1529 Von Phister Street, Key West - Price Reduction

You'll be smiling to now that the asking price on one of the prettiest homes in all of Key West has been reduced. That's right, the asking price on 1529 Von Phister Street has just been reduced from $1,600,000 to $1,495,000. The listing Realtor describes this home this way:
"This historic home was completely restored and has been meticulously maintained. The beautiful curb appeal matches the interiors and will not disappoint. This stunning home offers heart pine floors, high ceilings, crown moldings, interesting architectural details and bright sunlit rooms. The living room, dining room, den and kitchen all flow into each other and open to the porches and the pool area. The separate guest suite is poolside and offers plenty of space and privacy. Upstairs, the master suite and guest bedroom suite each have private baths and walk in closets and each open to the wrap around porch. This charming home is pristine."

This is the kind of home many people dream of owning someday even if it's not within their budget.  That is, after all, why many dream of owning something that they cannot afford but sincerely wish they could. This is in my opinion one of the prettiest homes in all of Key West. This home is nestled behind a maze of tropical foliage and verdant grass on an ample lot just east of the Casa Marina Area. Double wrap-around verandas beckon passersby to stop and take notice of this elegant two story home with guest cottage.

This home is not typical of the Grand Conch houses of Old Town because it is not one of them, but it is every bit a grand and glorious home. While some of the houses in Old Town have wrap around porches, I'll bet you few have as gracious interiors you are about to view. Once you enter the home your eyes are drawn through the public living spaces to the rear gardens and pool. Windows and multiple sets of French doors bring filtered light into the spaces while the gardens to the east keep the interior spaces private. Then you will notice the step landing to your left that leads to the second floor where the bedrooms are located. A guest bath is tucked away to the rear of the stairs. As you move through the living area you notice the heart pine floors that are so rich and assuring. You pause for a moment and look up. You note the high ceiling wrapped with crown molding all white and crisply painted. When you reach the dining area you realize this place, no matter how grand it is decorated, is still unpretentious. The dining area is informal and set just off the kitchen. The informal living area is located at the rear. A built-in bookcase houses the TV and entertainment area and also provides lots of storage for gizmos of all sort. Doors at the far end slide open and lead out to the deck and pool. A set of adjacent French doors lead out to the covered veranda and the informal outdoor dining area. The guest cottage is located steps away, but far enough that your guests will feel they are in a world of their own.

The two story wrap-around veranda protects the house from both our bright sun and occasional pouring rain. The rear addition to the home has an awing just over the French doors that lead to the outdoor dining area. A similar awning protects the rear doors that open out to the pool area. When you first see the pool you think this is like some place you'd see in a movie - it's that pretty. And when you step up and enter into the new guest cottage you really do feel like you are in Hollywood instead of Key West. Well, maybe you do and maybe you don't. The present owner has created an homage to the greats of Tinsel Town. Imagine how you might transform this space into your own sanctum sanctorum.

The really nifty thing about having a guest cottage that is set apart from the main house is that guests can come and go and not interfere in your business when they are at your home. They can go to the beach which is about six blocks away or go to Duval or the seaport which is a five minute cab ride, or go to one of our three shopping centers to restock the pantry or to replenish your bar. (Fat chance either of the last two things will happen.) And even if your guests stay longer than it takes for fish to go bad in the fridge, your guests will still remain your friends.

There are two large bedrooms, both with en-suite baths, and French doors that open out to the second floor wrap-around porch. French doors in the master bedroom open out to the wrap-around second floor veranda where there is an old fashioned wood swing. Imagine sitting there swinging back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. Day and night, night and day, from now until forever. Wouldn't that be a dream. French doors from the second bedroom also open onto the same veranda. You may have to let someone share the swing from time to time. Or not!

CLICK HERE to view more photos I took of 1529 Von Phister Street. This home has 1776 sq ft of air conditioned living space that includes three bedrooms, three and one-half baths, covered and gated off street parking, a guest cottage and pool, and beautifully designed and maintained gardens. This home is offered for sale by Preferred Properties Key West. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet for more details. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing.

1127 Von Phister Street, Key West - Won't You be My Neighbor?

Good Morning, Neighbor.  Won't you be my neighbor?  You can if you buy the new listing at 1127 Von Phister Street located in the Casa Marina Area of Key West.  I live just a few houses to the west where I have lived 20 years. Let me tell you about the house and later the neighborhood.

1127 Von Phister Street is a classic two-story double galleried home that sits behind a white picket fence and amid a lush tropical garden. A bubbling fountain welcomes your guests as they walk up the bricked path to the welcoming old fashioned front porch. Once inside the classic style relaxes to Key West easy living accommodation. The spaces seem to merge together together, especially when the French doors in the dining area are opened out to the pool and rear garden.  The Viking kitchen with custom cabinetry and marble counter tops is a cook's dream.  There is a separate outdoor kitchen as well. 

There is a first floor bedroom and bath that can serve as a master suite when the day comes you don't want to climb the stairs to the second floor. Plus, it's closer to the kitchen.

There are two bedrooms on the second floor both of which have French doors that open out to the rear second floor balcony that is a great place for sunning.  There is a exterior staircase that leads down to the pool below. There is also a front balcony that looks down to the enclosed front yard.  The view from up here is just wonderful. You have the feeling that this place is just so exclusive - well, at least I get that feeling. CLICK HERE to view more photos of this property.

The pool area has all the features a luxury home owner would want including decent sized pool, outdoor lounge area, a real outdoor kitchen, dining area, and adjacent pool bath.  There's a storage area located under the stairs to the second floor balcony.

1127 Von Phister Street is located on one of the prettiest tree lined streets in Key West. The house is a five minute walk or take a bike ride to the Atlantic Ocean and the beach.You can walk or ride your bike to Duval Street in about five minutes. Or you could go to the shops on White Street like Faustos or go to the Island Gym (2 minutes) or you can grab a cafe con leche at any of the several neighborhood joints. You can be at the Historic Key West Seaport as fast on your bike as in your car (if you consider parking in your travel time) (5 minutes).  And you can be in the Key West suburbs at the shopping centers or leave on a jet plane (we got 'em) at the Key West International Airport (that name always cracks me up!) in about 5 to 7 minutes depending on traffic.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on 1127 Von Phister Street which is offered for sale at $1,475,000.  Please call me Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing. I'll take you around the neighborhood. You'll fall in love. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

1418 Leon Street - Elegant Key West Home

First time visitors to 1418 Leon Street in Key West will fall in love with the elegance and beauty of this pristine five bedroom home located just a couple of blocks away from the Atlantic Ocean. The front door opens into a formal entry with marble floor flanked by cherry wood floors, recessed lighting, crown molding, and French door that open out to the rear garden and pool.

Multiple sets of French doors in the open living area also open out to the covered lanai and pool. During this time of the year most Key Westers leave doors like these open throughout the day so that the indoor and outdoor living become one larger living space.

There is a ground level bedroom that could serve as a second master suite. (This especially useful as owners advance in years and find climbing stairs more difficult.) This bedroom is outfitted with a morning kitchen complete with under counter fridge. The guest cottage is nestled in just of the pool. When the doors are open the cottage seems like a little hut in a tropical paradise.

The second floor master suite occupies the entire backside of the home. Three sets of French doors open to views of the pool and garden below. The ingenious architecture of this space almost gives the feeling of being in a tree house, except this place is luxurious. 

CLICK HERE to view more photos of this beautiful Key West home offered at $2,250,000.  The CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet for more information on this home. After you have done all your clicking and looking, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing of this beautiful home. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

1108 White Street, Key West - Income Property

1108 White Street is a two story mixed-use building located on the White Street business corridor sometimes referred to as the Arts District. Even if you aren't all that familiar with Key West yet, you  surely have driven past this location before. Fausto's Grocery Store is located across the street. Sandy's is down the street.  Look closely at the photo, you'll see 1108 White reflected in the glass doorway 

I looked through the old shoebox and found a photo of the property as it appeared about fifty years ago. If  you compare the current facade in the color photo to the facade in the black and white photo you will quickly see the original second floor front porch was enclosed to provide additional interior space and that the old front addition was expanded a bit as well. The driveway in the black and white photo is now a handicap entrance to the ground floor commercial space as well as entrance to the first and second floor apartments.

The listing Realtor describes the property this way:

"Fantastic opportunity to own a fully-renovated, multiple-use building with commercial space and a private two bedroom two bath residential unit on the ground level, with an exciting one bedroom one bath apartment with private deck and huge unfinished attic for storage or expansion upstairs. This is a high quality renovation with amenities such as polished oak floors, central A/C, high ceilings, stainless steel appliances, separate laundry rooms, and so much more. Being a versatile property with turn-key income, potential uses are unlimited. Future owner can live in one of the residential units and collect rent or just enjoy the income stream. Residential and commercial leases are in place. Income and info available upon request."

I was not able to see the inside of the first floor commercial space. The two residential units are nicely laid out and have large updated living spaces.  They are more like condos than apartments. The first floor is typical of many homes in Old Town in that the living space is located at the rear of the property which then opens out to the back deck. This arrangement gives the occupants a nice living space plus outdoor living area. Renters will pay more money for upgraded living spaces.

The second floor unit has a rooftop deck as well. The exterior stairway has a great view of Fausto's across the street. Sandy's Sandwich shop is located a 1/2 block to the north. There are several gyms and yoga studios within three blocks. The location is an easy walk or bike ride to Duval Street and the Historic Seaport, both locations where many locals are employed. Full time workers will like these units and this location.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on 1108 White Street which is offered for sale at $1,249,000. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-3642 to schedule a private showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.