About Key West's Casa Marina Area

1123 Von Phister Street - Casa Marina Area - Key West

Frequent readers know that I live in the Casa Marina area of Key West (it's the quieter location close to the Atlantic Ocean where home most of the homes are large and sit on equally large lots). Preferred Properties (that's where I work but this is not my listing) has a small cottage style home that is actually located only a few doors from where I live. I wrote about this cottage home when it was first listed. I am surprised that it has not sold yet. I decided to comment about the place again. The listing Realtor who also lives in the area describes the property like this:

"This lovely 2/2 Conch cottage is located on a quiet street in the desirable Casa Marina neighborhood. Some of the home features include a living room with cathedral ceiling, kitchen with granite countertops, two french doors (one off the of master bedroom), two patios plus a covered porch to enjoy the excellent outdoor living that Key West has to offer. Property is set back from the street for additional privacy."

Vaulted ceilings and large living spaces

The cottage sits behind a white picket fence to the rear of the 36' x 94' (3404 sq ft) lot. The cottage has 854 sq ft of living space plus decks. The Monroe County public records show the house was built in 1938, but we know that was during the Great Depression. Other larger houses in this particular block were built in 1906 and 1907. I suspect this cottage was built some time prior to 1938. Public records also show that the house was updated in 2000. The interiors offer large vaulted ceilings and user friendly bedroom spaces. Even though this place is called a 'cottage' it has all the convenieces of a much larger space. Offered at just $595,000.


CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls data sheet on 1123 Von Phister Street. Better yet, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a showing of this home. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. Let me show you around the neighborhood. I know you will love the area.

Just listed by Preferred Properties, that's where I work but this is not my listing, 1320 Grinnell Street in the Casa Marina area of Key West. The listing Realtor describes the chic new listing this way:

"Situated in the heart of the Casa Marina, is this meticulously designed contemporary 2 story 2 bedroom 2 1/2 bath main building with a separate two story guest cottage. Superb finishes provide the ideal indoor and outdoor Key West Living space. As you enter you are greeted by a spacious living/dining area with an ultra-modern kitchen. Large glass sliding doors reveal the infinity pool and lanai complete with an outdoor gas fireplace. On the second level is a guest suite and sitting area with an entertainment center overlooking the lush landscaping and pool. The separate cottage contains a living area and loft style bedroom with a shower bath all opening to the pool."

Then she adds "This is not a drive by." Amen to that!

Foyer

As soon as you cross the threshold you instantly become aware that this is no ordinary residence. The house is populated with large rooms with open spaces but also little niches that evoke a sense of something semi-sacred. There is a fluidity that beckons the first time visitor to quickly move from point to point to see what might possibly be next. The views of the pool and garden (designed by Key West landscape architect Craig Reynolds) beckon those on the inside to go out to the pool. Once outside the view of the inside is equally enticing. Something extraordinary must be going on inside. Nothing is static. This house had endless possibilities.

The pool and gardens seem to flow into the living area. When you go out to the guest cottage the doors and view there seem to draw the guest to go back outside.

View from inside the guest house shower. Time for a dip?

I'll bet you figured out the small building is the guest cottage. That's easy. Are you wondering what is located upstairs to the left? Do you suppose that is the master suite? If so, what is the behind the rail on the second level? And what is going on with the waterfall to the left?

Second floor master bedroom with en-suite bath and balcony overlooking the garden and pool below.

Master bath

Pool area as viewed from private deck off the master bedroom

Second level gallery with loggia that overlooks the pool

The Casa Marina area is known for its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the nearby beaches, and a wide variety of architectural styles that blend into a welcoming neighborhood. Unlike the Conch Cottages, Grand Conch Houses, and Eyebrow Houses that populate most of Old Town, the Casa Marina area has a pluralism of architectural styles. There are some historic homes, many mid century homes, a few candidates for demolition or renovation, and some estate properties. Most of the homes in the Casa Marina area are priced over one million dollars, but there is the occasional bargain home that is small or a place that needs some updating. And then there are homes like the fabulous house located directly opposite 1320 Grinnell Street that was featured in Architectural Digest in July, 2010.

I took more photos which you can see if you CLICK HERE. If you want to see some incredible nighttime photos, you must CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos. 1320 Grinnell Street has 2657 sq ft of living space under air. The grounds are 74'x80' or 5992 sq ft. The home is offered at $2,200,000.

