1115 Packer Street - Key West - Sheer Genius

The new two bedroom home at 1115 Packer Street is sheer genius, and you can buy it for only $639,000.This newly listed home is described by the listing Realtor this way:

"Picket fence paradise in Old Town, located strolling distance to Duval and; the beach. Meticulously restored this home is drop your bags ready. Home is energy efficient and eco-friendly. Outdoor living embraced with lush, native landscaping, outdoor shower, cut coral patio. Many custom touches including; chef's kitchen with Corian counter top, stainless steel appliances and gas stove, slow close drawers. Hand scraped Birch floors throughout except for gorgeous marble floors in bathrooms. Tray ceilings, spa showers, interior - washer/dryer, extreme insulation. Practically a brand new house inside and out, with new siding, electric,plumbing, roof, impact windows and doors, etc. 2 off street parking, X Flood zone. PERFECTION."

Landscaped Cut Coral Patio

  When viewing the facade of this newly listed home you might expect a typical Key West cottage style home with a typical cottage style interior. But that would be faulty thinking. Instead, this home is smartly designed and finished for today's informal yet style conscious living. When I first entered the house my eyes were wowed by the abundant light from multiple windows and doors that played off against the tray ceiling. What might be boring interior space turned into an innovative treat. It made me want to go forth to see what other bits of genius the developer had created.

I soon found another eye opener which were twin windows located on either side of the gas range that were located just at counter top height and which occupied that short space between the counter top and the upper hanging kitchen cabinets.  I have seen similar windows before, but only in million plus homes.

 The house has two good sized bedrooms and two baths. The master bedroom has a side door that opens out to a private deck area that also includes an outdoor shower.  When you finally move to Key West and buy your home you will learn one of the reasons people love living here is their outdoor shower. I pity people who don't have them. Seriously.  It is a life essential as far as I am concerned. I am glad this developer put one in.  The second bedroom has access to another side deck which is visible from the living area.

Guest Bedroom

Guest Bath

Master Bedroom

Master Bath

Outdoor Shower located at the rear of  Private Deck Area

 One of the most frequent questions I get asked is whether a new owner can tear down an old house in Old Town and build a new one. The answer is "No" with some minor qualification. Instead, many developers buy a place like this house and rebuild it.  Over the years I have seen lots of renovations, remodels, and re-builds. I have seen all manner of quality and workmanship. I have seen style and I have seen greed. Sometimes I have seen greed, granite, and caulk go hand in hand to create the illusion of a quality renovation. I know crap when I see it and I have warned my buyers not to fall for it.  This house, is quality through and through. The workmanship and materials used are all first class.
CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view listing photos of 1115 Packer Street. This home is offered furnished with the items currently shown in the photographs. And CLICK HERE to view photos I took of this really charming Key West cottage style home.

If you would like to see 1115 Packer Street, I really wish you would like to see it with me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.When you see this property you will surely agree with me that it is sheer genius.

1019 Varela Street - Transient Licensed House - Old Town - Key West

Just Listed by Preferred Properties Key West, that's where I work, but this is not my listing, 1019 Varela Street in Old Town Key West. This really cute two bedroom home has a very valuable City of Key West Transient Rental License which permits daily rentals. The asking price is $499,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on this unit.

 This cottage style home sits elevated behind a white picket fence on a quiet street. The front porch provides a good people watching perch.  Inside you will find a lovely living room with vaulted ceiling.  Two sets of French doors open out to outdoor living area that includes a hot tub. The property does not have off street parking.

 

 If you would like to see 1019 Varela Street before it gets swooped away (which it surely will), please contact 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. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

1119 Johnson Street in the Casa Marina - Key West

 Just listed, but not by me, 1119  Johnson Street in the Casa Marina Area of Key West. The listing Realtor describes this Key West property this way:

"This beautiful home is located on one of the widest and most desirable streets in the heart of the Casa Marina Neighborhood. The split-level home is perfect for entertaining with a large living room opening through multiple French doors to a stunning outdoor area with pool, modern kitchen with adjacent dining area and a spacious den opening out to a gracious 22' x 21' loggia. The second level has two guest bedrooms with shared bath and a nice master bedroom with private bath. The property is walled for privacy with a sunny 32' x 16' heated pool, beautiful coral stone water feature, meandering paths and covered parking."

 As the listing agent notes, this block is one of the most desirable locations in Key West. The three block stretch from White to Reynolds Streets hosts a limited number of larger homes situated on large lots. Some of the homes have expansive front yards while others are protected by large privacy fences. 1119 Johnson Street has the latter. When you pass through the gate you enter into the pool area which is located at the front of the property (the exact opposite of what you find in most of Old Town). The amazing blue pool takes your breath away with its simplicity.

Multiple French doors open from the living room out to the pool.  I've got to say my eyes were transfixed to the pool. So many people dream of owning a home in Key West with a pool. This property, Dear Reader, is a pool with a house.

Just a few feet away from the living room you will find the den, dining area,  and kitchen. A large covered loggia is located just off the den area and provide more than ample covered outdoor living and dining space. 

The house has 1992 sq ft of living area under air and sits on a very large lot (75' x 100' or 7500 sq ft). CLICK HERE  to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet on this home. This wonderful home is offered at $1,450,000.

