411 Grinnell Street, Key West - a Classic Old Town Revival Home Reinvented

Just Listed - 411 Grinnell Street in Key West which appears from the street to be a Classic Conch Revival home but which transforms into a sophisticated 21st century contemporary throughout much of the interior. The listing Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West describes this property this way:

"Meticulously restored with the highest level of craftsmanship and materials, this home will please the most discerning buyer. Located in historic old town on a double 8,375 lot, this home features every modern amenity. There are two bedrooms en suite plus a study and bonus finished 3rd floor. The dream kitchen has a Zebra wood island and Wolf, Miele, Thermador and Sub Zero appliances including built-in wine storage. Sun drenches the lap pool, cocktail pool and spa all of which are finished with iridescent blue glass tile and adorned with fire pits on either side of a glass waterfall. Off street parking for 2+ cars behind electric gates. Plans to build an adjoining home on the property are included. This is a rare treasure."

 I searched the Historic Sanborn Fire Maps and learned that 204 Grinnell Street existed as early as 1889. That property was renumbered as 411 Grinnell Street on 1892 Sanborn map. I found photos of 411 and 415 Grinnell Street which were taken in 1965 (see below).

I mentioned 411 Grinnell Street in my July 12, 2012 blog (Son of More Projects of Key West) when I posted these photos just after the property was purchased and plans to renovate were announced.

The original house at 411 Grinnell Street was thoroughly renovated from bottom to top and front to back. A new Great Room and kitchen were added at the rear. Today the property is a two bedroom two or three bath home. When you enter the home you see meticulously restored Dade County Pine walls, ceiling, and floors trimmed with crisp white wood trim, high base boards,and crown molding. But as you look closer you'll notice the old stairs were replaced with a striking glass panel and simple hand rail.  You quickly learn this is not another old house redone.

As I walked past the stairway the Great Room emerged in all its simplicity and grandeur. The rooms are painted white and provide a canvas upon which the owner creates the picture of how he or she lives in this space. Sliding impact doors open out to the covered lanai which provides a shaded sitting area on the otherwise sunny deck and pool surrounds. The pools (plural) are unlike any you've probably seen elsewhere in Key West. There is an extra long lap  pool, a cocktail pool, a spa, and  waterfall situated between twin fire pits.

Another adjacent had told me about the pool at this property several times. I sold the house next doo to the north and the house across the street. I had never been able to see the pool area from the street. So while you can see the other houses from the pool, passersby cannot see inside this area. A new owner could plant some trees for more privacy, but it is not necessary.

The guest room with en-suite bath is located on the first floor front. There is a nice little study located across from the master suite on the second floor. They didn't miss a trick in creating a sumptuous master bath. Posh would be an understatement to describe this pad. I would love to see how the former residents of this home would react to the new place. I am sure they would be amazed.

24 Hour Fitness on Caroline Street

411 Grinnell Street sits on an extra large 83.64' X 100.5' lot much of which is hidden from view from the street. There are currently three off street gated parking spaces. There are plans to construct a new 2500 square foot primary residence on the south side of the lot which convey with purchase. The current home would them become guest quaters. These plans were created by local architect Matthew Stratton. He is among the best in Key West and South Florida. If and until the new house is built, the owner of 411 Grinnell Street will enjoy the great location near the best bakery in town (the Old Town Bakery). Azur Restaurant is located upon on the corner at Fleming Street. The Eaton Street Seafood Market is a couple of blocks away where the best lobster roll in Key West is available daily. The soon to open 24 Hour Fitness is  a couple of blocks away on Caroline Street. There are numerous restaurants at the Historic Key West Seaport also located nearby.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view more photos of this beautiful home. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a personal visit to this incredible home. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

606 Truman Avenue No 5, Key West - Transient Licesensed Unit

Preferred Properties Key West (that's where I work but this is not my listing) is the listing brokerage for 606 Truman Avenue No. 5), a sharp 2/2 Windward Park town home which is offered at  just $924,500.  The home offers 1260 sq ft of living space divided between the two floors with two master suites.

Two magnificent Royal Poinciana Trees frame the entrance into the Windward Park Townhome compound. In two or three weeks these trees will blossom and this private parking area will be fully ablaze with millions of tiny red flowers. When you pass through the electronically gated entry the first thing you will probably notice is the very large and usually sunny pool around which most of the thirteen homes are located. Unit No. 5 is tucked away to the left.