If you are looking to purchase a home in Key West and are not working with another Realtor, please consider asking me to help you find your place in Paradise. Contact me, Gary Thomas at 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 Coastal Realty, Inc.

760 Washington Street - Key West

The new listing at 760 Washington Street in Key West will surely appeal to the buyer who wants an estate type property. This home was newly constructed in 1987. A few years later a new master bedroom wing was added. The house sits on the corner of William and Washington Street in the tony Casa Marina Area of Key West. My friend, Doug Mayberry, is the listing broker who describes this special property this way:

"This Casa Marina estate is located on a double corner lot. The four bedrooms and four baths include a master wing with vaulted ceilings, fireplace and walk in closet. The large kitchen is adjacent to the dining room and large, vaulted living room. French doors open at every turn to over 800 sq. ft. of porches, lanai and an outdoor kitchen for entertaining. The 12 x 24 foot pool is surrounded by professionally landscaped gardens including a koi pond with waterfall. There are carports on both sides of the property and a total of five off-street parking spaces. Secluded, luxurious, and located just steps from the Atlantic Ocean."

This place almost has a storybook look from the street. Every detail on the outside is so fine tuned that you expect nothing but the best on the inside. The house sits at the corner of William and Washington Street. A couple of years ago I wrote a blog post about the house at the end of the opposite en d of the block that was featured in Architectural Digest. This is a neighborhood of mostly large homes on lushly landscaped large lots. 760 Washington Street surely fits right in.

"...you know you have arrived ..."

French doors open from living room out to covered porch

Once you pass the white picket fence and step up to the covered front porch you know you have arrived at someplace very special. Inside you are awed by the size of the living room with its vaulted ceiling and immense space. So many homes in Key West have tiny little rooms or spaces where owners are forced to 'make do' with limited space. Here, there is an abundance of space and volume within which to create your own personal environment.


Just to the left of the living room is the dining area which opens into the kitchen. The spaces flow together with ease. Another doorway off the kitchen opens into the living area. Just to the left is a hallway that leads to the bedrooms. Two bedrooms (one the original master and the other used now used as an office) plus two baths are located in this wing of the house. Multiple sets of French doors open out to the covered porch and enchanting pool and seductive gardens.

Hallway to guest bedrooms and bathrooms

Guest bedroom number one (of three)

Also located just off the kitchen is spiral staircase that leads to a second level loft bedroom. The space is a great escape for the grand kids and guests.

New master bedroom suite with fireplace and other amenities

A new master bedroom wing was added to the west side of the home. Besides the huge master bedroom with fireplace and en-suite bath you will find a large ante-room with wine cooler and walk-in closet. A separate mini kitchen was added where you can get your coffee to wake-up or your nightcap to help you go to sleep.

Be prepared to be seduced...

The porch wraps around the back side of the house at a 90 degree angle and provides covered outdoor access to all parts of the house. A large provides both sun and shaded areas off the large pool. The lanai is extra large and has easy access to the mini kitchen. A night path winds its way through the gardens where you will pass the koi pond. The pool, of course, is the star of this backyard show.

760 Washington Street is offered at $1,985,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet and to view listing photos. You can also CLICK HERE to view a slideshow of photos I took of this beautiful home. This is an exceptional Key West property. If you would like to see this home, or any other property in Key West, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

904 Washington Street - Casa Marina Area - Key West

Preferred Properties Coastal Realty (that's where I work but this is not my listing) just listed a large home in the Casa Marina area that will surely appeal to the buyer who wants elegant living on one level. This home has three bedrooms and baths, a den, chef's kitchen, breakfast room, covered and open outdoor living areas, a wonderful pool, a rooftop deck, plus a gated courtyard entry and a carport. CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet and to view listing photos.


The listing Realtor describes 924 Washington Street as:

"Located in the heart of Casa Marina sits this magnificent one level, Mediterranean 3 Bedroom, 3 bath with a laundry room and den. As you enter you are greeted by a bright open living/dining area with French doors leading to a beautiful pool surrounded by tropical landscaping. The kitchen is definitely for cooking with Viking appliances and granite counter tops. Adjacent to the kitchen is a wonderful breakfast area. The master opens to the pool and has a state of the art bathroom with a 7 FT. walk-in shower. The other guest rooms have their own entrances and baths as well. The home is well appointed and has Brazilian flooring and crown molding throughout. Carport. Located just 4 blocks from Higgs Beach."

