718 Olivia Street - Old Town - Key West

718 Olivia Street - Old Town- Key West

If you are looking for a "project house" on a big lot and situated in a good Old Town location, you may want to take a look at 718 Olivia Street which was just listed at the asking price of $679,000. The listing Realtor describes the property thus:

"A grande historic house built between 1899 and 1912. 5 bedrooms. 2 bathrooms. Large LR, DR and kitchen. Beautiful hardwood floors. High ceilings and 23 large windows create a steady flow of light and air. 9401 sqft lot with BIG 85' x 65' back yard. Easy walk or pedal to anywhere in Old Town."

The listing Realtor states "Sanborn Insurance map shows house built btwn (between) 1899 and 1912". I found a photo of the house from half a century ago that shows the house without all of the current trees and assorted foliage.

Photo from 1965

Photo from 2011 - note the cinder block front fence

Photo from January 2012

A huge Royal Poinciana tree dominates the front yard today. The front porch today still has the same wrought iron posts as shown in the 1960s vintage photo as well as the jalousie windows and the concrete block front fence.

East side of the property

CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet and listing photos of this home. You will note that the listing states this house has 1538 sq ft of living space. The property site is much larger than the photos suggest. The front parcel (where the house is located) occupies only about 2600 sq ft of the entire 9401 sq ft lot. The remaining lot is located at the west rear of the front parcel. That is the space where one would likely add a pool and/0r guest quarters.

If you are looking for a renovation project in the Old Town Key West area this may be the house you have been searching for. The house certainly has street appeal and the yard space is just huge. Creating a viable plan for the property as a whole is the key to making a project like this work. We have several knowledgeable local architects that could help a buyer develop a winning concept for this one of a kind property.

I sold the beautiful home next door at 716 Olivia Street a couple of years ago. Before it was recently updated 716 Olivia looked similar to the way it appeared for decades as shown in the old black and white photo.

716 Olivia Street as it looked in 1965

716 Olivia Street as it appears in January 2012

What could you do to improve 718 Olivia Street? Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a view of this property. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida.

1026 Howe Street - Key West

1026 Howe Street - Key West

The listing agent at Preferred Properties describes 1026 Howe Street this way:

"Beautiful 2/2 home in a quiet area. Recent renovations and upgrades. Back yard would allow for a dip pool. Large kitchen working area, plenty of cabinets. Off street parking. Convenient to all downtown restaurants, galleries and shopping. No comparison in the Old Town area under $600,000. Owners are very motivated and will seriously consider all reasonable offers."

Stairway leads to second floor bedroom and bath

The property is currently rented on a long term basis (with a quick kick-out for potential buyers). As you enter the main level you immediately see a spacious living area followed by a galley kitchen to the right rear. There is a good sized bedroom and bath on this floor to the left of the kitchen with separate entries to the bedroom and bathroom which share an internal passage as well. To the left you see a modern stairway leading to the second floor bedroom and bath. The door at the rear of the kitchen leads to the large rear yard that, for now, is just 'potential'. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos for this home.

Galley kitchen with lots of cabinets and workspace

Master bedroom and bath on main floor

Second floor bed and bath

Room for a pool

Looking east across Howe Street

Two really attractive single family homes are located across the street to the east. Next door to the north is a condominium of affordably priced condos with transient licenses. And there is public housing about 150 feet to the south.

This general area is two blocks from the soon to be developed Truman Annex marina and redevelopment parcel. I am a believer that some of the very best values exist right now in this immediate area because of the long term appreciation potential. Think forward to just a few years when the Truman Annex redevelopment is complete and being able to walk to your boat, or the amphitheater, or any of the other projected amenities. CLICK HERE to read about the Truman Waterfront development plans at the City of Key West website.

1000 Block of Howe Street

If you are a buyer looking for a house that needs just a bit of TLC that you can do yourself, this may be the place you have been looking for. CLICK HERE to view a short slide show of other photos of this property. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or send me an 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.

1109 Windsor Lane - Key West - Short Sale

The listing Realtor describes 1109 Windsor Lane this way:

"Exquisite 5BD/6BA home in Old Town built in 2005. With 3489sf, it is uniquely suited as a large family home or as a corporate retreat. Old World Chefs Kitchen with Custom Cabinetry, Large Open Living Room with Custom French Doors and tons of light. Stone Floors on the first floor with a Brazilian Cherry Custom Staircase leading to the second and third floors. Three ensuite bedrooms on the the second floor with Custom Cabinetry, Travertine, Bisazza Tile and Calacatta Gold Marble. Luxury, Style,and Comfort. Classic Key West Architecture, Large Stone Pool with Glass Tile and Fountain, Stone Spa and Mature Tropical Landscaping and Gardens."

Let me expound further. This home has got to be one of the very best bargains in Key West at this time. The home was destined by local architect Tom Pope who created a new home that is reminiscent of the best features found in many grand old Key West homes. The house was built by one of the top Key West home builders. The very finest of materials and workmanship were incorporated into the property. You could not build this house today for less than the asking price.


I have been inside many newer homes that try to replicate the style of older Key West homes. I have shown several of the more recently built new houses that were built to look like our older homes. When I have shown most of these homes, buyers say the insides are typical of what they can buy up north where they belong. Buyers typically want the character and charm of our old houses and almost feel cheated if they don't get the old bones. Nobody will feel cheated with this home.

