5 Fletchers Lane, Key West - Life on one of our Precious Slow Lanes

I found the above photo of 5 Fletchers Lane with the notation that the boy sitting on the front porch of Grandma's house was James. The photo was taken in 1965. The house first appeared in the Historic Sanborn Fire Map dated 1889. The narrow lane was not given a name until the 1912 map when it was arbitrarily called Amplex Ct. I don't know when Amplex Ct became Fletchers Lane but I do know it was before 1965. Today the front of the house looks nothing like it did just fifty-one years ago. But it is the same house along with the  major two story addition to the right..

The house sits at the far end of Fletchers Lane which is located about 100 feet west of the corner of Eaton Street. While the lane is narrow, you can drive an auto to this house which has off street parking. Several really charming homes line either side of the lane about half of which front on Grinnell Street. If you are the type of buyer who values privacy, this may be the home of your dreams.

 The listing Realtor describes this home this way:

"Luxurious & Elegant Historic Home on one of the most desirable lanes in Old Town Key West. The perfect location for walking to the Seaport or Duval Street, The Old Town Bakery and 5 Brothers. Situated at the end of a quiet lane on a lush tropical lot, this 4 bedroom home underwent complete renovation and additions in 2007. High ceilings, hardwood floors, bright & airy kitchen with open floor plan overlooking tropical yard and inviting pool. The original historic home has been made into a beautiful first floor Master suite. The property features vaulted ceilings, 2 large guest bedrooms plus a wonderful guest cottage providing comfort and privacy for you and your guests. Ample off street parking, brick patio for entertaining, and a central Old Town location make this the Quintessential Luxury Oasis in Old Town Key West."

You enter the new addition to 5 Fletchers Lane off a traditional covered front porch. While it looks old, it's relatively still new. The interiors are anything but old. While the open living space had many traditional elements, the spaces are open and have multiple functions. And they are damned pretty!
The pool view shows the back of the new addition plus the guest cottage. The original house is almost hidden behind the guest cottage. That space is now the master suite shown with the white iron bed. The guest cottage is shown just above. The problem with owning such a sweet place like this is that your guests won't want to leave. CLICK HERE to view more photos of this home.

5 Fletchers Lane is a 2352 sq ft home. That's really large for a home in Old Town. It has four bedrooms with three and one-half baths. The pool is long and narrow and gets sunshine. The second floor rear deck provides space for natural sunbathing because nobody can see up there. This home would make a great vacation rental when the owner is not in town. 

The new 24 Hour Fitness just opened a block away on Caroline Street at the Historic Key West Seaport. After you or your guests have worked off the calories from the day before, you or they can stop by Harpoon Harry's and load up new ones. Duval Street is just a couple of blocks further to the west. Your guests will love you for buying a place that is tucked away on one of the slow lanes of Key West but which is so close to everything that is so much fun.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on 5 Fletchers Lane that is offered at $1,699,000. 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.

908 18th Terrace, Key West - High End Renovation

908 18th Terrace in Key West is describe by the listing agent as:

"Exceptional high-end renovation with contemporary charm and family-friendly design. Open 1405-sq ft floor plan includes living and dining areas and chef's kitchen flanked by impressive king master with walkout to private patio, massive en-suite, walk-in closet. Two bedrooms and second full bathroom on opposite side. Full laundry utility room with walkout. Floors are low-maintenance ceramic throughout. Beautifully landscaped 6069-sq ft property includes three entertaining areas. Access from kitchen to large, custom canvas awning-covered patio. Bonus utility building perfect for future pool or spa off master wing. New Kitchen Aid appliances, roof, electric, under-ground wiring, plumbing, impact windows and doors, fencing. Covered off-street parking. Desirable utility easement with side yard access. Corner lot landscaped, fenced for privacy. Welcoming family home with space inside and out or use both bedrooms for quiet home office, personal fitness center or craft room." 

I was thoroughly impressed by this 21st Century renovation to a mid-century modern home originally built in 1963. The updated house looks nothing like the original house. The old chain link fence is gone. Today the 60' X 102' lot is framed by low lying The original windows and doors were replaced by new impact glass which will significantly reduced wind storm insurance costs. The old chain link fence and pea-rock landscaping were replaced with low lying hedges and a minimalist privacy fence.  There is a new metal roof atop the freshly painted white exterior. The total effect is sophisticated  elegance. The interiors are painted white throughout the house which is divided into four living spaces. The frosted glass main entry door opens into the open living living area. The kitchen features quartz counter tops plus an island for dining. A new window was added to provide a view of the outside just above the kitchen sink. The former kitchen was painted red and even though the old cabinets were white, that kitchen came off as oppressively dark. The new space is vibrant by contrast.