Everything in this home reflects the owners sense of style and easy living. From the crown molding at ceiling to the Brazilian cherry floors, the home is gracious without being pretentious. Paladin windows are featured above the multiple sets of French doors on the front and rear of the home. When you walk into the formal entry your eyes are immediately drawn through the elegant living room to the sunny pool area beyond.


The chef's kitchen features Viking appliances and custom cabinetry topped with granite countertops. A lovely breakfast room is located just off the kitchen. Sets of French doors open out to the pool or covered outdoor dining area from there.

The breakfast room

The master bedroom is located on the east side of the house. It, too, has French doors topped by paladin windows the look out to the pool. Imagine opening the door and jumping into the heated pool for a quick dip to end your day in Paradise. Two more bedrooms (with private baths) complete the sleeping areas. There is a den up front which has a view of the front courtyard. CLICK HEREto view a slideshow of photos I took of this property.

Master bedroom opens out to the pool

Guest bedroom has private bath and deck

The den and adjacent bedroom have views of front courtyard

Loyal Readers know I live in the Casa Marina area and love the location because it is near everything important in Key West, but it is also removed from the day to day hubbub that sometimes can get a bit overwhelming. The Casa Marina Resort and Higgs Beach are an easy five minute walk. You can join the Casa Marina club and use the beautiful health facilities and lounge by the hotel pool or the private beach and get waited on or you can go over to Higgs Beach and lay on the pier or the beach and tan for free. If your guests want to take you out for dinner, Louie's Backyard is five minutes at most. If you are going to treat your guests to light fare, Salute`on the Beach is just as close and much cheaper. At Salute` you can eat great pastas, burgers, and drink cold beverages while watching others play volleyball or view the sunset from the saner side of the island.

Take a left at the corner and walk four blocks to the beach

The Casa Marina area is convenient for picking up friends at the airport (about five to seven minutes on any day). I can normally be at my office in Old Town in about five minutes by car. The three shopping centers are normally a five to ten minute car ride except when town is extremely crowded. I can be off the island and headed toward the Key West golf course in about ten minutes or toward the mainland.

If you would like to view 904 Washington Street please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. I live in this neighborhood, and I would love to show you why it is a great place to live.

1408 White Street as it appeared in 1976

1408 White Street in the Casa Marina Area of Key West

If you are looking for a sophisticated Key West getaway place or a new permanent residence in the Southernmost City, you might want to consider the beautiful three bedroom home at 1408 White Street in the Casa Marina Area of Key West. I got a chance to show this house last week. It was like a homecoming to me, of sorts. I co-listed this property about 15 years ago. Many improvements have been made since then.

According to the Monroe County Property Appraiser the house was originally built in 1928. The original portion of the house is constructed ofn Indian Block, a man made block similar to concrete block except has a face side that looks as though it was chiseled out of a rock formation. I took a picture of the covered front porch leading to the entrance. The Indian Block is notable.

A formal entry separates the formal living room located at the front of the house from the informal family room, dining area, and large family kitchen at the rear.

Formal living room is located at the front of the house

The family room, dining area, and kitchen are at the rear

French doors located off the dining area and the kitchen lead to the large pool and outdoor living areas.

Covered dining pavilion at the rear

Pool wraps around the rear perimeter of the house

Master bedroom suite includes an office or sitting area

Look at the above photo of the pool and look up to the second floor balcony located off the master bedroom. The master suite was enlarged and the balcony added since I share the listing years ago. The bedroom area is now spacious. The two other bedrooms are both good sized and share a separate bath. CLICK HERE to view more photos I took of this property.

The great Atlantic Ocean is just four blocks to the south. There are numerous nearby gyms, yoga studios, and small eateries and art galleries. Old Town is an easy bike ride. But if you want to lay out and get a great tan, all you need do is lay on a float in that incredible pool.

1408 White Street is offered at $1,249,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view listing photos of this wonderful Casa Marina Area home. Better yet, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a visit to see for yourself how wonderful this property is. See for yourself why I say this home is sophisticated. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc.