1 Nassau Lane, Key West

I have written and rewritten the story (a true story) about the time I took a couple who walked into my office one morning several years ago and told me they wanted to buy a small house.  I got on the computer and showed them various properties located in Old Town that were in their price range. I then called several Realtors to set up showings for later that afternoon. One property was located on Nassau Lane and it was owned by a fellow agent. I called him and asked if we could see it before noon. He said "Yes" and we drove over soon thereafter. We parked on Fleming Street and started to walk up the lane. The lady started to gush and said something like "Gary, I love this. This is exactly what we were thinking about." As we approach the house she said "That's it!  We are going to buy this house." I suggested she wait until we see the inside. But she had already made up her mind and that of her husband.  We were under contract within a couple of hours. We did not look at any of the houses I had lined up for the afternoon. Such was the charm of Nassau Lane. They still own their house near the southern end of this dead end lane located just south of Fleming Street between Frances and Grinnell Streets. I took a photo earlier this morning just as the sun started to light up Old Town.

1 Nassau Lane abuts a home which fronts onto Fleming Street. This cottage first appeared on the 1912 Sanborn Fire Maps.  The 1889 map identified this same lane as "Cologne Lane" at which time a structure two lots to the south was identified as being a horse shed. Maybe nobody wanted to live next to a horse shed and maybe that explains the lane change after the horse shed went away. I then looked through my old shoebox and found the black and white photo below taken 52 years ago. I took a photo earlier today with the same point of view.

When you look at 1 Nassau Lane today you will see front porch has been raised and that a spiral staircase was added along with a rooftop sundeck and garden.  I climbed up there and decided I would eliminate the deck and stairs if I owned the house.  I would removed the trees and foliage from the front, clean up the brick paves and reclaim the off street parking space. I think new plantings kept in scale with the house would make a world of difference to the facade.

This cottage has 486 square feet of living space and sits on a 748 square foot lot (22.21' X 33.68').  The rooftop deck measures 8' X 23'.  As I said, I would make that go away. In my opinion it would make this cottage look so much more appealing. Renovations to the interior were added in 1997. I think this place is almost a blank canvas upon which a new owner could create the perfect Key West getaway. 

The chief axiom of real estate is "Location, Location, Location" and 1 Nassau Lane has it. The mansions on Fleming Street are located forty feet from the front door of 1 Nassau Lane. You can walk to Duval Street or the historic seaport in a matter of minutes. There are two incredible bakeries located about three minutes away by foot. There are two nearby convenience stores on White Street also located within a five minute walk. There are several gyms and yoga studios about seven minutes to the south. CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and listing photos on 1 Nassau Lane which is offered at $440,000. Then 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 Westhttp://www.preferredpropertieskeywest.com/.

629 Elizabeth Sreet, Key West - Just Listed!

I have written or mentioned the 629 Elizabeth Street on many occasions over the ten years in my blog and for good reason.  It sits at the top of Solaris Hill, the highest point in all of Key West.  The original house was built circa 1900. I dug down in my old shoebox and found a couple of old photos that show the original house more than fifty years ago. I also found a photo I took of the house when I listed 630 Elizabeth Street several years ago.

I photographed the renovation of the property which in truth was the construction of a brand new house using a few pieces of the framing of the original cottage. This type of renovation often occurs in Old Town where so many houses like the original sat unattended to for years. The process included demolition of most of the house, placement of new piers and framing and construction of the new structure, completing the interiors, and finally landscaping. CLICK HERE to view progress photos I took.

The listing Realtor, not me, describes this way:

"Impeccable renovation revives this 3Bd, 3Ba, Cigar Cottage originally built in 1900 on the corner of Elizabeth and Windsor at Solares Hill. Enjoy the open floor plan with a great room that greets you upon entering bordered by a door wall of glass that collapses to open the entire room to the lush tropical gardens. Enjoy luxury appliances, custom baths and fixtures along with the modern decor, cathedral ceilings and a large chefs kitchen complete the incredible space filled with natural light. Details like custom window treatments, a soak tub, laundry room, off-street parking and cedar lined closets take this home to the next level of luxury. A home not to be missed in an ideal Old Town location."

The original front door is for affect only. The new front door is accessed through a little garden at the south entry of this corner lot. There is an electrically operated gate for the off street parking on the left side. I was totally surprised when I saw the new home. It is so contemporary in design.  The open living concept really works with this house. The rear glass wall disappears and reveals the lush rear yard which has room for a pool. I took the above photo which is where I think a pool would work the best. 

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and to view listing photos of the beautiful new (revival) of 629 Elizabeth Street in Old Town Key West offered at $1,699,000. Then 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. This home is designed for easy living as all rooms are located on one level.  You can walk to Duval Street or the historic seaport in about five minutes. And when you come home at night you will enter a place that is perfect in so many ways.

812 Fleming Street #3, Key West - Just Listed

One of the best located condominiums in Key West was just listed for sale at the asking price of $639,000.  812 Fleming Street Unit #3 located on the second floor front of the Seafoam Condominiums. The second floor front unit has an expansive balcony (about 25 feet wide) which overlooks colorful Fleming Street amid numerous guest houses and near some of the finest single family homes in Old Town. The historic seaport is located a couple of blocks to the north.  Duval Street is about a five minute walk to the west.  There are several really great restaurants with three blocks. Locals and returning guests love this location for its convenience and the people who live nearby. Best of all, if you buy this unit you will have a ring side seat to watch the annual People's Parade as it winds its way up Fleming Street each year during Fantasy Fest.

The Seafoam condominiums is a mixed use building with six residential condominiums and two commercial units that are located on the ground level front. Timmy Tuxedo occupies one 0f the commercial spots and a doctor's office the other. Every time I go by Timmy Tuxedo I chuckle at the thought of a tuxedo store in Key West where tee shirts, baggy shorts, and flip-flops are the norm. Whodathunk anybody would need a tux here? They do, otherwise the tuxedo shop would not have existed as long as it has, and it is a Key West institution. 

Neither commercial business interferes in any way with the residential living in this building. They have minimal daytime traffic and none in the evening. The building  was built circa 1906. It was renovated and converted into condominiums in 1980.  The one bedroom units are pretty much identical as far as size and layout.  Individual owners have renovated the current interiors to suit their individual needs.  Four units have balconies that overlook Fleming Street including Unit #3.  It's a , but just two are located on the top floor. Unit #6 is the one that is the subject of today's blog.  And it is a doozy!

During renovation in 1980

The listing Realtor, not me, describes unit #6 this way:
"Rarely available Seafoam Condominium with spacious covered porch overlooking historic Fleming Street in Old Town. Second floor unit has been completely renovated by the owners and no expense was spared. Chef's kitchen with all new stainless appliances, gas range, quartz countertops, glass backsplash, built-in pet station, & wood cabinets. Hardwood floors, Dade County pine, & large closets. Pool!This unit boasts tiger wood hardwood floors throughout and features restored Dade County pine walls. The living area leads to the porch with added space for dining or relaxing in the heart of Old Town. The bedroom has a custom frosted glass contemporary door blending modern with traditional Key West architecture. The bath was renovated and offers a glass walk-in shower, river rock, ceramic tile, and modern fixtures. There is ample storage with two oversized closets plus additional pantry. The Seafoam Condominium has a beautiful pool, patio area, and is surrounded by tropical landscape. This secured entry building in an ideal location near the Seaport, fine dining, and galleries makes a perfect full time residence or vacation home in paradise."

As soon as you enter this building you know it is something special. A rooftop skylight illuminates the three story atrium during the daytime. The rich Dade County Pine walls are set off by the white columns and balusters creating dramatic to each of the residential units.

Bedroom door at right - view from 25 ft deck which spans the unit

View looking north and west. Living room door to the left.  Duval Street is three blocks away.

Spotless new kitchen

Simply Stunning New Bath

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and listing photos. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a private showing of this ideally located property. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.