The master bedroom with huge en-suite bath and walk-in closet are located to the right side of the living area. This space is so much more than it was before. It is really bright and cheery. The bedroom area has a vaulted ceiling. New windows were added just below the ceiling to add light to the space but provide privacy at the same time. Remember the old ceramic tiles used in mid-century homes? They have been replaced by subtle porcelain tiles. A sleek new window was added to the extra large shower pictured immediately above. The light is reflect in the mirrors opposite above the dual sinks. 

There are two more bedrooms with this house plus the stand alone cottage at the rear which has also been updated. The cottage would be the perfect spot for the brother-in-law who comes to stay for a week but ends up staying for months. He can enter off the front and walk to the side and never have to enter the house. There is room for a pool as well.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and more photos of this really clean and attractive home that is offered for sale at $749,000 which is the just appraised value. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to set up a private showing.I am a buyers agent a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. If you are a local buyer, you already know this is a great family neighborhood with locals who have lived in this area for generations. The home is located near Key West shopping centers and schools.

199 Golf Club Drive, Key West

199 Golf Club Drive is located in the exclusive Sanctuary division of the Key West Golf Club Community. The listing Realtor describes this 1600 sq ft home this way:

"A rare one owner home impeccably maintained in the Sanctuary, a gated enclave within the KWGC. No renters or pets have lived here. Enjoy the lush, tropical, private yard on the 18th fairway of the Rees Jones designed golf course. Home features main floor office and the Great room transitions to a screened in covered deck that overlooks the 1000 S.F. brick patio surrounding your own lovely private inground saltwater pool. Some of the recent updates include appliances, granite countertops in baths, Australian Birch and Bamboo floors. The vaulted guest bedrooms both have access to the covered porch and the Master bedroom is complete with it's own screened in porch. Off street covered parking. KWGC features 2 heated pools and fitness center."

 I have written before and will repeat again here that I think these homes are among the best priced homes in Key West based on price per sq ft, amenities offered, and quality of construction. This home was built new in 2000, but has the look of a grand Conch House down the road in Key West. The main floor features an open living concept with a den located off to the side at the rear. This space can function as a den, TV room, office, or even a guest bedroom. There is a half-bath located on this level as well.The kitchen opens out to a breakfast bar. Four panel doors at the rear open out to the screen enclosed two story porch.

 Den, TV room, Office, or Fourth Bedroom located off the living area

The bricked backyard includes a heated pool. A small gate at the rear provides access out to the 18th fairway at the Key West Golf Club. The club is public and open to all. I have to constantly explain to potential buyers that you do not have to play golf to appreciate the beauty of this golf course.

The rear porch is constructed with steel I-beams. Note the windows have approved shutters to obtain discounts on wind insurance. The exterior appeared to be in very good condition as did the rest of the house. This is an important item to consider on any home purchase because a place that needs repaired will cost a new owner more money down the road. This home has been very well maintained.

The master bedroom has a vaulted ceiling which adds so much dimension to this home. The wood floors shine throughout the house but are especially noticeable on this floor where filted light peaks in through the windows. The master bedroom has exclusive use of the second floor rear covered porch. The two guest bedrooms at front are smaller in size but each has a vaulted ceiling as well.  These two bedroom share access the front covered porch and also the hall bath. Golf Club Drive is a beautiful street that loops through the Sanctuary and ends up back at the electronically operated iron gated entry.

Even though 199 Golf Club Drive has its own heated pool, guests may want to use the resort sized community pool or get in a workout at the community gym. Or they may want to sit in the butterfly garden to read a book or watch moss grow. In all the times I have gone over to the large pool, I rarely see anyone using the pool. The Key West Golf Club Community Homeowner's Association is professionally managed. Monthly homeowner fees are $380 and cover pool and landscaping maintenance, common area maintenance, cable television, security, and management. The temperature today may reach into the 90s. It's hard to imagine the pool and streets in December, but if you close your eyes imagine driving through the community the week before Christmas when most of the homes are decorated in anticipate of St Nick's arrival. This community is so pretty all year but is especially alluring at Christmastime.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet 199 Golf Club Drive which is offered at $745,000. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to request a private showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.