405 South Street - Ocean View Property - Key West

405 South Street was a Wedding Present in 1913

Judge JV Harris (father of the bride front right) Marion Harris (bride to be) left rear photographed in 1900 at the Southernmost House across the street

405 South Street as it appeared in 1965

I actually do receive emails from perspective buyers who often describe features they want in their Key West dream home. One of the most elusive features is having a water view. The new listing, not mine, at 405 South Street actually has water views in multiple locations. And it has wonderFUL ocean breezes to cool the house down during the hot Key West summers.


The listing Realtor describes 405 South Street thus:

"Elegant & historic, this meticulously renovated home at the Southernmost Point achieved the highest honor of the Ceramic Star for renovation. Water views from 2nd floor. Lovely porch & balcony. Main house is 4 bed/3 bath. Brazilian hardwood floors, original moulding & doors. First floor has double parlors one of which is a home theatre, a formal dining room, den & casual dining, full bath & laundry/storage. Kitchen has granite counters and stainless steel appliances. 2nd floor has 3 bedrooms/1 bath. 3rd floor is sleeping loft with full bath. Central Vac and Security system. Rental unit above garage w/sep elec meter. Off street parking for multiple cars."

I remember a showing several years ago when the listing agent said that his listing was "historic" and I asked an honest question - what historic thing happened here or who lived here. He looked shocked and rebuked me for questioning his authority. He said all houses in the historic district are historic (by virtue of being there). In the instance of 405 South Street the historic nature may be more about how the house was built, by whom, and what later owners did to improve the place than about any specific historic event. But that's just fine by me.

The listing agent describes that Judge J.V. Harris (who owned the Southernmost House) bought the ground on South Street and later built 405 South Street as a wedding present for his daughter in 1910. Somebody remarked the house is so delicate that it looks like a wedding cake. I guess that is appropriate. But if you look closely, you will see that the house is actually a big strong house made of Indian Stone. Indian Stone is a man made material fabricated in Key West which was used to build several residences and commercial buildings around the turn of the 20th century. When an addition was around the year 2000, local craftsmen actually replicated the original Indian Stone so the new addition (shown below) made a seamless transition from the original house.

405 South Street is a total "Un-Conch House". It is a big (2852 sq ft) house by Key West standards with living space on three levels. It is devoid of the Greek Revival style so visible in most of the larger Old Town homes. The exterior is virtually all stone or man made material as opposed to wood so prevalent in Old Town. The interior has no Dade County Pine. I would describe the interior as being more Victorian in nature than most houses built during the same time period. It's almost as if the owner imported some fancy architect from up north to bring culture to the Keys. (I'm making this stuff up as I type. But it sounds good to me.)

The front entry

Front parlor and rear parlor

Partial ocean view from the west and east windows

The front entry is very impressive. The ornate iron stair case (added by a later owner who was a mayor of Key West) provides access to the second floor. That stair case instantly puts a guest on notice that they are someplace very special. The down stairs has two very formal living areas and a formal dining room. There is a bay window in the front parlor. You can see the Southernmost Point out of the west window and you can get a glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean from the east window. The revamped kitchen is at the left rear and the newly added family room is at the right rear. A set of French doors leads down to the rear yard. The recent addition earned the home the the star mentioned above.

Second floor landing has a view of the Southernmost Point

The Southernmost Point viewed from second floor wrap around balcony

The second floor landing is very impressive. It provides access to the three bedrooms on that floor. The master bedroom is at the front. You can sit in bed and view the upper reaches of the Southernmost Point from bed. These three bedrooms share a single bath. A recently added staircase leads to an fourth bedroom on the third floor. This space is just magical. The lighting is subdued, the two beds are built into tight spaces. (Adrian Monk would not feel comfortable here. The space is balanced and proportioned. Little kids and adults who like intimate and charming spaces will fall madly in love with this area.) And this space has its own complete bathroom. CLICK HERE to view a slide show of photos I took of this property.

Innovative staircase to third floor bedroom area

One of two sleeping nooks in the third floor bedroom - this space is just wonderful!

Both the first and second floors have access to wrap around terraces on each level. The second floor has a great view of the Southernmost Point. If you owned this house you would have people walking past the house or riding bikes, motor scooters or motor cycles, automobiles, pedicabs, and buses from early morning until around sunset. You could sit on your porch and watch humanity go past your home. You ought not consider this house if you cannot accept this fact.

I took exterior photos on a Saturday morning. I imagined owning the house and walking the dog over to South Beach to watch the sun rise. And then walking the area and grabbing a coffee at the Banana Cafe. There a few soles up when I took the pics. They were ogling the sunrise with me; others were jogging down South Street and walking down Duval Street. Key West gradually wakes up each morning the streets come alive. The front of 405 South Street is quite at night but it can be pretty busy most days.