The listing Realtor describes this property this way:

"Two bedroom/two bath transient rental property in Windward Park. Immaculately maintained by very particular owners; lots of upgrades and recent attention to every detail of the property. A private island oasis of only 13 townhomes in a compound only a short walk from Duval Street and yet a great distance from the hustle and bustle. Large, heated community pool, X flood zone and security gate entrance along with an assigned, deeded parking spot are some of the important features of this HOA. Excellent rental record making this property a wonderful investment or personal vacation home."

The main living area with the second floor "catwalk" can bee seen in a couple of other units at Windward Park but not all. The catwalk certainly adds dramatic flair to the living space where the ceiling soars two stories.  Otherwise, the main floor is laid out traditionally with the living room and dining area at front followed. One of two master suites is located at the rear. There is a main floor bathroom with access off either the living area or from the bedroom. French doors open from the bedroom to a private deck where an owner or guest could get an all over Key West tan. The washer and dryer are located here which means the noise and humidity will be outside not inside.

If you have looked at other town homes, condos, or even moderately price old houses in Key West before you have probably found that many bedrooms are rather small and often dark. Not so here. The second floor master bedroom is extra large.  If you prefer sleeping in a king size bed, you will have room to spare in this big boy bedroom that has windows that face overlook the gardens of St. Mary's of the Sea Basilica. This bedroom also has an extra large closet with owners' lockout. The en-suite bath is also extra large. Compare the size of both bedrooms to similarly priced units at Truman Annex which can only be rented for 25 weeks each year on a transient basis. Put yourself in the position of a renter and ask where would I rather sleep? CLICK HERE to view more photos I took of this home.

 CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls data sheet on 606 Truman Avenue Unit No 5. Then 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. I took photos of this unit late yesterday afternoon where I was sandwhiched in between other agents showing the place to prospective buyers. The last transient licensed unit went under contract in a matter of days after it was listed. I think this one will to. This place is clean as a whistle. There is no deferred maintenance. It's got a valuable full City of Key West Transient License which allows for 52 weekly rentals. The unit is one block from Duval and close to all that Old Town has to offer. Need I say more!

1033 Catherine Street, Key West - Not to be Missed!

Just Listed by Preferred Properties Key West is 1033 Catherine Street which is a cute-beyond-belief two story home located in the Old Town area South of Truman. The listing Realtor describes this 1960 sq ft property this way:

"Live in a Tropical secluded single family residence, located in X500 of Old Town. Built in 1988 with all the characteristics of a vintage Key West Style home with off street parking. This 2 story home is unique because the great room is on the second floor, to take advantage of the foliage with wrap around terraces, up to date gourmet kitchen with striped mahogany cabinets, granite counter tops stainless steel appliance and full bath. On the first level you are greeted by cathedral ceilings over an additional living space, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a laundry area. The hallway leads you to a covered deck with a heated plunge pool. This home is located close to restaurants, houses of worship and the famous Duval Street. Current Insurances, Wind, Flood, and Hazard is $5562."

 When you first enter this home that was built new (not remodeled and expanded) in 1988, you assume it is a traditional home. But you'd be wrong. Yes there is a very comfortable living room located just inside the front door. The vaulted ceiling abundant windows give this space a very comfortable setting for every day living. A broad hall on the left provides access through the house. There is a guest powder room located just past the living room. That powder room also serves as the bath for the adjacent bedroom which is the first of three bedrooms in this home.

The broad staircase leads to the second floor of this unconventional home where the great room, kitchen, and a third bathroom are located. This space is bathed in muted light from all four sides of the living space. A wrap-around second floor balcony provides additional outside area for taking in our wonderful year around weather. What looks like a simple little Key West cottage from the street becomes a modern large living space that must be seen to be believed.

 There's a cute plunge pool and deck area at the first floor rear. The photos below don't do the space justice. CLICK HERE to view the photos I took of this lovely home.

1033 Catherine Street is offered for sale at $1,029,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and professional photos of this really cute home. Then 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. This house should sell very quickly. It is priced below similar homes on a price per sq ft basis and it has valuable off street parking and a pool, features often not available in this price range in Old Town.