I used to own one of the finest old homes in Key West which belonged to Dr. Warren many years ago. The house had graceful first and second floor front porches with sets of delicate French doors that opened onto the porches. My first house had one of the most delicate staircases I have seen in Key West. To some people I suppose it is just a handrail. To me, it was a work of art. So delicate and yet so utilitarian in function. The first time I went inside 1109 Windsor Lane my mind immediately darted back to the Warren home. The staircase at 1109 Windsor Lane is as graceful as the originals in many of the finer old homes of Key West. Little elements like that don't just happen. They are planned and executed. And that is why the house at 1109 Windsor Lane is such an incredible bargain: it has the details of the fine old homes of Key West; it uses both period correct and modern building materials available today; and it is offered at an incredible value at $1,650,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet and to view listing photos of this property.

French doors on first and second floors open to wrap around decks

Delicate staircase employs the finest craftsmanship in Key West homes

Just below you can view some photos I took of this home last week. The house is a family home. A guest room is located up front on the main floor. The main living area is at the rear and includes a large kitchen that opens out to the combined living and dining areas. French doors lead out to the decks on two sides. The pool and garden are just beyond.

Open living area located at the rear of the home

This home was designed for large informal but gracious living

Covered outdoor dining and living area overlook the pool beyond

The master suite is located at the second floor rear. Sets of French doors open out to the wrap around second floor covered balcony from each bedroom on this floor (a third and fourth bedroom are located on this floor). A fifth bedroom and extra large bath with an old fashioned tub is located in the garret (or attic). The space is just wonderful and has views over-treetop views in three directions. I call the space a garret because it could equally be an artist studio-the light up there is just incredible.

Master suite is extra spacious and located at the rear of the home

The garret and bath

This home was built new in 2005 and was originally offered for sale at $2,649,000. Today it is a short sale and offered at just $1,650,000.
CLICK HERE to view a slide show of additional photos of this truly beautiful Key West home.

If you would like to see 1109 Windsor Lane before someone else snaps it up, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc.

709 A Windsor Lane - Short Sale - Key West

709 A Windsor Lane - Old Town - Key West

Just listed, by not by me, 709 A Windsor Lane in Old Town Key West. This 487 square foot one bedroom one bath cottage style abode is a legal condominium (one of three in the small association) located adjacent to the Key West Writer's Compound which I have previously written about. It is not a part of the compound, but it does share the wonderful location near the top of Solares Hill.


The listing Realtor describes the property this way:

"Charming Conch Style Condo in Old Town Key West. One bedroom one bath with loft completely renovated with the finest finishes. Stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and beautiful kitchen cabinetry. This is a must see! (Condominium Fees TBD) This is a potential short sale transaction subject to lender approval."

This unit shares a common wall with Unit B which was a bank owned property that sold two years ago. A third condo, Unit C, is located at the rear of the parcel. The condos share a common plot of ground with side access on the west boundary for access for Units B and C. The small condo association may make it difficult to obtain traditional bank financing on a property like this. Otherwise, I think this is a bargain property. Read on.


I took the attached photos CLICK HERE for a lender last summer. I observed that the unit appeared to have been updated in a good and workmanlike manner. The interior space was well arranged and utilitarian. The living room and kitchen share a common space which is normal in most modern Key West properties. The bedroom is off to the right and it is quite spacious. There are windows on two walls so this space is very comfortable as opposed to some bedrooms which appear claustrophobic. The bath is at the rear and it is extra large. A ladder provides access to the loft located over the bedroom area. This is a neat place to send guests you don't want to stay too long or it would make an excellent place to store things you do not use everyday. CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet and to view listing photos.


709A Windsor Lane is a short sale priced at $319,000. If you would like to see this property, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange a showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

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809 Fleming Street - Short Sale - Prime Old Town Location - Key West

809 Fleming Street - Key West

The new Short Sale listing (this is not my listing) at 809 Fleming Street will surely get a lot of attention because of the prime Old Town Key West location. It has a lot of Rah! Rah! Rah! factor. The house was built in 1906 as a single family residence. The property is currently a legal two story duplex. Upstairs is a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom - 699 sq ft unit with a balcony overlooking the 800 block of Fleming Street that rents for $2,000 per month. Downstairs is 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom - 1074 sq ft with a terrace that also overlooks Fleming Street. this apartment rents for $2400 per month. The property has off street parking. The asking price is $799,000 or $450 per sq ft.

800 Block of Fleming Street

Everybody knows the value of location. This place has location, location, and location. As an investment property, this duplex has the appeal of being well located with enough bedrooms and living spaces plus the front balconies to attract long term renters with ease. A lot of local singles live in roommate situations where rent is divided based on the number of bedrooms or space shared. This location is great for locals who do not have a car because most of Old Town is within an easy walking or biking distance to most jobs and most of the nightlife. Duval Street is three blocks west, the Historic Key West Seaport is two blocks north, and just about any place important is within a five to ten minute walk. Keeping this property occupied will never be a problem.

809 Fleming Street as it appeared half a century ago

809 Fleming Street as it appears in 2012

A prospective buyer might decide to upgrade the property and perhaps add a pool where the parking presently exists. It has Dade County Pine on the inside and classic Key West charm on the outside. The location might make this property an excellent renovation project for the buyer who wants to create a small island oasis that he or she could rent as a vacation rental to help defray the cost of ownership. Or a new owner could simply continue to collect the rent on one unit and live in the other. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on this property.

Main floor kitchen

Parking for now, perhaps a pool in the future...

Upstairs apartment has lots of Dade County Pine

This property is located on guest house row. Several of the larger gay guest houses in Key West are located on this particular block including Oasis, Coconut Grove, Equator, and Coral Tree Inn. Curry House is an all welcome guest house that is located across the street. A couple of small commercial businesses including an art gallery are located on this block as well. There are a couple of single family homes on the block, and the remaining properties are apartments or condos. I am not sure that conversion to a single family home makes the most sense for this property on this block.

CLICK HERE to view a slide show of photos I took of this property. Better yet, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange a showing of this property. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.