302 Amelia Street, Key West, Florida

The home at 302 Amelia Street is so pretty that it could be on a travel poster for Key West.  First and second floor verandas wrap around this stylish home that was designed by noted  Key West architect Michael Ingram.

The occupant of the front bedroom has a view of the the historic Key West lighthouse off to the north while the occupant of the master suite has a view of the Atlantic Ocean to the south.

This home is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. While the facade mimics grand old homes from two centuries ago, the construction of this house and the interiors are anything but old. This home was constructed with reinforced concrete with Haridboard siding added to give the appearance of traditional wood siding. The home also has impact windows and doors which provide sound insulation, protection from windstorms, and reduced fire/casualty and windstorm insurance rates. 

 When you enter the house you immediately realize this is not some old house that has been updated. Instead you walk into an open living area that is bright and cheery. Windows and French doors on three sides provide filtered views of the gardens. Top chefs will appreciate the gas range and designer cabinets. The granite counter tops and breakfast bar provide compliment the over-sized tile floors. All interiors and exteriors were recently painted. Everything is crisp and fresh.

With the French doors opened, the pool and waterfall look mighty inviting. The second floor balcony offers views of the pool below, the park across the street, and the Atlantic Ocean two blocks to the south. An electric extending awning provides shade from the sun when needed, but allows full sun at other times. All of the deck areas have Trex decking which is a man-made material that does not rot like regular or pressure treated wood. The waterfall adds a little splash to complete this Keys pool. There is a gated off street parking space located just beyond the pool. A door at the back of the house provides easy access for bringing in the groceries.  These are thoughtful and useful design elements that are often overlooked.

The stairway to the three bedrooms on the second floor is pretty impressive. It's quite wide. A window located at the turn around point illuminates the space and gives the perfunctory space a sense of importance. Notice the wood floors throughout the second floor which give the rooms a bit of an "old house" feel.

I couldn't decide which of the three bedrooms I'd pick if I lived here. Each bedrooms has its own particular view and mystique that make it special. Really!

The west corner bedroom is just plain beautiful.  The French doors open out to the wrap around porch from each bedroom so I guess anybody can have the same "view" once on the deck, but I'd prefer to think the views from inside the room are all mine.

The master bedroom with en-suite bath is quite large. Multiple sets of French doors open out to the wrap around deck. Note the drapes that provide privacy when needed.

The views just off the master bedroom include the pool below, the park across the street, and the ocean in the distance. Notice the Trex decking around both floors of the wrap around decks and the pool decking. 

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos on 302 Amelia Street which is offered for sale at $1,250,000. It is a three bedroom, two and one-half bath 2080 sq ft residence. It has a pool, off street parking, and like I said at the beginning of today's blog, a view so pretty it could be on a travel poster for Key West. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

415 Amelia Street, Key West, Florida

New to the market is 415 Amelia Street, Key West, Florida. Frequent readers of my blog know I like to dig in the old shoe box to see if I can find any old photos of houses I write about.  In the case of 415 Amelia Street I found a great black and white photo taken fifty-one years ago (see below). I recently took a photo from the same location.  If you look closely you will notice many similarities but some marked differences as well.  Three boys shown in the photo standing in the driveway in the old photo. I'd love it if a local happens to read this blog and sees his photo and would share what he remembers about this house and this block in the mid 1960s.

Today 415 Amelia Street is offered for sale at the asking price of $1,095,000.  According to the listing Realtor, not me, the house and separate guest cottage total 1164 sq ft of living space and sit on an irregular 3960 sq ft lot (47.75' X 83.85') that is located about 200 feet west of Duval Street in Key West.  The house and cottage have a total of three bedrooms, two baths, a sunny pool, covered off street parking, comfortable interior spaces, and lots of charm. Combine the location and amenities, and you have a money maker vacation rental if that is part of your plan in purchasing a Key West property.

The listing Realtor describes 415 Amelia Street as

"A MUST SEE! Rare opportunity to own a beautiful Conch home featuring two bedrooms and one and a half baths plus a spacious loft with room for a guests and/or an office. Situated in the heart of the Historic District of Upper Duval and perfectly positioned near the Southernmost Point and Hemingway's House, this unique cottage is a blend of eclectic style and color. Nearby are some of the finest restaurants and bars, and the Southernmost Beach, where you can relax on the sunbeds while sipping your pina colada. The rear of the house is an oasis of elegant charm, with the benefit a 'cabana' guest house and tropical outdoor shower. A glorious Moroccan tent provides a relaxing outdoor retreat overlooking the large, heated, saltwater pool. The carport and driveway comfortably accommodates two cars."

 The gated front entry leads to a charming front porch marked by what I refer to as dental structure gingerbread trim. Looking out from the front porch you see a charming Old Town street. When you open the front door your eyes dash around in anticipation of discovering which bedroom will be yours. And you eagerly await the vacation of your lifetime.

Kids, singles, or fun couples will like the room at the top of the stairs. A built-in window seat overlooks the pool and guest cottage below.

French doors in the master bedroom open out to the pool and deck. There's a waterfall with trickling water - what a wonderful sound to hear as you go to sleep or when you wake up. It's easy to see why vacationers fall in love with Key West when they can stay in a place like this.

I wrote about this house a few years ago when it was for sale. The current owner added the above "Moroccan" tent and totally transformed the deck area into something utterly charming at a minimal cost. I thought to myself this is ingenious. Previously the deck was just a big sunny space. All of a sudden there was shaded space to lounge while the kids play in the pool and later to have smart cocktails while planning where to dine at night. I had never seen something so inexpensive transform a space. I give this Seller an A+ for design smarts.

The guest cottage or "cabana" as the listing Realtor describes it is a long and narrow building located at the far side of the pool. It's got a bedroom and bath. An outdoor shower adjoins on the side.

 Remember what I wrote at the outset of today's blog - this home is located about 200 feet east of Duval Street. That's a great location for owners or vacation renters who want a place that is close to the action and attractions of Duval Street, yet that is located far enough away not to be swept up in the noise and commotion. And don't forget this home has its own off street parking.

Please CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet which includes lots of daytime and nighttime photos of this delightful property. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing of this property. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.