CLICK HERE to view more photos of 1119 Johnson Street and photos of adjacent homes.  The Atlantic Ocean and several Key West beaches are just a couple of blocks to the south. I live in the Casa Marina Area and love it. 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.

909 Pohalski Ln - Key West - Open House - Sunday

Now that you know the when and the where, here's why you should come see this home:

• Stunning Renovation Completed December 2012
• 1286 Square Feet of Living Space
• 700 Square Feet of Outdoor Living Area
• Two Bedrooms plus Two 1/2 Baths
• Beautiful New Kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances
• Wind Impact Resistant Glass Doors and Windows
• New Roof
• Optionally Licensed as a Duplex

 Offered at $595,000

Key West or elsewhere

The Northeast is getting pummeled with a monster storm as I write today's blog. CNN is reporting a forecast of up to 38 inches of snow in Milford, Connecticut. I have a lot of loyal readers who live in that part of the country. I feel your pain. I remember living through horrible winters in Denver where I spent my entire life until I moved to Key West in 1993.  I have never looked back with regret at that move.

If you are over living in the cold north and dream of living in Key West please CLICK HERE to search the Key West Association of Realtors mls to find the home of your dream.  If you find a place you like, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. It will be the best move you ever made, too.

921 Whitehead Street - Old Town - Key West

It 's been a few years since I stepped inside the remarkable old Key West home located at 921 Whitehead Street. I had forgotten how big and impressive an this place once was and is again.  The city property records were destroyed in a great fire many years ago.As a result we o not have accurate building records on many of the Old Town buildings.  I dipped down into the old shoe box and found a couple of historic photos of the house. The first one pictured immediately below says 921 Whitehead was built circa 1905.  I found the black and white photo below with a notation taken in 1937.

When I actually entered the house the firs thing I saw was the impressive old stairway. My but they don't make them like that anymore.  The second thing I noticed was the ceiling height.  Few modern homes have ceilngs as high as this home. Off to the right was the dining room and kitchen.

The living area is located at the rear where French doors open out to outdoor living area and lap pool. Too many houses in Old Town have tiny pools and tiny outdoor spaces. That's not the case here. There is plenty of room (and sunshine) to get a perfect Key West tan or host an outdoor party here.

There is an ample sized bedroom plus bath on the main floor as well.

The master suite occupies the second floor. The sitting room/office has access to the second floor front porch which over looks the Key West Light House. What an impressive view that is. By the way, Ernest Hemingway's old home is located a couple of doors to the north.  The master bath is located at the rear and it has access to a second floor rear terrace with big sky views and also the lap pool below.

And then there is there is the third floor which includes another sitting area and another bedroom. The view of the old lighthouse from this floor is nothing less than spectacular.  If you are a lighthouse aficionado, you must buy this house. And if you are looking for a house that would make a great vacation rental, this is a must see.

921 Whitehead Street is listed by Preferred Properties, that is where I work but this is not my listig. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view more photos of the property which is offered for sale at $1,729,000.

Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

1211 Margaret Street - Key West Home For Sale

If you want to find a new permanent home in Key West or if you are looking for a special getaway retreat that has all the bells and whistles, the totally renovated home at 1211 Margaret Street may be the place you have been searching to find. The original home has been updated and expanded to 2100 sq ft of quality living space located on two floors (plus the detached pool house). The property as a whole has four bedrooms and three and one-half baths. The asking price is $1,099,000. 

The listing Realtor describes the home thus:

"Seductive renovation of a classic historic 4 bedroom single family home. Highest quality materials were used in transforming this home to a bright, cheerful and spacious residence. High ceilings, marble countertops, stainless steel appliances and luxurious chef's kitchen. Open floor plan with 2 bedrooms downstairs and large master suite upstairs and an adorable 1/1 guest cottage. Recently painted in bright tropical colors this home evokes happiness and warmth when you enter. Elegant wood floors, crown molding and contemporary bathrooms. Spacious outside deck of Ipe wood with lush tropical landscape and swimming pool. Coveted off-street parking for 2 cars. Located in a quiet, hidden Old Town neighborhood. A Renovated Old Town Treasure."

This home is cleverly laid out such that two of the bedrooms which are located on the first floor just don't seem to appear to bedrooms. The open kitchen is quite inviting. Here the chef will be a part of the action as there is no place to hide. There is, however, plenty of cabinetry and counter-tops. A breakfast bar will be a great gathering spot for family and friends. There is also a formal dining area when the need arises. The stairway to the second floor master suite is located at the rear of the new addition opposite the dining area which opens out to the pool and deck area.

The master bedroom is extra large as compared to many Old Town homes. The bedroom has nice sitting area and a second floor deck that looks down to the pool below.

The nice thing about having a guest cottage like the one shown above is the fact that your guests can have lots of privacy. They'll probably never want to leave! :)

1211 Margaret Street is located just four blocks from such upper Duval spots such as LaTeDa, Banana Cafe, Gingerbread Square Gallery, and the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.  South Beach is a couple of blocks further south. I think this home could effectively  function as a vacation rental.  

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos. Better than that, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing of this super clean and quite lovely home. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc.