Key West Horror Story No. 6

In the year 2010 I set up a showing of an older Key West home which the listing agent described as "Old Town Gem, over 100 years old, the property is certainly worthy of a total restoration. Perhaps with removal of non-historic additions, one can have a nice patio/garden with pool. Off-street parking also possible. Excellent location." The mls primary photo is above and two other photos appear immediately below. You can tell from the outset that the place needed work. Of that, my buyer was fully aware.

My buyer wanted to see this place because it met his requirements as to architectural style and appeal, location, and price. The listing agent met us on the sidewalk in front of the house. He told us the older woman sitting in the car parked in front of the house with the large dog was the owner. He then told us the owner's grand daughter would show us the interior.  That was odd from the start. Agents are supposed to show their listings - not the principals. He whispered that he would wait outside - as if the small size of the house was the reason he would not go inside. It was not until after we saw the house that we understood why he chose to stay outside.

Betty Furness who demonstrated how to use the new appliances of the 1950s

When we crossed the threshold we saw only a couple of pieces of  furniture which were obscured by piles of newspapers and magazines stacked nearly waist high combined with odd things encased in old grocery store plastic bags. We had to move across the floor wedging our way through piles of papers or things saved in grocery bars. The stench was over-whelming. We moved toward the rear to checkout the kitchen and back yard. It became clear that this house needed more than a minor fix-up. The back was dark and nasty. I can't recall anymore than the rear was surrounded by dank old wood, We turned around and saw the grand daughter standing next to the to the inside doorway leading to the second floor. The young lady pivoted on the spot and opened the door as if doing her best impression of Betty Furness with arm outstretched inviting us to go up the stairs to view the second floor.  My buyer lead the way but stopped after a step or two. He said something like "Gary, the smell is horrible!"  I suggested that he breathe through his mouth so we could at least see what was upstairs. He was a big man but briskly ascended the stairs. There was a semblance of a second kitchen of sorts with a table where some pared potatoes were sitting on a small table. The smell was putrefying. We scanned the room, turned our heels, and made a quick exit out of the house thanking the young lady for allowing us to see her home.

The listing agent sold the house to someone who did a remarkable transformation. The old house was lifted up to the sky after which a new pier foundation was built. The house was lowered and rebuilt in place. Most of the framing was replaced. The house was expanded to the rear where a small pool was built. There is even a small second floor rear deck off the master bedroom. To my surprise the new owner was able to create an off street parking space in front as well. The new owner paid $216,500 for the place. I would think the house would sell for around $1.2 million in today's market.

Sometimes houses of horror can have happy endings. This is one of those times. The listing agent was correct in his prognostications about the potential for this old house.  If you are looking for a place in Key West and are not working with another agent, please consider contacting 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. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

819 Elizabeth Street, Key West - Magical Old Town Property

Christmas will be coming for some smart buyer who grabs this magical Old Town property before the word gets out that it is now on the market. The listing Realtor describes 819 Elizabeth Street in Key West this way:

"Magical. That’s the only word to describe the welcoming indoor-outdoor living of this 2011 Historic Preservation Award winner at 819 Elizabeth. French doors open from the living areas onto a private, luxuriously landscaped outdoor world with beautiful pool and water feature. Peeking around the corner on the expansive deck is an outdoor dining space, outdoor shower and delightful accessory structure that could easily become a jewel-like guest bedroom or bunks for the grandchildren. Located in the Solares Hill neighborhood, the two-bedroom cottage boasts an upstairs master retreat with half bath. The downstairs bedroom could easily become your favorite office space. From the large, people-watching front porch to the renovated, high-end kitchen with solid cherry cabinets, this home will make you believe in magic again."

 Returning guests to Key West know that having a parking space in Old Town makes just about any property "golden". This home has a wide bricked off street parking space. Elizabeth Street is one-way from Truman Avenue heading north toward Southard Street. The house is easy to find for owner or guests.  The house is located two blocks from Duval Street but far enough away as to be close to  but not apart of all that happens there.

The layout of the house is self-evident. The Living, dining, and kitchen are located on the pool side of the home. Double sets of French doors open out to the pool thereby extending the living space outward for at least half the year.  The rear door off the kitchen leads out to the rear deck and the outdoor shower. 

The guest bedroom is located to the right of the front door. The current owner uses this space as a sitting room.  The full bath is located opposite the kitchen at the rear. If you look at the bathroom mirror you will see the rear yard where the outdoor shower pops into existence next to the bathroom wall.

The master bedroom is located on the second level. Windows on the south and north allow good daytime light to brighten this space. There is storage built into the knee walls on either side of this space.

 I looked into my old shoebox and found a photo of 819 Elizabeth Street taken back in 1965 looking north. It doesn't look the same. Does it?  I then consulted the historic Sanborn Fire Maps and learnt that 819 Elizabeth Street existed as of the 1889 map. That makes the house at least 127 years old. But if you look at it today, the home has all the modern conveniences and a heck of a lot of magic that you just can't buy off the shelf and relocate to just any other property.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and listing photos including some night time photos that show the pure magic the listing Realtor described. 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.

1221 Johnson Street, Key West Florida

Located just east of the Casa Marina and perfectly situated near the White Street pier and the beaches you will find the recently listed home located at 1221 Johnson Street in Key West, Florida.

The listing Realtor describes this home thus:

"In one of the most desirable areas of Key West, this spectacular mid-century modern gem was recently renovated by local architect, Guillermo A. Orozco. Interiors are bathed in natural soft light throughout the day creating a zen-like, serene environment. At night, the lushly lit tropical landscaping brings the outdoors in through the large windows and glass doors creating a magical aura. The home embodies the frequently sought after but seldom found Key West tropical lifestyle. With an easy flow of indoor/outdoor living and full privacy, one never wants to leave. 1221 Johnson St is just blocks from the beach and in easy bicycling distance of everything Key West has to offer. No detail was overlooked in the renovation: impact resistant windows and doors, Cat 5 wiring for super fast internet, full-home water filtration system, full-size heated swimming pool with adjoining hot tub, new sprinkler system & landscape lighting, remote control Hunter Douglas blinds, on-demand hot water, and so much more. There is off street parking with a remote control gate and security/intercom system. Do not miss seeing 1221 Johnson Street."

 The house is hidden from the street behind a dramatic privacy fence. The covered off street parking is a bonus feature. Guest will arrive at the front entry and will be awed at the beauty of this well planned garden entry. The re-design elements start to emerge. New wind impact windows and doors coupled with a re-crafted exterior make-over have totally changed not only the facade but upgraded the functionality of this home.

previous entry

previous office

The original front entry and office were totally transformed and brought into the new century. The new entry seamlessly flows into the through the TV area into the great room.  As in so many Key West houses, it is that first view of the pool that makes guests want to own a home here. That is certainly the case in this home. 

The home has three bedrooms one of which is located at the front left just the kitchen. It has its own bath. This would be the perfect bedroom for a teenager who requires his or her privacy.

The second guest bedroom and the master suite are located on the east side of the home. The master bedroom has doors which also open out to the rear deck and pool. This is great for an owner who wants to swim laps in the morning or take a late night dip before retiring. Our summer time weather is hot but not oppressive. I must confess that I jump into the pool and float around looking at the stars and feeling how fortunate I am to live on this island Paradise.

1221 Johnson Street is located one block east of White Street and just a couple of blocks from the Atlantic Ocean and the White Street Pier. There are several parks in this area owned by the State of Florida, Monroe County, and the City of Key West. Talk about too much government...  Fireworks are shot off White Street Pier on New Years Eve and the Fourth of July. There is a Bocce Ball Court located opposite the pier. There are segregated dog parks located opposite Higgs Beach where the Key West Garden Club is also located. Key West is still a small island. You can be almost anywhere in a matter of minutes. And you can walk to the beaches in an equally short period of time.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet on 1221 Johnson Street which is offered for sale at $1,430,000. 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.