Somebody's Key West Granny

Written on the back of this 1960's photo "Dancing girls at a service club" Key West Florida

Stop. Stare. Consider this. These women were probably in their very early 20's, if that, in 1960. They would be at least 80 in 2020. They would be somebody's grannies.

A few years ago I went to look at Old Town house where I took some photos. The older woman owner was in the house and showed me around. She showed me photos of herself before she was married and had children - photos of a young vibrant dancing girl. She wasn't a harlot - simply a young girl proud of her body who showed it off a bit. She had framed photos of herself, her husband, and children all over the house that chronicled her life. She was eager to tell me all about her life in Key West and the events that occurred in the house where she spent her entire life.

I love this town.

Canadian Leftovers in Key West

All of the stories I write about Key West are true. I change names and places to protect myself from lawsuits. This is a true story. I hope my former neighbor don't read this or sue me.

I moved to Key West in December 1993 to own and operate a guest house. I quickly met many of my neighbors and many locals who stopped in to welcome us to Key West. I was amazed at how friendly and welcoming the locals were. Every single person told me the property had a great location. Eaton Street is own of two streets that lead from US 1 directly to world famous Duval Street. My guest house was located about 100 feet east of Duval Street. I quickly learned the value of that location when tourists without a room reservation showed up. This was before the Internet but is probably as true today. People get in cars and head to Key West not knowing exactly what to expect. Some never leave.

I learned the guest house was the former home of Dr Warren and his wife Genevie pictured above. They lived in a grand house which later became a guest house - one of the prettiest homes on the Island of Key West.

We soon me the owner of the one level house a few doors to the east. His house was located between to guest houses, one being the former restaurant which I wrote about a few months back - the restaurant that had dead cats hidden behind the refrigerators.The Canadian's house was in pretty sad condition. The house sat on a 4,800 square foot lot 300 feet eat of Duval. The land was worth more than the house.

At the end of season our Canadian neighbor invited us to Sunday Dinner. Neighbors from a nearby lane were also invited - he was a real estate agent and his wife a ballet instructor. We chatted and then feasted upon leftovers from the Canadian's refrigerator. He told me that he was cleaning out the refrigerator before heading back to Canada for summer. How thoughtful! And frugal too!

This story has no ending except to add the fate of the little house. The Canadian purchased in in 1972 for $25,000. He sold it in 1998 for $295,000 and was re-sold in 2005 for $1,300,000. The old house was razed, a small cottage added, but the lot was and still is used as a parking lot for a nearby guest house. You can't make this stuff up.

CLICK HERE to read the story about the dead cat.

1009 South Street, Key West - Casa Marina Area

Just listed 1009 South Street, an early 20th Century home that has become a legal multi-unit apartment. The builing has 2,381 Sq Ft of living space and sits on a 4,830 Sq Ft corner lot in the Casa Marina Area of Key West.

I found the above aerial photo taken in 1930 which shows 1009 South Street existing at that time The entire area had drastically changed over the ninety following years. Today most of the empty lots have been built and original cottages and homes rebuilt. The house next door to 1009 South Street was in fact the cover and feature home in Architectural Digest about a decade ago. CLICK HERE to read.  I reccomend buyers seeking an entry to Key West to seriously consider this property and figure out to to make it into your dream home. It is still five blocks from the beach.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and photos of 1009 South Street offered at $1,200,000. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

265 Golf Club Drive, Key West - Just Listed

Image driving home after a long day on the water boating, fishing, diving for lobsters, or alternatively working again. This is the view you will have when entering The Sanctuary at the Key West Golf Club Community. I just listed 265 Golf Club Drive, the largest single family home in The Sanctuary.

This four bedroom home is the largest single family home available with 1816 square feet of living space plus 200 square feet of bonus space off the master bedroom. Let's take a look inside.

Upon entering the front door you are immediately impressed by the size of the main floor and how different it is from the smaller homes in The Sanctuary. There are new floors throughout the house including the dark wood floors on the main level.The new kitchen has cabinetry that extends to the ceiling, stainless steel appliances, and granite counters. The elevated breakfast bar extends out into the open plan living area.

There is a new guest bath located just off the front entry. Stacking washer and dryer are tucked away behind the double doors off the living area.

As you make your way through the living area toward the screened lanai, you notice a first floor bedroom located off to the right. Plantation shutters here and throughout the house allow light flow to be adjusted in a classy way. The crown molding, high baseboards, and trim is painted bright white which contrasts to the dark wood floors. But it is the sunshine filtering through the lanai that begs our further attention.

The screened lanai offers protection from the blazing sun. Believe me, most sane people can only take 30 minutes or so of direct sun. The space is wired for TV and cocktails. You can get wired with cocktails. New TREX decks were added at the front entry and the entire back area. There is a spa plus outdoor shower with multi-level shower sprays.  The tropical foliage behind the pool provides a buffer from the golfers on the other side. 

The new master bath has dual vanities with mirrors that illuminate upon touch. The oversized shower has another multi-head shower sprays. Thee is a small window in the room as well. The current owners use the side room as a home office.

Almost all of The Sanctuary homes are two story. This home has first and second floor covered porches with sitting areas. Each of the two front guest bedrooms open out to the porch. The vaulted ceilings add to the spatial feel for each room. The share a newly renovated bath.

The Key West Golf Club Community has two pools including the resort sized pool shown above. There is a small gym located in the clubhouse. And there is even a butterfly garden located on the far side of the clubhouse. I don't recall ever seeing a living person there. Nor a dead one.---

 If you are a parent with school age children you will be happy to know the new Gerald Adams school is located nearby.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and listing photos of 265 Goff Club Drive offered at $799,000 or $439 per square foot. The please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to arrange a private showing. This home is the very best value in The Sanctuary. See for yourself. Don't wait.