809 Eaton Street - Old Town - Key West

Just Listed by Preferred Properties, that's where I work but this is not my listing, 809 Eaton Street in Old Town Key West.  The original house dates back to circa 1840 when it was built for Henry Lowe. The house was totally restored and expanded in 2005 when it was featured in the Old Island Foundation House Tour.  The house is typical of other Bahamian styled homes of that era located in the immediate neighborhood.

Many of the Key West's founding fathers were expatriates from the Bahamas. They brought with them the architectural style and construction techniques with which they were familiar.  Bahamian styled houses were placed on piers and had wood frames, tall ceilings and large windows with Bahama shutters which permitted wind to circulate through the house for natural cooling. The houses were built with wood clapboard siding.

I dug deep into the old shoebox and found a photo of the roof of 809 Eaton Street (black and white photo immediately below) that was taken in 1914.  I just love the look of Key West back in the day. You can see that the Historic Seaport is only a couple of blocks away. Note all of the smaller buildings which back then were cook houses or privies.  I found another photo of 809 Eaton Street that was taken in 1965 (black and white photo second below). The house would have been about 125 years old when that pic was taken. Forty-eight years later 809 Eaton Street still looks great (color photo below taken February 2013).

 

 
The listing Realtor describes 809 Eaton Street this way:

"Classic 1800's Old Town property which is a combination of the Henry Lowe House and the Samuel Kemp House, built in 1840. This 5 bedroom / 4.5 bath 3 story home with 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom guest cottage has all the amenities you're looking for! This historic home offers a spacious living area with large open kitchen which is great for entertaining. Additional features include large porches throughout, high ceilings, Dade County Pine, hardwood flooring, large covered deck, fantastic pool and jacuzzi and off-street parking. Converted cistern as wine cellar. There is also a 60,000 watt generator so you're never in the dark. On the National Registry of Historic Places."

 This house has 4712 sq ft of living space in the main house and guest cottage. The lot is an irregular rectangle of of 6079 sq ft (approximately 57' x 125'). The main level includes a spacious living room, dining room, family room and extra large kitchen and pantry. The master bedroom with en-suite bath is also located on the main floor at the left rear of the home.  Multiple sets of French doors line the back of the house and open onto a rear loggia that overlooks the pool.

A gracious staircase leads to the second floor where there are two large bedrooms and baths. These bedrooms open onto the wrap-around second floor porch. A smaller staircase leads to the third floor which has a dormitory style bedroom plus a wonderful bath at the rear which as a view looking toward the Gulf of Mexico. You can see the pool, guest cottage, and garden.This is the kind of view that  people who accomplished great things get to enjoy.

The interior finishes and materials are all of the highest quality. While the house is rich in history and the house itself has several formal living spaces, most of the living areas on the inside and outside are quite relaxed. The combined family room and kitchen provide area for family and friends to enjoy this incredible home.

It is the outdoor living area that will probably entice that special buyer to select this home. The covered rear deck overlooks the lengthy pool and spa which is surrounded by bricked walkways and sunning areas. The guest cottage on the west side was built as part of the 2005 restoration and expansion. The cottage has a separate designer kitchen and bath plus bedroom each of which looks out to the pool. (Your guests will never leave.)    

The property has two off street parking spots: one adjacent to the front entrance and a second at the rear.  The whole house generator will provide electricity to keep you comfortable and cozy in the event of power failure elsewhere on the island. CLICK HERE to view a slide show of photos of this incredible Key West property.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos of this special Key West home which is offered at $2,850,000. If you area qualified buyer and would like to see this special home, 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. This is a home not to be missed.

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