713 Eaton Street, Key West - Former Home of Angelo Donghia Now For Sale

713 Eaton Street, Key West as it appeared in 1965

Shortly after arriving in Key West on my very first visit in March 1984 I walked up and down every street in Old Town marveling at what then were mostly funky old houses some of which looked like they were ready to fall over. I started to imagine what I might do to a house if only I owned one. I took pictures of several of the better homes that had already been renovated and just recently went through boxes of photos trying to find the picture I took of 713 Eaton Street, the subject of today's blog. I cannot find that one, and I am upset because it shows the house when it was still pristine. I took the photo below of the home yesterday. The trees in the front shade the front porch of this classical Key West property.

The listing Realtor describes 713 Eaton Street this way:

This iconic Key West home was once owned by Angelo Donghia and his classic sense of style is reflected in this special home. Located just two blocks from Duval, on the corner of Peacon Lane, this property, with its white picket fence and wide front porch represents the Key West ideal. Inside one will love the high ceilings and the tall windows that drench the rooms with natural light. There are three bedrooms and two baths including a master bedroom en suite. The kitchen opens to the living room through a wide breakfast bar. The kitchen door leads to the off street parking and side yard. Both guest rooms have french doors leading to the pool deck. An outdoor covered living/dining room is adjacent to the pool. This home has been photographed many times for various books and magazines.

The house is a simple one story six room Conch house which was owned and renovated by Angelo Donghia,  I did not see the house before it was renovated, but I have seen so many old homes that I am pretty sure the original house was constructed the same as others which would have included beaver board like panels applied over the original Dade County Pine walls. This material looks similar to a dense cardboard which could be painted. Beaverboard is flexible and can move a bit during a wind storm without cracking like plaster. I believe that Donghia removed the beaverboard to expose the Dade Count Pine walls and ceiling and added a clear coat of polyurethane which gives the current day walls and ceiling a grayish patina. The wood floors have the look of a well worn shoe - comfortable. The last thing one should do is refinish the floors: they are wonderful. They are like the walls, a canvas upon which to create art. In this instance, add a great rug.  

Upon his death in 1985 The New York Times referred to Angelo Donghia as one of America's most influential designers and distinguished two of his personal homes writing "a much-publicized Manhattan town house and a turn-of-the century Victorian house in Key West, Fla. The town house espoused a sophisticated, formal look; the Key West house had a more casual point of view that highlighted renovation and preservation." That home sits today the same way as when he sold it in 1980. It has not been touched. Buyers seeking an historic home may want to consider this property.

The front door opens into the living room and dining area on the right side. This is a big impressive space. Extra large crown molding and baseboards frame this space. The custom milled white trim sets off the windows and door.

This home which first appeared in the 1889 Sanborn Fire Map. At that time a small grocery store was partially located in the right front yard and extended out into where the sidewalk is today. That appendage appeared in each successive map until 1912.

When you enter the kitchen the same wood is employed. But the room is decidedly different. The room is even thous visible from inside the more "formal" living room is less formal by purpose and also by design. There is no crown molding or baseboard. The pine cabinets are the same pine on the walls which are aligned of the same plain. The kitchen shelves dial down the sophistication one more notch. Simplicity of design reflects the intended use of this space - food preparation.  The kitchen door opens out to Peacon Lane, formerly known as Gruntbone Alley where there is a bricked off street parking spot. 

The master bedroom is located at the right front of the house. While I did not see the house as it was being renovated, I am certain Donghia re-built the front wall that now includes closets on either side of a built-in bench  

There are two bedrooms at the rear. One is currently used as a den. Both have closets. And both have French doors which open out to the pool.

There is an outdoor shower on the west or right side of the house. All bedrooms have access to it as do people using the pool.

One of the real estate agents in my office told me he used to go to parties in the Donghia house back in the day while Donghia still lived there. He talked about the famous (and infamous) people from New York and Key West who attended the parties. He said the house was different then - furnished with designer furniture and art and famous people. The house itself has not changed. In fact, the passage of forty years have given that Donghia design a patina that only comes from age. If you are a fan of Antiques Road Show like I am, you know not to do something stupid by trying to clean or brush away patina. 

Eaton Street at Peacon Lane,  1937

Peacon Lane current

 

I can see why out of all the old houses for sale forty some years ago Donghia bought 712 Eaton (across the street) and also 713 Eaton Street. He renovated 712 Eaton and sold it to Calvin Klein. He kept 713 Eaton for himself. The simple facade of 713 is the opposite of the octagon house which is way fussy. It's better to look at fussy than to be fussy. People talk about fussy people. They admire the beautiful and unpretentious. That's what 713 Eaton Street is.  And it will stay that way as long as nobody messes with it.

713 Eaton Street is offered for sale by Preferred Properties Key West for $1,500,000. Please CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet. Then call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to set up a personal showing. Days and times are limited. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

3 Casa Roma Lane, Key West - A Genuine One-of-a-Kind Home

Longtime readers of my blog know I love where I live, Key West. This is such a beautiful little town out in the middle of the ocean. I also love the post cards and old photos that show what Key West looked like decades ago - before it was "discovered" by the hippies,  gays, and literati who made Key West famous. It must have been a magical place then. Well, the weather and clean air and the mighty Atlantic Ocean have not changed. Town fathers have tried to preserve much of the town while allowing the tourist industry to flourish.

 The above photos show Casa Roma which in former days was an elegant compound of homes, incredible garden, and tower. The first aerial photo above was taken in 1941 while the photo immediately above was taken in 1950. During the intervening years the US government built a military hospital in the once open space to the north of the Casa Roma. Most if not all of that hospital has been rebuilt in the past two decades.  In the next couple of decades the little triangle space north of US 1 was filled in where the first Holiday Inn was later built. The wetlands across A1A (now South Roosevelt Blvd.) were filled and houses built. The land adjacent to A1A is now hotels The gardens south of tower have been developed with a few single family homes, condominiums, and weekly vacation rental time shares. The tower remains and it is now for sale.

When you compare the postcard view with the current photo you will see that there have been a couple of alterations to the structure, primarily windows added to allow sunlight into the building.

Casa Roma Lane is accessed off A1A. There is off street parking adjacent to this house. Once you pass the gate the majesty of the tower comes into full view. Then you see the box-like two story deck that converts the round tower into something not round. Then you see the pool and spa. Some may think the pool is too small. Others will find this outdoor space delightful, maybe even romantic.

The listing Realtor describes the property this way:

"The landmark tower on Casa Roma Lane. Architect and builder Kevin Melloncamp has created a stunning retreat for himself by incorporating the 1940’s tower with a large new addition surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens with heated pool and spa. This stand-alone home has an elegant entry and two bedrooms and two baths on the main level. The second level consists of a gorgeous living room with vaulted ceiling, surround sound and lots of natural light. The really cool, well equipped kitchen is in the tower with curved walls, granite counter tops and a round center island. Both the first and second floor open to large shady porches for relaxing and enjoying the views. The third level of the tower is a guest bedroom and bath. Enjoy the incredible 360 degree view of the island, Atlantic
and Gulf from the circular deck off of the fourth floor office or den with wet bar and fireplace. This incredible property is located on a private lane with parking for 2 cars, a nice storage shed and is adjacent to the Coconut Mallory Marina for boating."

The kitchen is located in the tower. It's amazing how much geometry went into crafting this space into a functional kitchen.  The spiral staircase leads upward to the top of the tower. Another amazing space. Then you walk out onto the circular walkway. As I looked at the historic photos from years ago and compare how much this tiny little part of the island has grown, I can't help regret not being able to see the space from the tower then and compare it to now. Of course, that's life anywhere - the then and the now and the future. Still this tower view no matter when anyone goes outside will always be something to see.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS for more information on 3 Casa Roma Lane is offered for sale at $1,349,000. If this one-of-a-kind home intrigues you, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a showing.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. 

713 Emma Street No 2, Key West - President's Weekend Open House

In honor of President's Weekend I am hosting an Open House SUNDAY only at 713 Emma Street in Key West. Forget about tourist binoculars and newspapers (although there is an ad in Today's Key West Citizen). I will be there from 12:00 until 3:00 PM where you can see the best condo buy in town.

This is a sweet two story condominium in a small condominium association of only four units all built in 2005. This two bedroom, two bath unit has a first floor/office with half-bath that can double as a third bedroom The unit has GE Smart House technology and is outfitted with Viking Range, SubZero refrigeration, crown molding, high baseboards, Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, and lots of features you'll won't find in other condos or single family homes priced below $700,000. I'm confident of that. If you doubt this Mr. Thomas, stop by and check it out.  Or look at the YouTube video below. I prefer that you see it in person. You'll really like it. I promise!

From Duval Street at Petronia, walk or drive four blocks to Emma. Turn right. Located 1/2 block on the right.

3412 Eagle Avenue, Key West - Tropical Bungalow with a Movie Set Aesthetic

I got to preview the new listing at 3412 Eagle Avenue, Key West a couple of days ago. I showed the house a few years ago in a driving rain storm. I hate to show any home when the skies are gray, but showing a house in the rain is horrible. Buyers have to run from the car and into the house. They are frustrated and upset with Mother Nature and their Realtor for making them go out in the rain. The folks who saw this house passed up a great opportunity. I was so surprised to see what wonderful improvements the new owners made to this lovely bungalow home built in 1953.

Described as homes for every man, bungalows are modest and practical in design. They have verandas shaded by an overhanging roof. This home has been thoughtfully updated and gently brought into the 21st Century but still relies on design styles of yesterday to maintain generational aesthetics.

The main entry door is located around the corner and maybe ten feet to the rear of the front porch. The entry hall extends past the dining area and into the kitchen. The living room follows. It was when I hit the kitchen that I was sure that I had shown this house before. The cabinetry, counter-tops, appliances, and everything else is all new. The details in the design and the way the elements pulled together in a common theme just awed me.

The living room is two steps up from the kitchen. Multiple sets of French doors and windows open from the living area  out to the expansive covered veranda. Pause for one second, look back to the living room with long white drapes hanging then view the white sheers on the veranda. It looks like a scene in a movie. This owner has transformed this house into a movie set. It is magical.

The master bedroom is located at the far left front side of the house. French doors open out to the front veranda into the fenced and front yard. The beams in the vaulted ceiling punctuate the design here. There are a total for four bedrooms including the bedroom in the second floor guest suite. The guests will never leaves with a view like this.  Compare the original pool view with the design of the new home owners. The entire house was natural wood but now it is white and inviting.

3412 Eagle Avenue has 2.066 sq ft of living space divided between the two floors. The house sits on a totally fenced lot of 6,000 sq ft (50' X 120') which rivals a movie set. Must repeat that. This is such an interesting house especially when you compare it to homes closer to Old Town and the Casa Marina Areas. Many of those homes would cost a million dollars more - but they would be closer to Old Town. Smart buyers might prefer to save the money and drive an extra four minutes.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and to view more photos. This home is offered for sale at $925,000. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.