811-814 Carey Lane - Old Town - Key West

 I have written about living on one of the slow lanes in Key West. This has got to be one of the "slowest" locations on any lane in Key West. That is for sure. Carey Lane is a real "dead end" lane as the photos at the top show. It is located at the junction of Margaret Street and Angela Street. The Key West Cemetery is on the opposite side of that "junction" and Margaret Street suddenly becomes Passover Lane. Confused?

The recently combined property at 811 - 814 Carey Lane is located at the far end of this little lane that maybe runs a total of 250 feet, if that. Some of the sweetest little houses in all of Key West are located on Carey Lane. Carey Lane, Dear Reader, truly is one of the sweetest of the sweet little lanes that make our little island community so alluring. The listing agent more fully describes the house located at the end of the lane thus:

"Quiet serenity awaits you at this secluded tropical oasis in the heart of Old Town Key West. Tucked away at the end of one of the most beautiful lanes in Old Town, this large estate with multiple buildings is the ultimate in tropical living. Beautifully renovated 2/2 historic guest house built in 1943 evokes Key West charm with modern conveniences. New kitchen and baths, central air and private outdoor spaces. Spacious one-level 3/3 main house built in 1970 waiting for your personal touches with great floor plan, high ceilings, detached bedroom/office, enclosed porch overlooking a large pool with lushly landscaped 9179 square foot lot. Off street parking, peaceful and quiet location. A Tropical Jewel For Serene Island Living."

I have written abut the guest cottage several times before it became a part of this larger property. At one time I wrote "t really is one of my very favorite homes in Old Town. There is something so quaint, so cool, so unassuming, and so welcoming that just about anyone will feel at home. The house is nested under some very large trees that give it a protected feeling. It is located on a quiet lane removed from the hubbub of Key West and yet it near everything."  I recently got to take a peak at the newly updated cottage.  I fell in love again with this quaint space. Below are some sample photos that show how inviting a small space can be.

The problem with having such a comfortable guest house is that your guests will stay and stay and stay forever.  And who could blame them?

Ample gated off street parking is another reason to consider this property.

I am troubled as to how to describe the main house because it has so many facets that make it so appealing.  There are both very comfortable indoor living spaces and equally inviting outdoor spaces. For the most part the indoor spaces offer picturesque window views of the gardens or pool or the rooms actually open to the outdoor living areas.  The indoors and outdoors merge into unique Key Westy environments when the mix is done right. It is done right here.

 The screen enclosed outdoor living-dining area is located on the opposite side of the living room (top photo). That area is probably where most owners would spend the preponderant time enjoying this home. The space provides views of the lush tropical garden and alluring pool.

811 - 814 Carey Lane has combined interior living spaces of 2639 sq ft that sit upon a 9179 sq ft site hidden away from the rest of the world. There are a total of five bedrooms, five baths, and numerous living and dining spaces.  This property is offered at $2,349,000.  CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view more listing photos of the property.  You might also CLICK HERE to view other photos.

If you would like to see this truly appealing property located at the end of the slowest lanes in Key West, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. 

618 White Street - Open House - Key West

Open House, Sunday, March 10th from 12:00 to 2:00

618 White Street ~ Old Town ~ Key West

Hosted by Gary Thomas, Realtor 305-766-2642

Offered at $474,000

522 DuPont Lane # 1 - Key West - Transient Licensed Single Family Home

Just listed by Preferred Properties, that's where I work but this is not my listing, 522 DuPont Lane #1 in Old Town Key West.  If you have been dreaming of buying a place in Key West that you could rent when you are not using the property, this home may be the answer to your dreams.  The listing Realtor describes the property this way:

"TRANSIENT LICENSE! One half block from Duval Street with PARKING and a great pool and outdoor dining pavilion. There is one bedroom downstairs with an en suite bath and there is also a half bath downstairs. The living room has two pairs of French doors opening to the pool and deck. Upstairs are two bedrooms with en suite baths, vaulted ceilings and appealing balconies."

522 DuPont Lane is located at the end of what used to be called Titanic Lane.  The lane is located about 120 feet east of Duval Street on Petronia Street. It is the proximity to Duval Street that makes this property so appealing to returning visitors to Key West who want to be near all that Old Town has to offer.

 The property is completely gated and fenced. The two story house has 1568 sq ft of living space that includes three bedrooms, three baths plus a half bath, large living area with French doors that open out to the pool and deck. The pool is surrounded by tropical plants bathed in color French doors int he living room and bedroom open onto the courtyard. There is a separate poolside pavilion for alfresco dining.  And there is off street parking (adjacent).

 CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view listing photos  This property may not be toured until March 15th.  But don't let that prevent you to consider purchasing this money maker.  This property has a valuable transient rental license and can be legally rented on a daily basis to a different vacation traveller every day of the year. That's not practical, but it is important to understand that this property can provide a steady income stream to you as an investor. There is one drawback to owning a property like this: you can't use it as often as you want because when you use it, you are not making as much money as you could.  What a darned plight to have!