Imagine walking your dog with a cup of coffee in hand to watch sunrise

There is a two story carriage house which is a legal unit. Downstairs there is space for the family car. Upstairs there is really nice space for a live-in. Even the living area in this unit has a partial view of the ocean.

405 South Street is offered at $2,250,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls data sheet and to view the professional shot listing photos. If you would like to see 405 South Street, please consider taking a look with me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

31 Blue Water Drive - Near Key West

31 Blue Water Drive is located about Mile Marker 15 on Saddlebunch Key. CLICK HERE for a GOOGLE aerial view. It's a bit of a wreck right now. A new buyer will likely have trouble getting a mortgage as there is no existing kitchen, and that is normally a prerequisite to getting a mortgage. But it you have a saw and hammer and good design and building skills, this could be the little Florida Keys Dream Home you have been dreaming about. It is offered for sale at just $250,000.

The listing Realtor describes this property like this:

"Open water views from this canal front home. Fantastic renovation project. Approximately 68ft seawall in place. Build or renovate your perfect Florida Keys dream home on this waterfront lot. This property is exempted from the FEMA insurance injunction because the structure was in existence as of 9/12/2005."

The present house has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, no kitchen, 1044 sq ft of interior living space, a carport and a rear deck that overlooks and incredible canal that opens out in the great Atlantic Ocean. I can't overstate how damned beautiful that view is. It is stunning.

View of existing enclosed rear porch with canal

An RV resort is located on opposite side of canal

31 Blue Water Drive is located just feet away from the Great Atlantic Ocean

It needs a "facelift"

Interior needs total remodel but the end product could be spectacular

This is the type of property better suited to a cash buyer with some construction skills or access to additional money to fund renovation costs. The property is located in Monroe County so county building code applies, not Key West. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on this property.

Several of the other houses in the neighborhood have been updated with second story additions. I think this place could be expanded or kept its small size and keep the renovation costs quite manageable. Whatever course a new owner decides, the view from the rear of this property is worth the investment in my opinion. And the location is only a 15 minute drive from Key West. So you can have your dream house all the time and nearness to Key West. CLICK HERE to view a slide show of photos of this property.

If you would like to see 31 Blue Water Driver please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida.

627 Elizabeth Street - OldTown - Key West

The bright and cheery Cigar Maker Cottage at 627 Elizabeth Street sits near the tippy-top of Solares Hill, the highest spot on the Island of Key West. The home was meticulously renovated and received a Certificate of Excellence and a Silver Star for Renovation in 2010. It is as clean as a whistle and ready for new owners to bring their tooth brushes and flip flops. Not much else to do here but sit back and enjoy the good life in Old Town Key West.

627 Elizabeth Street is a genuine quintessential Key West Cottage

I have written before about this lovely home and do so again now that it has been recently re listed. The listing Realtor describes the property this way:

"Opportunity knocks.This totally remodeled home was awarded the Cert. of Excellence and a Silver Star for 2010. You will feel the attention to details from the moment you step inside. The entire house has Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors. A 2-storey addition was added and there is central HVAC throughout the house. All rooms a wired with cat5 cable for phones and computers. A salt-system, heated pool with a waterfall was installed, and a propane valve is available for your backyard grill. The kitchen has all stainless steel appliances.The house is located at the intersection of Elizabeth and Angela Street. This is the highest point on the Island and flood insurance is not required. Furniture may be purchased separately."

The renovation included major structural improvements that will outlast all of us. Those improvements permitted the owners to edit the traditional approach of room configuration and ceiling heights in cigar maker homes. So what you think you know about a house that looks like this probably is not what you will actually see. The living room is at the rear and has a large vaulted ceiling and wonderful built-ins. The stairway to the second floor master bed and bath is dainty and ever-so-charming.

The home has a very elegant but not overstated feel once you enter. Every detail has been attended to but not in such a way as to make you feel uncomfortable. Some houses come across as being so "done" that you don't fell you can sit down. Not here. This home was made for sophisticated but also relaxed living.

Two bedrooms with a shared Jack and Jill bath are located at the front of the house. A guest bath is tucked in the hallway just off the living room with its vaulted two story ceiling. The kitchen with French doors that open onto the pool at the back occupies most the space at the rear but there is a darling staircase that takes you up to the second floor rear master bedroom and with en suite bath.

The asking price on 627 Elizabeth Street was just reduced to $935,000 or $684 per sq ft. This home has 1367 sq ft of totally remodeled space with superior finishes throughout. The wood floors, for example, are solid wood and not some el cheapo laminate. Everything is done just right. The second floor front window is even wired for placement of an electric "candle light" for the Christmas holidays. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls data sheet and to view listing photos.

I think this is a great house and I would really like to show you this property if you are looking for the perfect Key West Cottage. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing of this home. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida.

617 Fleming Street #4 - Old Town - Key West

617 Fleming Street - Old Town - Key West 2010

617 Fleming Street - Old Town - Key West circa 1965

The Campbell Courtyard Condominiums have one of the best locations in Old Town. They are close enough to Duval Street and the Historic Key West Seaport that you can be in either place in five minutes or less. But they are far enough away that you do not hear the frenzy on Duval. Many of the neighboring properties are among the highest priced homes in Old Town. There are still some untouched houses that make Old Town so appealing. The area is chic but not too chic. CLICK HERE to view a Google aerial view of the location.

The Campbell Courtyard Condos were "developed" or assembled from a group of unrelated buildings into the compound with a shared location, identity, and an incredibly inviting pool in the late 1990s . The nine units quickly sold and there has not been a large turnover of ownership since then. The main building shown above was built in the 1920s and the eyebrow cottage (just below) was built in the 1890s. All buildings were totally renovated during the condo conversion.

The Eyebrow Cottage and Pool at Campbell Courtyard

Campbell Courtyard Condominium #4 was just listed, but not by me, at the asking price of $499,000. This two bedroom and two bath unit has 1000 sq ft of interior living space plus front balcony. The listing broker describes this unique Old Town property this way:

" Beautiful Old Town Campbell Courtyard condominium. Contemporary two bedroom and two bath unit with a balcony overlooking Old Town. Small private compound with only nine units. Enjoy the shared pool with mature and lush landscaped grounds."

Kinda 'inviting' isn't it?

Look at the above photo and notice the second floor balcony. That is the main level of this unit. The living room is on the left (west side) and the kitchen is on the right (east side). There is a spiral staircase that leads to the third floor where there are two good sized bedrooms and two baths. The doors open onto the balcony where you can sip your morning coffee or early evening martini and watch the people on parade forever. But every Friday during the last week of October, you will have the ringside seat to watch the official Fantasy Fest "People's Parade".


This place, Dear Reader, is worth looking at if you are looking for a very well located second home in a great Key West location. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule your own private showing. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

205 Golf Club Drive - Bank Owned - The Sanctuary - Key West

205 Golf Club Drive - Key West

The developer named that special section of the Key West golf course The Sanctuary for good reason: it is an enclave of primarily large homes with great views of the lush tropical golf course. Large iron gates separate The Sanctuary from the rest of the development. Once you pass the entrance you have views of the lakes to the left and links to the right. Then the big houses come into view. Large homes line Golf Club Drive as it loops around to return to the gated entrance. Homes on the inside are referred to as spa homes. Those homes are a bit smaller and have a spa type pool and are located on much smaller lots. No matter the size of the house, you know you are in a very special place that is just so relaxed and inviting. The street and the houses are picture post card perfect. And you think to yourself "I could live here!".


The house at 205 Golf Club Drive is Bank Owned provides an affordable opportunity as it is priced to sell at $475,500. The house has 1600 sq ft of living space divided between two floors. Downstairs you will find a large open living area with a bank of French doors at the rear that open out to the terrace and pool below. And beyond that is the golf course view that is just "killer". The kitchen is located up front and it opens onto the living area so the cook can be a part of whatever is going on in the living area . A "bump out" addition with a pyramid ceiling is at the left rear. That space would make a great study, den, or guest room. (There is a guest bath on the main level as well.)

Off street parking for two cars and a picture perfect front entrance

Beautifully landscaped rear yard with pool overlooking the golf course

Upstairs you will find two bedrooms each of which has a door to the front second level porch. They share a bath. The master bedroom is at the rear and has an en-suite bath. The master bedroom also has a vaulted ceiling and a set of French doors that open onto its own large second floor rear porch with views of the pool below and the golf course beyond. I can imagine sitting out there in the early morning drinking coffee and watching the birds wake up as the sun rises and the sky turns from gray to orange and eventually to blue. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on this property.

Both bedrooms share this second floor front porch

Master bedroom suite is at the rear

Enclosed rear porch overlooks the pool and golf course beyond

The Key West golf club community has two pools, a fitness center, and lush landscaping. While the houses here are relatively new (205 Golf Club Drive was built in 2000), the densely landscaped streets and Conch style homes give this community the appearance as being of an earlier era. As I waited for some buyers the other day, a young family with two kids and a big puppy walked by. They said hello and I thought to myself, this really is a nice place. It is close to Key West but it is far enough away to appreciate the distinction.

If you would like to see this Bank Owned home or any other property in Key West, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or by email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida.