Just Listed but not by me 823 Elizabeth Street, Key West. Take a look at that photo. Says it all about Key West, doesn't it? Cute as a button. The listing Realtor sums up this cottage style home this way:
"This charming 3 bedroom, 2 full bathroom Historic Conch Cottage ticks all the right boxes. It is situated in the highly desirable X flood zone on one of the most beautiful streets in Old Town. The home is in immaculate condition. The lot is unique for this part of Elizabeth St as it runs all the way to Galveston Lane with a separate guest cottage with full bathroom, pool, sun deck and off street parking. The open plan living, dining and kitchen area has wonderful architectural elements such as vaulted ceilings with many window features and opens out through a wall of glass doors to the outside seating and sunbathing areas and pool. The designer kitchen has custom made ''Hansen and Bringle'' cabinets as does the bedroom. The chic ''European Style'' main bathroom was recently remodeled."
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| Elizabeth Street - one way from Truman Ave to Angela St |
I remembered this house form nearly two decades earlier when I showed it several times. I was taken by the look and layout of the house, especially the breezeway the previous owner added connecting the main house to the newly added guest cottage with bath. Let's take a look starting at the front door and work our way to the parking on Galveston Lane.
The front porch sets the tone for this easy living cottage-style home. Sit down and take a rest on Easy Street - er, I mean Elizabeth Street. I checked the Historic Sanborn Fire Maps and learned that this home first appeared in the 1889 Map which means it was built before then. It is also located across the street from what was called "Buzzards Roost" on the map because that is the highest point in Key West. Today that area is called Solaris Hill - same place, different appellation.
The two main house bedrooms and bath are located at the front of the original house. A new two-peak sawtooth addition was added a few years back along with the rear cottage and pool. This open space environment works really well. The ceilings are high, there are numerous windows on both sides, and French doors at the rear. Sunlight fills the room during the daytime. It is a cheerful place.
When I visited this house the other day I remembered the breezeway from years earlier. I think this was the first time I had seen such a clever use of space between a house and cottage. They created another room without creating a tax obligation because the room only has three sides. That space provides protection from the sun and elements.
The cottage is large enough for a queen bed, night stands, TV, and it has a bathroom with sink, shower, and WC. And it is totally private. Guests can stay out late and enter from the rear gate and not disturb you at 4:00 AM. I checked out the business side of the house. The house looks freshly painted everywhere. Everything appears clean and well functioning. I looked for but did not see any deferred maintenance. The washer and dryer are located in a shed at the rear of the property.
There is off street parking on Galveston Lane for one car. The parking space is on the property and not public. I have been photographing the construction of a new house opposite the parking space for several months. There was a long mobile home on that lot for fifty years. Now a long house is going up. Bill Butler Park is located just to the north of the new house. Your kids or grandkids can take the dog for a walk or go play in the playground.
823 Elizabeth Street is located two blocks from Duval Street. Walk out the front door, turn right, and walk to the corner at Petronia Street. Turn left and walk to Duval. The 801 Bar is located at the corner. Turn right or left - there is a world of earthly pleasures in either direction. However, if you turn left from the front gate and walk two blocks south, turn left at Truman and walk one block you can save your soul at St. Mary's of the Sea Basilica. Gotcha covered in either direction. This house would make a perfect monthly vacation rental.
CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and listing photos for 823 Elizabeth Street, Key West offered for sale at $1,295,000. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to set up a showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Time is ticking. Other agents and buyers were lined up behind me the day I looked at this property. It won't last long.
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