1308 Reynolds Street, Key West - Conch Cottage in the Casa Marina

Just Listed by Preferred Properties, 1308 Reynolds Street. On the outside this home looks like so many of  the Conch Cottages that make up Old Town. But this home is actually located just five blocks from the Atlantic Ocean in the tony section Casa Marina Area of Key West. And on the inside, it is not like any other Conch Cottage I've seen.

The front door opens into a center hallway which leads to the open living area at the rear. There is a smallish room with closet on the left side that could work as a study or bedroom and a much larger bedroom with bath on the right.

The bedroom on the right introduces us to the possibilities this home has to offer. First we notice the larger bedroom on the right is all wood which is typical of most homes in Old Town, but this place is decidedly different. We notice all the wood trim and even the crown molding is dark wood. Then we see a semi-open carved wood closet festooned with colorful flora and fauna. The closet interior is lined with cedar. When we walk into the bathroom we see the sunken tub with a large window that slides back into a recess in the wall. Whether you are soaking or taking a shower you'll feel like you are one with nature.  Then we notice the wood carvings over the window and then over the mirror. Aha! This place may have other architectural influences from Thailand or perhaps Bali. We open the small double doors and walk from the bathroom in to the open living area.The bath does double duty as a guest bath.

The newly remodeled kitchen is separated from the living space by a high polished wood counter-top that also serves as an informal eating space. Meal preparation is done on earth toned tile counter-tops. Clerestory windows were added over the range wall. What might have been a dark room became an inviting space instead.CLICK HERE and ALSO HERE to view more of the photos I took of this home.

The second floor bedroom is absolutely dreamy. What a perfect place to take nap or sleep the night away. You'll notice there is no door to shut the space off from down below or even the adjacent open bathroom. If that bothers you, stop reading today's blog immediately. If not, I'm sure you could get used to this space. I know I could.

A covered breezeway bridges the space between the main house and the rear cottage. As I moved toward the back of the property to take photos I suddenly understood this place. This is not a normal main house with rear cottage type of place. Instead both buildings, the grounds, the pool, and the landscaping really are integrally connected.

Then I noticed the door from the main floor bedroom opens out to the backside of the pool area. The sliding window in the main floor bath likewise opens out to the same outdoor space. When I was taking photos I noticed the French doors at the rear of the main floor bedroom which open out to the garden. Then I saw the bathroom window recess which also opens out to the garden. This I saw the doggie door that is a part of the double door in the kitchen which opens out to the breezeway.  and the covered breezeway. The breezeway really does bridge the two homes into one space. The use of natural woods and natural tiles and flagstones gives this house a very comfortable feel.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on 1308 Reynolds Street that is offered for sale at $1, 249,000. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.  Don't wait too long. This place was only listed on Tuesday and the listing agent had a bunch of showings requested as soon as it hit the mls. There is a scarcity of houses for sale in Key West. Wait at your peril, Pauline.

6 Pinder Lane, Key West - A Magical Secret Garden

Located in the Heart of Old Town but tucked away and hidden from view is this enchanting home and secret garden that once belonged to author Nancy Friday. The home seems to rise from the garden with a wrap-around-porch and broad deck that circles the nearby pool and spa. This very private home has three bedrooms and two baths including the treetop master bedroom with private bath. 

This is no ordinary "quintessential" Key West home. And the lot on which it is built is not just an ordinary lot. No, not by a long shot. Pinder Lane is a dead-end lane located mid-distance between Fleming Street to the north and Southard Street to the south just east off William Street in the very Heart of Old Town. The lot itself is tucked in a corner at the very end of the lane. A path leads away from the lane to a tall gate with what looks like an ancient cow bell. You need to pull the clanger to announce your presence at the gate. Lift the wrought iron lever, push the gate forward, and be prepared for a surprise. You are entering a magical setting known as 6 Pinder Lane. 

 A brick path encircles the house as it meanders through the garden. The garden is now so dense it almost seems like you are walking through the forest primeval. The sky opens over the pool which is located on the south side of the property. French doors open out to the deck from both the living room and a ground floor bedroom. 

The wood deck continues around the back side of the house until it meets the brick path on the north side which then returns to the front porch which wraps the covered front entry. A rather large building parcel is located adjacent to the back deck. I found a photo of what I believe was an old cottage that once occupied that space. I think the space would make an excellent location on which to build a guest cottage - that is if a new owner would want to share this precious space with others. 

This is the house I believe once stood on the now empty building lot

6 Pinder Lane before the wrap-around decks and second floor addition were added

 I was told that local architect Tom Pope designed the renovation to this home many years ago. The original cottage was expanded at the rear and a second floor was added where the master bedroom and tree-top bath is located. Multiple sets of French doors were added on the main level that open out to the magnificent deck. I have shown this house many times over the years. The French doors have always been open. It's as if each owner just lives inside and outside continually. It is, however, the wrap-around covered deck that is magnificent. There is not another house in Key West that has anything similar. 

Main floor north bedroom

Main floor south bedroom

The master bedroom is like a Hollywood movie set. It is as if someone created the perfect version of a little love nest up in the sky. The wood walls and floor are painted white. Three sets of windows look out to the towering trees and gardens below. The space is ever so comfy! You just want to curl up and read a book, take a nap, or have a little afternoon romance. Whoever buys this house please don't mess with this! The bathroom is one-of-a-kind. The white porcelain bath fixtures standout against the dark green tiles. When you stand in the shower you can see smidgens of the tin roof on a neighboring house, but mostly you see the tree tops and patches of blue sky. CLICK HERE to view more photos of the property.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls database on 6 Pinder Lane which is offered at $1,549,000. There are three bedrooms, two baths, a living room that spans the front of the house, and a wrap-around deck without equal in this little island town. The lot is huge for Old Town - 7564 sq ft. There is room upon which a new owner might build a guest cottage. And now the property includes a dedicated bricked parking space located on Pinder Lane. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing on which I am the listing agent.