Best-Kept Secret in Old Town: Southard Square Condos, 918 Southard Street

My goal in writing these blogs is to show you the properties I most believe exemplify the type of island living that is uniquely Key West. The two-bedroom, two-bath condo for sale at 918 Southard, Unit #204, is another prime example, combining both tranquility and convenience in one amazing home.

The listing agent describes the property as having a “tree-house living style” because of its location on the second and third floor of the building. A unique spiral staircase leads you from the main to the upper floor of the unit. A "bridge," which looks down on the kitchen and living area below, forms a crossing between the upstairs bedroom and a tranquil sitting nook. Add outdoor balconies with views of the pool on both floors and you'll definitely get the “treehouse” analogy!

Spiral staircase leading to master bedroom & bath, plus additional sitting room / reading nook

Bridge leading from master bedroom/bath to sitting nook

Second floor balcony overlooking huge lap pool and clubhouse

Third floor balcony is truly secluded!

This split-level unit with an open floor plan accommodates an eat-in kitchen, living room, guest bedroom, full bath and sunny balcony located downstairs. Upstairs you’ll find the large master suite with private bath and its own balcony and the adjoining sitting room/study nook described earlier. This area could also be considered a third bedroom for kids or out-of-town guests.

Open floor plan on main level with balcony overlooking common-area pool and tropical gardens

Guest or second bedroom on main level

Sitting room or reading nook on third floor

Master bedroom suite includes private bath and balcony on upper level

Eat-in kitchen with vaulted ceiling and skylight

The entire unit is tastefully decorated with a light and airy feel accentuated by natural sky lighting from above and sunlight from the balconies and windows. Other amenities include central air, a washer/dryer closet, storm shutters and a total sense of security coming and going via off-street parking with lighted entrances and exits.

Unit #204 is one of only 16 units in the Southard Square Condominiums gated community, which was built in the 1980s. The buildings are each a bit different, as are the units. The majority of the first floor units are one-bedroom and one-story and about half don’t have a view of the pool. The five second/third floor units (like this one) are all two-level and only three include a good view of the pool. Each unit has an assigned off street parking spot. This unit (#204) has been under the same ownership since 2003.

The Southard Square Condominium complex is outlined in turquoise. Unit numbers are shown in red. Unit numbers beginning with "2" are second/third floor units located directly above the first floor units with the corresponding number.

Private clubhouse, over-sized pool and tons of deck space for sunning

The wonderful, tropically-landscaped common area includes an over-sized, sparkling pool (where you can actually swim laps!) with tons of deck space and access to the condo's private clubhouse you can reserve for your own special events.

Southard Square Condominiums is one of the best-kept secrets in Key West! Located on Southard Street, you just can’t get any more centrally located in Old Town than this. One of Key West’s favorite restaurants, Mangia Mangia is on one corner and a local’s favorite for café con leche and sandwiches, 5 Brothers, is on the other. Micheals Restaurant is caddy corner, and you're only four blocks from the Historic Seaport with its boardwalk and access to restaurants and water sports activities.

The MLS lists this property at 1,200 square feet at a price of $680,000. This home would be a great investment for anyone who would like to spend even a few weeks a year in Key West. None of the units have a transient license (for nightly rentals), but any unit can be rented on a monthly basis for some additional income when you’re not here.

Don't delay, call me at 305-304-1708 to schedule a visit to this hidden gem in the heart of Old Town.

Steve Schwartz, Broker
Seaport Realtors, LLC
KeyWestListings.com

Historic Conch House Near Seaport: 923 Eaton Street

If you’re looking for a classic Conch house in old town, I’ve got a deal for you! The house at 923 Eaton Street is among the oldest on the island, and has been completely renovated to its full glory inside and out!

Watch the virtual tour here:


Originally called one of the “painted ladies” of Eaton Street, this two-story, three-bedroom, two-bath home was built in the early 1900s or possibly even before the turn of the century. (You’ll note the year built listed as 1933 in the MLS, but many of those dates are not historically accurate.) Regardless of the true date, this home is steeped in Key West history.

The current owners have been busily cleaning, painting, upgrading and renovating this home for the past year. The transformation from only a few months ago is truly amazing! Brand new hardwood floors have been installed and the walls have been stripped of layers and layers of paint to reveal original Dade county pine, restored to its natural beauty. Additional updates have been made to the bathrooms and kitchen, tile flooring and roof.

The bright, open kitchen is located just off a small living area with sliding glass to the backyard. It’s been updated with new Corian countertops and appliances, which mesh nicely with the original colorful tile backsplash and solid wood cabinetry.

There are two full bathrooms, one on the lower level and one upstairs. Two large bedrooms are also located on the second floor, and a third bedroom on the first floor is currently being used as a laundry/storage room. The total square footage for the home is 1,320 square feet on two floors.

One of the home’s best features is its large lot (2,813 square feet) and huge, private, fenced-in backyard complete with brick pavers and mature foliage. With this sized lot, there’s plenty of room for expansion, a large pool and/or a guest cottage. Some additional TLC and landscaping in the backyard would make this a true private island paradise!

Eaton Street is a thoroughfare in Key West, just three blocks from the Historic Seaport, known for its boardwalk, restaurants, bars and the starting point for most snorkel and sailing tours in Key West. Within a block, you’ll find Old Town Bakery, Paseo Restaurant and Finnegan’s Wake Irish pub. You’re truly able to walk to almost any Key West icon from this location.

