1709 Washington Street - Key West, Florida - Move-in Ready

Just Listed by Preferred Properties Key West, that's where I work but this is not my listing, 1709 Washington Street which the listing Realtor describes this way:

"You will fall in love with this beautiful conch house located on Washington Street. From the wraparound porch to the the 16' ceilings, Dade County pine and stunning original crown molding, this house is full of historic character but also virtually brand new inside. The floors are wide plank Hickory and the roof, windows, kitchen and baths all brand new. There are 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, including a master-suite and a guest bath with claw-foot tub. Glass doors open onto the large lanai perfect for outdoor entertaining and swimming pool. For the tinkerers,there is a detached small workshop with A/C. Pets will be happy here too as there is a lot of yard space,fenced and secure. This home offers indoor/outdoor living at it's finest."

I showed this lovely home to some potential buyers this past week. As we drove to the site I told my buyers this house is located in the country.  Up north in America the term country evokes visions of wheat or corn fields; hogs, cows, and chickens; and a quite pastoral lifestyle.  Down here in Key West country conjures up an older Key West conch style house located outside of Old Town - out in the boonies where the lots are extra large and where there aren't any sidewalks. I had been to this house before - it is located in the country almost surrounded by mid-century houses. It's a quiet reminder of diverse historic Key West architecture that makes our island home so appealing to folks from around the world.

The single story home at 1709 Washington Street has 1017 sq ft of living space under air. It sits on a 52' x 94' (4862 sq ft) lot near the corner of Ashby Street. That's in the general area where Mid Town Key West begins. Most of the homes in this area are single family, and most of these homes are owner occupied. The lots tend to be larger than Old Town so the density is much less in this area.

The front porch wraps around this home on either side. The formal entry is actually located midway on the east side of the house which opens into the newly renovated kitchen. A hallway leads to the living room at the front of the house. A crisply updated Dade County Pine wall is set off by three pastel walls.  White trim on the windows, door, and crown molding punctuate the simple architectural elements.

I had been to this home a few years ago. I was pleasantly surprised to see how beautifully this house had been renovated. Each room looks freshly updated. The colors and architectural elements are all crisp and clean as if poised for a new owner to take over the property. 

This home has a really nice semi-enclosed covered deck area located just off the newly renovated kitchen. This is probably where you will spend most of your time. There's a mini-fridge and wine cooler, television. and lounging area. The pool is larger than many in Key West and it is just steps away from the covered deck. The pool ought to stay sunny during most of the day. Buyers who like to actually swim will love this pool. And there is even an outdoor shower. Move to Key West and you will love taking showers under the sun or moon. Or even in the rain - you just turn up the temperature a little bit to get the shower of your life.

1709 Washington Street is offered for sale at $899,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view more listing photos.  Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing of this move-in ready home. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Let me help you find your home in Paradise. 

615 Southard Street - Key West - Dream a Little Dream

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 So many people come to Key West and fall in love with this little town. They imagine how simple and wonderful their lives could be if only they could live here - someday.  Most people return to their jobs up north in America and go back to the daily grind. They plod along and do their jobs, go to their kids' school and sports events, practices, or whatever.  They go to meetings and drive in traffic for hours on end. But even if they live a simple life,  they probably close their eyes and envision owning a little place on the island they someday want to call home. 

Just listed by Preferred Properties Key West, but not by me, 615 Southard Street which the listing Realtor describes this way:

"Come and see this perfect Key West Conch House today! With two bedrooms, two baths and a private swimming pool in this location, 615 Southard Street will certainly sell quickly. A few years back the property underwent a thorough and quality renovation. The current owners purchased the property in 2001. Features include custom woodcarvings, restored hardwood floors, high ceilings, updated baths and kitchen, central air and heat pump for pool. Property is being sold turnkey (fully furnished) with lovely tropical furniture and accessories. The location is in the heart of Old Town, and only 1.5 blocks to Duval Street and a leisurely stroll to the Historic Seaport. This updated Key West Old Town classic will sell quickly. Don't miss the boat."

I got a chance to show this home a couple of days ago. Shortly after I entered the front door and headed down the long hall on the left side of the house I saw the pool at the rear of the property. I knew instantly that I had showed this house many years earlier when the house was still a virgin cigar makers cottage in need of renovation.  I even remember the potential buyer - a doctor and his wife. They were looking for a place they could "fix up" and have a place to come to on their vacations. I told them that the location was about as good as you can get in Key West. After all, it is an easy walk to Duval Street but far enough away not to be a part of the loonieness that sometimes happens over there. I told them there was plenty of room for a pool. They went back up north to wherever it is they lived. They did not buy.  But someone did. There were a couple of deed transfers after that. The house was renovated (for which it received a ceramic star for excellence in renovation in 2000) and has been occasionally rented as a vacation rental since then.

I don't remember all potential customers as well as I remember that doctor and his wife. They missed a huge buying opportunity. The house sold in 1999 for just $265,000.

615 Southard Street Key West - 1965

615 Southard Street Key West - 2014

I looked in the historic Sanborn Fire Maps and learned that 615 Southard Street first appeared in the 1892 edition. It was not there in the 1899 edition so I assume the map is correct as to the approximate age of construction of this home. During the renovation new windows and mechanical systems were added.  The pool was built then as well. A new addition was placed at the back of the original house where the kitchen and dining area is now located. Doors at the rear open out to the garden and pool.

The formal living area is located at the front of the house. This former cigar makers cottage is rich with Dade County Pine walls throughout the property. Notice the extra tall ceilings and large baseboards that give the rooms a sense of strength and permanence.  Each room is painted a bit differently, but all rooms blend harmoniously. Since this home is offered furnished, it's nice to note that the house just feels "like home". 

The broad hallway on the left leads to the two bedrooms. The first bedroom has an en-suite bath. The second bedroom has an entry door into a second bath which also has a door that enters from the hallway. This second bath is used as a guest bath as well.

Once you near the kitchen the back addition opens into view. You see the pool, of course, but more importantly you see all sorts of visual stimuli that immediately lets you know this is a home.  Yes there is whimsy everywhere. There's a comfy sofa and chair, art, and bric-a-brac galore. The house looks both lived in but not outlived its presence. Who wouldn't love to spend a month here?

The rear doors open out to the kidney shaped pool and rear garden where there is abundant space to get a famous Key West tan (on a sunny day).  I took more photos on a semi-cloudy day which you can see if you CLICK HERE.

If you have been dreaming about buying a perfect place in Key West, a place that you might perhaps rent as a monthly vacation rental to help offset the cost of home ownership, you really ought to consider 615 Southard Street.  It has a successful rental history.  All furnishings and personalty convey with closing as do the advance rental reservations. The asking price is $998,000. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing of this special Key West home.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. This home may be the home of your dreams.

812 Fleming Street #7 - Seafoam Condominium - Key West

If you are a single guy or gal with a de-cluttered lifestyle, the rear penthouse ("wink") at 812 Fleming Street #7 may just appeal to you. This compact 518 sq ft home offers the rich Dade County Pine walls, ceiling, and floor on the top floor of the Seafoam Condominium building. I have written about other units in previous blogs. All of those units faced Fleming Street and had balconies that overlook the gayest street in Key West. This unit is located on the rear side of the building and has a rear balcony that overlooks the pool.

There is a front and rear three story stairway with an open atrium leads to this third floor unit. In my opinion this entryway is one of the most beautiful entries I have seen in the United States. I am in awe of the simple but elegant architecture. Unlike the other units which I wrote about before that have two doors that enter onto the atrium hallway, Unit #7 has just one door. That door opens into an interior hall that leads to the kitchen and living room on the far side of the unit.

The bedroom is located just off the living room. I think a new owner might change the entrance from the living room to the hallway. That would create more wall space in the living room, provide more privacy in the bedroom, and potentially create more closet space as well.

You will notice that French doors open out to the rear balcony. What a great space this is. One of the reasons we live in Key West is to enjoy our great weather and outdoors. Imagine sitting on your own private balcony having morning coffee or dinner.  The community pool is located below. CLICK HERE to view more photos.

 

The monthly maintenance fee of $475 includes all building insurances, building and pool maintenance, plus sewer, water, trash removal, and propane. The building provides hot water for each. Hence, the condo association pays for water, sewer, and the propane to heat the water. That's right, propane. If you love cooking with gas, you're gonna get to do that here as this unit has a gas stove. There is a community coin operated laundry located off the pool.  

  812 Fleming Street is located hear everything.  The restaurants and attractions on Duval Street are located within a five minute walk.  Likewise, the Historic Key West Seaport is about a five minute walk as well. There are numerous neighborhood restaurants, two great bakeries, specialty shops and little art galleries withing a few blocks.  The good thing is that you can walk to just about wherever you want to go in Key West.

812 Fleming Street #7 is offered at $350,000.  Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to set up a personal showing of this interesting property.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. This charming space could be your year around residence or a great place to escape.