1430 Albury Street, Key West - Dream the Possible Dream

The above photos show the vacant lot at 1430 Albury Street in Key West which is offered for sale with all necessary building plans approved by various City of Key West agencies to construct a new home.  Now in most parts of America that would not seem like a big deal. But in Key West where there are few building lots and especially lots in such a prized location as this, it is a pretty big deal.  That is because the Historic District in Old Town and much of the Meadows Area and the Casa Marina Area fall under the protective HARC (Historic Architectural Review Commission). HARC is charged with the preservation and conservation of the character, integrity and appearance of the historic districts. All changes, alterations, additions, demolitions or relocations to buildings and sites must first obtain a certificate of appropriateness from HARC before any work can be undertaken. That's kinda easy to write but more difficult to obtain in real life. 

As lovely as the old CBS house was, in reality it was not worth saving. The building had spalling in a couple of locations. The owner went through the tedious process of obtaining permission from  HARC to raze the non-historic structure. The owner worked with local architect Carlos Rojas to design a two story 'Conch' Style home with about 1900 sq ft of living space on a 50' X 70' (3500 sq ft) lot. All plans have been HARC Approved and all City Planning  Department requirements met. A new owner can apply for a building permit the day you close. The hard work has been done. The house will have four bedrooms, three and 1/2 baths, four porches, a pool and deck, and off street parking. The house can be constructed with new and efficient building materials including Hardiboard siding which is easier to maintain than traditional wood siding. The home will include new wind impact resistant windows and doors. This means your wind insurance will be a fraction of what you would pay for a house with regular windows. The new house is FEMA flood compliant which will result in lower insurance costs. Your regular home owner's insurance will be less costly because it will be built to the highest building standards in Florida again as compared to old construction. These savings will be significant in the short and long term. If you don't like the approved plans,  you could revise the plans and build a different version of your own dream house. The site approvals and basic structural approvals are in place and should govern any proposed change. A new owner could revise the plans and build a different version of his or her dream house. The approvals are done. The hard part is over.

The new house will be located within easy biking distance to Duval Street and all of the noise and commotion over there. I know a lot of potential buyers think they want to live within two blocks of Duval. Believe me, you'll be much happier not having to hearing folks walking back to their hotels or rental houses at 3:00 AM or listening to Conch Train conductors re-telling stories about old Key West twenty times a day - every day of the week. 1430 Albury Street is located in a much quieter part of the Historic District, just one block from Bayview Park. You can go there to walk your dog, play tennis, marvel at the glorious Royal Poinciana trees, or participate in one of the civic events which occur at the park throughout the year. Of you can go out the back door and sit on the deck and watch the sun rise or walk the dog down lovely Albury Street which is populated with huge flowering and fragrant trees. You will fulfill your dream of living life in Paradise.

1430 Albury Street is offered with approved architectural plans at $750,000. The price does not include the cost of construction of the new home but it does include all architectural plans, surveys, approvals, etc.  CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet. I can provide more detailed information on the plans to interested buyers. Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

610 Griffin Lane, Key West - Stunning Update of an Old Town Charmer!

 The listing Realtor describes the new listing at 610 Griffin Lane this way:

"Nestled in the heart of Old Town tucked away on a sweet, quiet lane, you will find this completely charming oasis consisting of a main house with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, guest house with living area, loft bedroom and bath, and even a third house which could serve as a bedroom, office, or studio. Thoughtfully restored with an eye to detail and comfort, the cottages' porches overlook a delightful courtyard with native landscaping and a refreshing heated cocktail pool. The kitchen is completely renovated with stainless appliances and quartz countertop, and the bathrooms are evocative of a peaceful spa experience. This rare property is truly a haven in paradise. One off-street parking space completes this Old Town compound." 

 I found an old black and white photo of this property that was taken in 1965. Everything on the inside and most of the outside is new. The listing realtor says the house dates back to 1901.  It doesn't look that old - not by a long shot.

The front porch was opened up and steps relocated to the west end of the porch.  A bricked path was added which winds its way to the west where two additional cottages are located. There is a large court yard surrounded by various tropical plantings and trees. The rear area just stuns a first time visitor, it's that charming. It's the kind of place that immediately makes you say to yourself "I wish I could live here!" 

There are two recently (but not newly) constructed cottages at the rear. Both have been thoroughly updated by the current owner.  I unilaterally decided to call the smaller cottage a writer's cottage because it has no bath. It's perfectly adorable for just about any use including a spare bedroom, artist studio, gym or yoga studio, or a place where one could write the great American novel. The outdoor shower can be partially seen through the window in the photo above.  A guest would have to use the bathroom in the larger two story building or one of the bathrooms in the main house. CLICK HERE to view more photos I took of this really charming property.

The original house has been updated as well. The kitchen is all new and features beautiful cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and quartz counter tops.The kitchen doorway opens out to the cocktail pool which you'll see shortly. The kitchen floors are new porcelain tiles. The wood floors in the house are original to the home and have been refinished.

There are two porches that open from the the living and kitchen areas. The front porch runs the length of the house from the front gate and the courtyard side covered porch provides both sitting and outdoor dining space.

There are two good sized bedrooms and baths in the main house. And there is separation between the rooms so the other occupants can't listen to bickering or anything else. That's an important part of any home, whether it is permanent housing or a space that is used as a vacation rental. People want privacy. This property provides it.

The French doors visible in the photo second above open out to cistern that was converted into a cocktail pool. No diving allowed unless you want to crack your noggin. The space is smallish, but there is a pool and a place to sun.  If you want to be near people and lots of semi-naked bodies, Dante's is located just a couple of blocks to the north. Five Brothers Deli is one-half block away on the corner of Southard at Grinnell Street. Duval Street is a five minute walk to the west.  

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos of 610 Griffin Lane which is offered for sale at $1,495,000. This is a 1600 sq ft property with three bedrooms, three baths, an outdoor shower, cocktail pool, and one off street parking spot.  Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to set up a private showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. You're gonna fall in love with this one!

714 Olivia St #4, Key West - Bank Owned with Transient License

There is a new Bank Owned listing at 714 Olivia Street, Unit #4 in Old Town Key West that is something to cheer about - the reason is it has a very valuable Transient Rental License and is affordably priced.  The listing Realtor describes this property this way:

"Cottage style condominium with a transient license in Old Town Key West. The one level cottage has vaulted ceilings, tile floors, open floor plan and french doors in the living room and bedroom that open onto porches. The condo is being sold furnished. The Colony Condominium is a small community with a large beautiful pool and off street parking."

This is one of nine units total. Some of the units share a 'common wall' with an adjacent property. This his an historic property that was updated and expanded just a bit when the property was turned into condominiums. 

The deck at the front of the house looks off to the pool and the winding bricked sidewalk which leads to  the front entry.  There is also a private rear deck accessed off the kitchen were you might have a grill or lounge chairs for more private chilling or entertaining.

Unit #4 is a one bedroom, one bath condo with 526 sq ft of interior living space. It has a valuable Transient Rental License which permits daily, weekly, or monthly rentals. A new owner is not required to rent the unit at all, but having the viability to rent daily or weekly makes this particular property very valuable in the eyes of many. The condo fees are 1400 per quarter and cover trash, sewer,trash removal, building maintenance and insurance, and common area & pool maintenance.  This property in located in an excellent part of Old Town and could be easily rented throughout most of the year if the new owner wanted to do so.  CLICK HERE to see more photos I took.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to learn more info on this unit. Use the drop down menu for more info.  Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to set up a showing on this neat and well located property.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.