720 Simonton Street rear, Key West, Florida

There's a little cottage located at the far end of a private lane located just south of the swank Gardens Hotel. The street address of this place is 720 Simonton Street (Rear). I dug into the old shoebox and found a photo taken half a century ago. The cottage sits at the rear of the deeded private. You'll probably recognize the contemporary house located next to the driveway. I found a photo of the old commercial building that occupied the same location years ago.

I found more photos of other surrounding houses that all appear to have been built around the same time. They all share that tree lined drive from Simonton Street to where it ends in a large gravel parking area for the homes located there. I recently showed 720 Simonton Street Rear and remembered that I had been back in this hidden area years ago but did not return because I had no need to go there. I get amazed at how hidden some places are. This is one of them.

 The listing Realtor describes 720 Simonton Street Rear this way:

"Live In The Heart Of Key West Just Steps From All The Attractions On Duval Street! Cozy Cottage Located Off A Quiet Lane In Old Town With Deeded Off-street Parking. One Bedroom, One Bathroom, Living-dining Area, And Galley Kitchen. Sliders Open On Front And Back Of Home To Two Separate Privacy Fenced Decks."

As soon as you pass the gated entry you realize this cottage is no cigar maker cottage. Instead, it is slice of life of mid-century American architecture complete with glass slider doors that provide ample daytime illumination of the living area located on the other side of the wide deck.

 The four room house is easy to understand. The living room and dining area are located in front. The galley kitchen and bathroom are located in the middle of the house. The spacious bedroom is located at the rear where there is another set of sliders that open out to a rear deck.  Notice all the closet space in the bedroom. This place just seems to offer so much living space as compared to some cigar maker cottages where sometimes rooms are cramped. If you are reaching your 'golden years' you'll appreciate that all rooms are located on one level. There are no stairs, no spiral staircase, and no ship's ladder or other contraption to complicate your life or mobility. And your off street parking spot it located right outside your front door. CLICK HERE to see more photos.

720 Simonton Street rear is zoned  HNC (1-3) which may allow for future transient rental which would require the purchase of a transient rental license at additional expense. This property does not have a transient license and may not be rented transiently at this time. Most abutting properties have transient licenses. Just because it is zoned to accept a transient license does not mean that the City of Key West would consent to such a use. The city has a policy against displacing existing residential use with transient use. 720 Simonton Street rear could be rented as a monthly vacation rental. I think this would make an excellent vacation rental property.. You cannot ask for a better location. It is close to everything but it is serenely quiet.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on 720 Simonton Street rear which is offered for sale at $519,000. Then 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.

721 Catherine Street, Key West - A New Home to Cheer About

Look close at the newly built "Conch House" at 721 Catherine Street in Old Town Key West. You're familiar with the classic lines but this house is decidedly different. The listing Realtor, not me, describes the house this way:

"This newly constructed Conch house is a must see! Located in Old Town, the home features a meticulous eye to detail incorporating clean styling and practical features. The kitchen boasts custom cabinetry, Silestone countertops and stainless steel appliances. The open floor plan is perfect for entertaining while preparing meals and lounging by the heated pool with waterfall. There are three bedrooms including a first floor master with bath and two bedrooms with abundant closet space on the second floor. Impact glass windows, gated off-street parking, maintenance free Hardieplank siding and coveted X-zone location combine with fashionable design to make this your perfect Key West address."

The main entry to 721 Catherine Street is located near the rear of the wrap-around covered porch where you walk into the open living area.  You will immediately notice the porcelain tile floors, the open living space, and the sleek kitchen. Everything about this house is so clean and welcoming. Then you'll see the double French doors that open to the outdoors. There is a covered rear deck and an open sun deck with pool and garden. It's all done. You won't need to do anything. Bring your toothbrush, sun tan lotion, and maybe a swimsuit if you're shy.

This home has a first floor master bedroom with en-suite bath. You won't need to sell your Key West getaway when climbing the stairs starts to get more difficult.  And even if age is not a factor for you as a buyer, not having to walk downstairs to get your morning coffee or to take a late night dip in the pool is certainly a reason to consider this home.

Dormers on the second floor add height and dimension to the space, but it is the introduction of what I call Drama Walls that make this place just ooze charm. When you look out the second floor windows you can actually see big sky views in all directions. A lot of houses in Old Town are spaced so close to each other that you can't see much of anything except your neighbor's house or trees. That is not the case here. There is abundant light in this house. It is cheerful. There's more to cheer about as well. The Hardiplank construction means this house will be more economical to maintain. Hardiplank stands up to our weather much better than regular wood siding. The impact resistant windows mean your windstorm insurance will cost less. Since the house is located in the X Zone, flood insurance will not be required if you have a mortgage. Finally, consider all of the designer features incorporated into this property. You  won't need to spend money to fix the house. Instead, you can spend the money you save on maintenance and insurance and buy some great Key West art and fun new home furnishings instead.

721 Catherine Street is located two blocks east of Duval Street. It's a straight walk to LaTeDa and other fun locations on Duval Street. Many of the island's gyms and yoga studios are located within a few minutes walk to the north and east. South Beach and other beaches are a few minutes by bike. This property would make a fantastic vacation rental or a very comfortable second home. You and your guests will always be near something fun to do, but when you're at home, you will be in your own private paradise.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos of 721 Catherine Street that is now offered for sale at the reduced asking price of $1,199,000. After you have looked at the pics, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private 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.

1009 Eaton Street, An Historic Old Town Key West Conch Cottage

 

1009 Eaton Street is a  two bedroom/two bath Conch style home offered for sale by Preferred Properties Key West, that's where I work but this is not my listing.  I found this home on the 1889 Sanborn Fire Map.  That would indicate it existed before 1889 when the map was drawn. The listing Realtor describes the property this way:

"Historic Cigar Cottage in the heart of Old Town Key West with the Seaport and some of our best restaurants at your doorstep. Preserved Dade County walls throughout. Main level consists of a living room, dining room, kitchen and full bath with French doors to the covered deck and spa. Upstairs are 2 full bedrooms with a bath in between and deck overlooking the back yard. Property has had excellent long term rental history."

1009 Eaton as it appeared in 1965

The front porch welcomes friends and family to a 1170 sq ft home that sits on a 1578 sq ft lot just located one half block east of Grinnell Street. The Historic  Key West Seaport is located a block and one-half to the north. Frequent visitors may recall the Old Town Bakery is located at the corner of Grinnell Street and the new Paseo Restaurant is also located on the opposite corner.

The main floor of the house has an inviting living room with Dade County Pine walls, ceiling, and floors. The dining area is set off just a bit by an ancient room divider. The kitchen is located at the rear. The kitchen has been updated with new cabinets, counter tops and stainless steel appliances. . There is also a full bath on the first floor even though both bedrooms are on the second floor.

There are two bedrooms on the second floor. The master bedroom is located at the front. The guest bedroom is at the rear. There is a second floor rear sundeck as well.  

The rear yard presently has a spa.  I think there may be room for a small in-ground pool.
The space is large enough. The cost might be a bit high as the pool would have to be dug by hand instead of machine.  You could save yourself a lot of money and do what a lot of locals do: go to Dante's and use the pool there. Buy lunch and a couple of drinks and use the pool and tan for free. You will save thousands and thousands of dollars on construction costs and you'll save money on a pool service, chemicals, and electricity to run the pool everyday of the year.I have buyers that do this and they love it! It makes a lot of sense.

1009 Eaton Street is now offered at $659,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet and listing photos. I took more photos which you can view if you CLICK HERE.

Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing of this cute two bedroom home located in Old Town Key West. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

1314 Petronia Street Key West - Price Reduction

The asking price on 1314 Petronia Street located in the quiet Meadows Area of Key West was just reduced from $1034,950 to $995,000.  The listing Realtor describes this home this way:

"This vibrant, avant-garde 2 bed 2 bath masterpiece, embodies the elegant, tropical indoor/outdoor living for which Key West is famous. Glass sliders disappear, uniting the living room with the poolside, covered outdoor dining area and stunning stainless steel wet bar. The stylish kitchen features gas cooking, granite counter-tops, and ample space for prep and entertainment. The master bedroom suite features vaulted ceilings, double French doors leading to a private terrace, en suite bath with adjoining outdoor shower and direct access to pool. Also handy to the pool and master suite is a dry bar with extra storage. The guest bedroom has private access to second bath and spacious laundry room. Come see this secret gem in the Meadows today!"

The dining room, kitchen, and living room all have views that look out to the covered outdoor living area and pool.  The master bedroom with en-suite bath is located a step or two away which makes an early morning or a late night dip a pleasure. The guest room is conveniently located on the back side of the house for total privacy.

CLICK HERE to view more photos I took of 1314 Petronia Street.  This home would make a great vacation rental property. Who wouldn't love to get up in the morning or go to bed in the evening in a home that is so open and welcoming?  This two bedroom, two bath home is now offered for sale at $995,000. Better than looking at photos, however, is taking a look at the house itself. 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.