827 Southard Street - Key West - Old Town - Price Reduction

Everybody likes a good deal.  Well, the asking price on 827 Southard Street in Old Town Key West just got better. The price was just reduced to $525,000.  CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view listing photos.  

I checked the Historic Sanborn Fire Maps and learned that 827 Southard Street appeared for the first time in the 1899 edition and was then identified as 420 Southard Street, and was later identified as 731 Southard Street, and finally became 827 Southard Street. The notation on the back of the black and white photo above says the house was built circa 1890.  The Monroe County Property Appraiser says this house has 720 sq ft of interior living space. It sits on a 1462 sq ft lot that is rectangular in shape, but the rear has a very odd triangular wedge that I will discuss later.

The listing Realtor describes this property as:

"High atop Solares hill and directly across from the sprawling grounds of the Historic Harris School, sits this classic conch cottage waiting for your personal touches. Currently comprised of two bedrooms and one bathroom, the home appears to have a solid structure with possible expansion of 2nd story over rear addition. Small private courtyard in the back. Property is just a couple of blocks from either Duval Street or the Historic Seaport in one of the most desirable areas of Old Town Key West."  And then he adds: "there is an approximately 150 sq. ft. piece of land that has an easement for use by the current owner. If a buyer would like that land, they would need to negotiate a price with the neighbor, who is amenable to sell it."

 The is an old house that would benefit from a modern renovation. It has very tall ceilings.  I think the hallway is too wide. I think a new owner could reduce the hallway size and expand the room sizes. A new owner might reverse the current layout and make the front room the bedroom. The bathroom could stay in the same location to save on remodeling costs.  I would move the living area to the mid part of the house. I would vault the ceiling in the rear sawtooth addition and add French doors that would open out to the rear. The backyard, such as it is, is very small. See the wedge photo below.  A new owner needs to get creative here. But it can be done. I have seen some incredible small decks. The photos below show how the house looks today. We have a lot of local contractors who redo houses like this all the time. When this house is updated, you won't believe the new place ever looked like these photos.

This house is located directly across the street from the old Harris School that occupies more than half the block. Locals and tourists keep asking what will "they" do with the school. I have no idea. The building is considered historic even if it is a white elephant. Generations of locals went to school there and they will insist any future use must preserve the historic facade. Until that day comes, a new owner can sit on the front porch and view the old school and a parade of passers-by. The house is locate near Mangia-Mangia and Michael's restaurants. Duval Street is just three blocks to the west and the Historic Seaport is about a five minute walk to the north.

CLICK HERE to view the rest of the photos I took of this property. Don't let the condition of the house keep you from looking. This is a great Old Town location and this could be a great small project that could be done for a reasonable amount of money. I sold a nearby house a couple of years ago. The owner and I spoke after I took the photos. We were standing in front of his house when one neighbor passed and said hello and mentioned his name. Another neighbor arrived and there was a similar exchange. That's how life is in Key West, even on a street with lots of tourists, Old Town is after all a bunch of small neighborhoods where people like you and me live and revel in the joys of owning a home in Key West. And it is nice to know that no matter how many houses get updated, the old neighborhood stays pretty much the same over the years. The kids playing recess in the 1950s are planning to retire about now.

 If you want to see 827 Southard Street or any other home 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. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

1110 Elgin Lane, Key West, Florida

Recently added to the Key West real estate market is 1110 Elgin Lane which is shown in photos taken in 2014 and 1965.  If you compare the two photos you will see that decorative shutters were added and the front posts were replaced with some gingerbread attached. Otherwise, the house seems to look pretty much the same today as it did nearly fifty years ago. 1110 Elgin first appeared in the 1882 Sanborn Fire Map for Key West as #H  Elgin Street.  The numerical street identifier 1110 Elgin was added in the 1889 Sanborn Map. So we know this house existed as of 1882, but it could have been built as early as or after the Civil War. This house is located just a couple of blocks from the Historic Seaport which in the 1880s was the heart and soul of Key West commerce. Today the little lane, like so many of the slow lanes in Key West, is a sought after location for many second home owners.

1110 Elgin Lane was significantly updated in 2001 when the original house was expanded.  The second floor became a usable bedroom with the addition of a bathroom and dormers. Architect Tom Pope designed the renovation which included the addition of a new kitchen.  A significant wrap around porch was added on the west side and rear. This porch was designed and constructed so that a subsequent owner might enclose the space to enlarge the main house if desired. The owner preferred the covered outdoor living area as opposed to having more interior space. The 1998 renovation included the addition of a small guest cottage, bath and laundry at the rear of the property. The interiors of the main house were all updated. New windows and doors, electric, plumbing, and AC were all added as well. The wrap around porch bridges the space between the main house and guest cottage.

The renovations included the addition of bricked off street parking and a white picket fence which is de riguer for houses in Old Town. The brickwork continues beyond the parking and encircles much of the new pool and spa. A buyer that wants a pool in which you can really swim will find this pool more than adequate.   Today the combined living area of the main house and cottage are 1311 sq ft. The house sits on a double lot (50.25' X 78' or 3920 sq ft). 

The front porch provides a perfect perch to sit and watch the neighbors and the occasional tourists come and go, except there isn't much of either.  If you want to really watch people, you'll need to walk over the Seaport or over to Duval Street, either of which is a few minute walk.  When you open the front door you see lots of Dade County Pine walls that have been stripped and pickled. A eye catching stairway leads to the second floor.  The front room can be used as an office, den, or guest bedroom.

Notice the very narrow floor slats in the foyer

 The second floor bedroom and bath may need a bit of updating. The bedroom comes off a bit rustic even though it has wall to wall carpet. I'd remove the carpet and replace with wood floors. I might add drywall.  This would soften the area just a bit and probably make the space more comfortable.

 I took more photos of this intriguing property which you can see if you CLICK HERE.  Pay particular attention to the outdoor spaces.  While so many houses in Old Town have small outdoor spaces, this property has an abundance of covered and open outdoor spaces.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet for $1,249,000.  Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing of this very charming historic Key West home.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

721 Windsor Lane - The Writer's Compound - Key West

Just listed, but not by me, 721 Windsor Lane which is located in the Writer's Compound in Key West.The old cottages and houses were once winter homes for writers such as Pulitzer Prize–winning poet Richard Wilbur; "Divine Comedy" translator John Ciardi; John Hersey author of "A Bell for Adano" and "Hiroshima", and Ralph Ellison who wrote "The Invisible Man".  The compound is located on Windsor Lane near the top of Solares Hill, the highest point in Key West. All of the houses in the compound sit behind a large privacy fence. Each house sits on its individually owned lot which is accessed via common area walkways. Also included in the common area is a beautiful pool and stunning gardens.  I don't reckon there is a more beautiful setting in any shared community in all of Key West.

The listing Realtor describes the property as:

"Charming Windsor Village community established for those 55 and older. This move-in ready cottage is beautifully designed utilizing its 591 sf to maximum effect. A welcoming front porch invites you to read a good book. Leading directly to the kitchen, the bright entry hall separates the living room from the bedroom. The living room features accent windows, a vaulted wood ceiling, & French doors leading to a private garden. Opening to an outdoor dining space, the sparkling new kitchen showcases custom cabinets & stainless steel appliances. The light-filled bedroom features a high ceiling, French doors & a newly renovated en suite bath. With the added bonuses of an outdoor shower, laundry & storage loft, this cottage undoubtedly lives large."

721 Windsor Lane is tucked away at the eastern edge of the compound providing the owner with complete privacy. A small front porch looks out to the bricked pathway that leads out to the common area and pool.  When you pass the front door you might assume this cottage which is only 591 square feet would be small. Tain't so. The living home has a vaulted ceiling. French doors provide lots of light and great views out to the garden. This is but a one bedroom home. The bedroom is opposite the living room. A side door opens out to the outdoor shower - a necessity in any Old Town home. The stylish kitchen even has room for a table and chairs for two. 

721 Windsor Lane is offered for sale at just $499,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls data sheet and to view listing photos taken by Michael Philip at Doug Mayberry Realty who gave me permission to use in this blog.  Please call, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing. This will not last long.  Better act quick.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.