Yesterday afternoon was one of those Sunday-Funday sort of days that Instagramers post about. I rarely get Sundays off. So instead of trying to sell house, I went looking at open houses in the Historic District of Key West. I made a point of visiting
727 Eaton Street which I wrote about several years ago. The current owners have preserved this regal home and added a stunning pool and sideyard.
As I walked past the front garden gate and eyed the grand facade, my
eyes were drawn to the old fashioned swing on the front porch. When I
got to the front door I looked directly at the swing and thought how
wonderful it must be to own such a magnificent old house, a Grande Dame
if there ever was one. Sitting pretty in Key West. Look carefully at the front porch - it wraps around the east side of the home and now provides a perfect sitting spot to view the grand kids in the pool.
Upon entry I was overwhelmed by the dramatic decor that continued from
room to room throughout the three floors. The parlor, living and dining
areas hark back to another era with a richness that we no longer see in
most properties. The kitchen and laundry areas look like late 19th
century except they have modern conveniences that thoughtfully blend in.
Formal entry with kitchen located to the rear. Guest bath is tucked under the stunning staircase.
The current owners use the front room as a formal dining room. That is a throwback to yesteryear when living was "formal". French doors open out to the side deck which overlooks the pool and gardens. Another visible throwback are the impressive wood pocket-doors with sharp brass trim. The ceilings are 12 feet high. The stained glass panel in the entry door and clerestory window also remind us of the historic roots of this home. I searched the Sanborn Fire Maps where this home first appeared as 625 Eaton Street on the 1892 map. The 1899 map failed to show any houses on abutting William Street, but I know many existed. They were just left off the map.
The living room is at the right rear and may be entered from the kitchen or dining area. The room is bright and vibrant as are the other first floor rooms. While this is an old home, it flows openly and freely. The rooms are big and vibrant.
I stood on deck overlooking the pool and marveled at what architect Matthew Stratton created when he added the pool and trellis. The new area looks like it has always been there. It blends in perfectly. Side gates provide additional entry from the gated bricked driveway with parking for two cars (in Old Town!!!).
The front bedroom has the only access to the front second level porch overlooking historic Eaton Street. Some of the finest mansions in old Key West were built on this once bricked street. This bedroom has an ensuite bath. The other two bedrooms share a bath.
The east rear bedroom has windows on three sides. It is absolutely glorious in its simplicity!
The west rear bedroom is smaller is size. It shares a partial view of the Gulf of Mexico with east rear bedroom. The 1899 Sanborn Fire Map showed the addition of an exterior staircase to the third floor That staircase no longer exists. Instead, a modern stairway leads from the second floor hallway up to the third floor.
The third floor is a true mother-in-law apartment with living room,
bedroom, mini-kitchen, and bath. The place is stunning in its design.
It would make a great space for mom or a live-in. Or perhaps you might
want to claim the space as the master suite. The bathroom even has a
view of the Historic Key West Seaport.
727 Eaton Street has 3,358 square feet of living space under air conditioning situated on a 6.371 square foot lot located just two blocks from the Historic Seaport and easy walking distance to Duval Street and all the marvels located outside the white picket fence.
CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and then please call
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. Imagine sitting pretty on this front porch.