If you would like more information on this house or if you would like to see it as soon as we can get inside, 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.  Let me help you fulfill your dream of owning a home in Key West.

812 Fleming Street #6 - Back on the Market - Key West

I wrote about 812 Fleming Street, Unit #6 located in the Seafoam Condominiums in Old Town Key West just after it was listed in January. The unit went under contract soon thereafter.  The unit went back on the market on February 28th. This is a second chance to buy this top floor unit which has a commanding view of Fleming Street from the broad covered balcony. There you can watch one of the best people parades on a daily basis or enjoy the roof top views of our little town.  The listing Realtor describes this 618 sq ft one bedroom condominium this way:

"Wonderful Old Town condominium in beautiful condition and ready to move in. 9ft ceilings, Dade County pine walls and floors throughout and a great cathedral ceiling above the 200sf balcony overlooking Fleming Street. This third floor, one bedroom, one bath unit with 618 sf of living space is a true gem with tons of natural light. In the back yard there is a pool and private grounds. Seafoam Condominiums consists of eight condominiums and two commercial units."

Timmy Tuxedo is one of the two commercial units in the building

I searched the old records and found a Property Appraiser reference that the building was actually built in 1906 despite what the computerized property records show. (The old courthouse burned years ago and members of the WPA reconstructed property records based on the year they created the new data system which was 1933 unless they had independent verification otherwise. It is not uncommon to have two sets of totally opposing dates. The style of the original building certainly looks much older than the types of buildings built during the middle of the Great Depression for one important reason: they were not building new buildings in the Depression.)

812 Fleming Street in 1965

812 Fleming Street in January 2012

First, you can't find a better location in Old Town: it is near everything full time residents want and part-time owners demand. Second, it is located on the top floor of an historic building, and it has commanding views of the nearby neighborhood from its 223 sq ft balcony. Third, the building's incredibly beautiful interiors can be customized to a new owner's desires without getting approval from any governmental bureau (the condo association may need to approve, however). Fourth, the building has only eight residential units plus two commercial units (including Key West landmark Timmy Tuxedo) with long term residential ownership. Fifth, the rear side of the building has a wonderful pool and private garden area.

  The front entry has an electronic keyed entrance. You walk into the entry hall and immediately see the dramatic open three story staircase illuminated by rooftop skylights. The geometry of the place is just awesome. Another stairway at the rear takes you down to the private pool. There is also a coin operated laundry for unit owners that do not have a washer and dryer in their units.

Last year when I wrote about another unit in this building that was for sale I said "this building is located on the gayest block in Key West. Four all male guest houses are located in this block including Equator, Coral Tree Inn, Coconut Grove, and the Oasis Guesthouse. Alexanders and The Island House are located in the 1100 block of Fleming Street and the guys normally pass by 812 Fleming Street once or twice each day. You don't have to be gay to buy in a place like this, but if you are gay, this is surely one hot property!"  Since I wrote that blog the Oasis and Coconut Grove Guesthouses were sold and are now "all welcome" as opposed to gay male. The Coral Tree was purchased as well and will stay gay male. Alexander's and the Island House are the same as before. The gayest street in Key West has not changed, and that is a good thing.

 812 Fleming Street Unit #6 is offered at $400,000. CLICK HERE  to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet and listing photos. Better than looking at pictures, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange 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.

---

618 White Street - Key West - Adorable and Affordable

 Just Listed 618 White Street in Old Town Key West. This cute as a button two bedroom home is in move-in condition. It is adorable and affordable - and it is priced to sell at just $474,000.

I dug deep into the old shoe box and found a photo that shows how this house looked back in 1965. The photo has a note that says the house was built in 1890. The other houses on this block were all built at the same time and all originally looked the same. I was told this group of houses were homes of cigar workers that worked at a cigar factory on nearby Newton Street. I dug deeper in the shoebox and found an old postcard that shows the historic Armory building located five houses to the north that shows the neighboring homes as they appeared in the 1920s. (The Armory is now the home of The Studios of Key West.) I took a photo that shows the same scene over ninety years later. It's nice to see that the more things change elsewhere, they tend to stay relatively the same in Old Town Key West. We aim to keep it that way.

According to the Property Appraiser records 618 White Street was renovated by a former owner between 2004 and 2005 at which time the kitchen and bath were renovated, windows and interior walls were replaced and a new roof installed. The current owner added new gutters and metal storm panels. The interior has new floors and all interior walls are colorfully painted. The open living area offers relaxed living space. There are two bedrooms on the main floor. And the extra large second floor loft offers additional bedroom space plus room for an office.
 

The master bedroom has a set of French doors that open out to the back yard which is currently enclosed by a privacy fence. The spacious back yard features a couple of fruit trees, tropical foliage, and  sunny patio area. I believe there is more than enough room to install a nice sized pool. CLICK HERE to view more photos of this really attractive Old Town home.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet for details on this property. Better yet, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing of this property.  I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.  Let me help you find your perfect place is Paradise.