Don’t wait! The current listing price is $598,900 or $453.71 per square foot of indoor living space. Now is a great time to invest in Key West! Contact me at 305-304-1708, to make an appointment to view this property before it’s too late.

Steve Schwartz, Broker
Seaport Realtors LLC
KeyWestListings.com

Historic Home in New Town: 4125 Eagle Avenue

The home located at 4125 Eagle Avenue is immediately recognizable to anyone who’s spent much time in Key West. With its sprawling manicured front lawn and its Spanish Deco façade, the home reminds me of a castle, but with all the comforts and attributes of your perfect Key West casa in paradise.

Built in 1926, you get the best of both historic and modern in this large, two-story home and cottage (legal rental) on a 9,600 (!) square foot lot in New Town. The main house is 1,944 square feet and has two bedrooms, three full baths, remodeled kitchen, formal dining room, living room, den and study on two floors. A 390-square-foot detached CBS garage was added in 1993, connected by a beautiful, covered, finished outdoor portico. This sitting area gives you an additional 300 square feet of outdoor living space, which turns out to be one of my favorite parts of this property.

Covered outdoor portico adds even more living space to this large home.

Large dining room with French doors letting in sunlight and breezes.

The interior of the home is clean, open, bright and airy with plenty of windows, French doors in almost every room, ceramic Spanish tile, granite countertops and tasteful decorating and paint colors.

Living room, main entry and stairway to second floor.

The second floor features a large covered porch off the master bedroom. What a perfect way to wind down at the end of the day but with a cocktail on your upper deck looking down on your expansive grounds with mature tropical foliage, fish pond, large brick patio and a secret garden.

Second floor balcony off bedroom.

Second floor bedroom with balcony.

Huge brick patio!

Your very own fish pond!

Two-story cottage on property with workshop & legal rental apartment.

The delightful two-story cottage features a downstairs workshop with an inviting one-bedroom, one-bath apartment upstairs that makes this home a legal duplex. Having this designation means a great deal in Key West since there are strict regulations as to what can be rented. Most “mother-in-law” cottages in Key West cannot be legally rented, taking away a prime source of income for owners. You will have no trouble renting out this sweet apartment (324 square feet) with its own wood deck, or keep it as a guest cottage, writers studio or workshop.

Detached cottage features a studio apartment with kitchen and bath.

Cute, modern kitchen in rental unit (detached cottage).

Studio apartment in detached cottage has its own wood deck.

This home has been under the same ownership for more than 20 years and has NOT been used as a rental property. Since then, lots of upgrades have been made, including remodeling of the kitchen and baths, new roof, flooring, sewer line, garage, etc. (You can see details of these improvements, as well as the sales history, building layout and other property details on the Monroe County Property Appraiser website.)

Spacious remodeled kitchen with lots of counter space and new, stainless steel appliances.

Kitchen and dining room.

All three bathrooms in this home have been remodeled.

One of the three spacious, upgraded bathrooms in the home.

Second bedroom on upper floor.

This is truly a “New Town” home, located on one of the most beautiful streets in the neighborhood. It’s a great place to live if you want quiet and privacy, with easy access by car to the beach, golf course, shopping or a quick getaway off the island. By purchasing a home in this neighborhood, you’ll get a lot more for your money than you would in historic old town. And remember, the island is only 4 miles by 3 miles, so the touristy Duval Street is still only a few minutes drive across the island.

Priced at $999,000, you’re looking at $440.48/sq. ft. for 2,268 square feet of living space in the main home and cottage. Keep in mind, this number does NOT include the lower level of the cottage (workshop area), the outdoor portico or the garage. View the listing here.

 I’d love to show you around this unique new town property with its historic flair. Call me at 305-304-1708 to schedule a viewing today.

Steve Schwartz, Broker

Seaport Realtors LLC

KeyWestListings.com

Tel: 305-304-1708

Interior Photos of 2817 Venetian Drive in Key West

We've just received some fantastic new photos of the property I blogged about last week located at 2817 Venetian Drive in Key West. Specifically, I wanted to share these pictures with you because they contain interior views. I blogged a lot about the amazing outdoor paradise this home provides -- beautiful gardens, pool, patio and deck -- but not much about the inside. So here's a peek at what you'll find on the inside of this large three-bedroom, three-bath, centrally-located waterfront home.

I previously blogged about the newly-renovated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and an eat-in bar. It's lovely, don't you think?

The home has beautiful wood walls throughout, with lots of light coming from the double doors leading to the deck.

One of the three large bedrooms in the home.

Second bedroom would be perfect for guests.

Master bath with tile throughout.

Second bathroom.

Pathway leading from front of home to fenced backyard with pool and waterfront patio.

View of patio, canal and yard from second-floor deck.

This photo really captures the tropical paradise that is your backyard at 2817 Venetian Drive!

One last view of the stunning pool!

Even with these new photos, you still need to see it to believe it. Please call me to schedule a showing of 2817 Venetian or another dream home in Key West!

Steve Schwartz, Broker

Seaport Realtors LLC

Call or text: 305-304-1708

More listings here:

KeyWestListings.com