everything full time residents want and part-time owners demand. Second, it is located on the top floor of an historic building, and it has commanding views of the nearby neighborhood from its 223 sq ft balcony. Third, the building's incredibly beautiful interiors can be customized to a new owner's desires without getting approval from any governmental bureau (the condo association may need to approve, however). Fourth, the building has only eight residential units plus two commercial units (including Key West landmark Timmy Tuxedo) with long term residential ownership. Fifth, the rear side of the building has a wonderful pool and private garden area.

  The front entry has an electronic keyed entrance. You walk into the entry hall and immediately see the dramatic open three story staircase illuminated by rooftop skylights. The geometry of the place is just awesome. Another stairway at the rear takes you down to the private pool. There is also a coin operated laundry for unit owners that do not have a washer and dryer in their units.

Last year when I wrote about another unit in this building that was for sale I said "this building is located on the gayest block in Key West. Four all male guest houses are located in this block including Equator, Coral Tree Inn, Coconut Grove, and the Oasis Guesthouse. Alexanders and The Island House are located in the 1100 block of Fleming Street and the guys normally pass by 812 Fleming Street once or twice each day. You don't have to be gay to buy in a place like this, but if you are gay, this is surely one hot property!"  Since I wrote that blog the Oasis and Coconut Grove Guesthouses were sold and are now "all welcome" as opposed to gay male. The Coral Tree was purchased as well and will stay gay male. Alexander's and the Island House are the same as before. The gayest street in Key West has not changed, and that is a good thing.

 812 Fleming Street Unit #6 is offered at $400,000. CLICK HERE  to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet and listing photos. Better than looking at pictures, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange a showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

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618 White Street - Key West - Adorable and Affordable

 Just Listed 618 White Street in Old Town Key West. This cute as a button two bedroom home is in move-in condition. It is adorable and affordable - and it is priced to sell at just $474,000.

I dug deep into the old shoe box and found a photo that shows how this house looked back in 1965. The photo has a note that says the house was built in 1890. The other houses on this block were all built at the same time and all originally looked the same. I was told this group of houses were homes of cigar workers that worked at a cigar factory on nearby Newton Street. I dug deeper in the shoebox and found an old postcard that shows the historic Armory building located five houses to the north that shows the neighboring homes as they appeared in the 1920s. (The Armory is now the home of The Studios of Key West.) I took a photo that shows the same scene over ninety years later. It's nice to see that the more things change elsewhere, they tend to stay relatively the same in Old Town Key West. We aim to keep it that way.

According to the Property Appraiser records 618 White Street was renovated by a former owner between 2004 and 2005 at which time the kitchen and bath were renovated, windows and interior walls were replaced and a new roof installed. The current owner added new gutters and metal storm panels. The interior has new floors and all interior walls are colorfully painted. The open living area offers relaxed living space. There are two bedrooms on the main floor. And the extra large second floor loft offers additional bedroom space plus room for an office.
 

The master bedroom has a set of French doors that open out to the back yard which is currently enclosed by a privacy fence. The spacious back yard features a couple of fruit trees, tropical foliage, and  sunny patio area. I believe there is more than enough room to install a nice sized pool. CLICK HERE to view more photos of this really attractive Old Town home.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet for details on this property. Better yet, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing of this property.  I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.  Let me help you find your perfect place is Paradise.

916 Fleming Street - Old Town - Key West

Just listed, but not by me, 916 Fleming Street in Key West.This home is located on millionaires row where you will find some of the finest homes in Old Town. This stately home has been dramatically renovated and has all of the amenities a discerning home buyer could ask for.

The Monroe County property records show the house was built in the 1930s but we all know the old court house burned down and the property records were destroyed. I found an old photo that says the house was built in the 1920s.  Like many of the older homes, 916 Fleming Street was substantially rebuilt and added onto. The most recent renovation expanded the size to 2637 sq ft. The house now has four bedrooms, four full bathrooms and two half baths. The house sits on a 3870 sq ft lot (43' x 90').  The house has a bricked off street parking space. Note the two story front porches which are great for people watching - the second most popular sport in Key West.

The home has a formal entry which leads to the open living area at the rear.  The house is designed for informal Key West living, but it still comes with lots of style and grace. The living area opens out to the outdoor living room which has a wonderful view of the pool and guest cottage.

The master suite takes up one half of the second floor and includes the bedroom with vaulted ceiling, dressing room, en-suite bath and walk-in closet.

There are two large guest bedrooms with en-suite baths on this floor as well. Also located on this floor is a large cedar lined closet and laundry closet. There is also access to the third floor via electric stairway access.

The main floor has a withdrawing room (a "man cave" for the more sophisticated gent) that is just awesome.

The pool has a seductive allure as do most pools in Key West. Except this one is part of an incredible property that can yours at the asking price of $1,650,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet for more particulars on this new listing.

Guest Cottage with bath

CLICK HERE to view more photos of 916 Fleming Street. And then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing of this property. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.  Let me help you find your dream home in Paradise.