Category Archives: Key West Real Estate

CHANGING THE EXTERIOR COLORS OF YOUR KEY WEST HOME

Dey Front Porch

In most cases you can change the exterior colors of your Old Town Key West home if you go about it the right way. The process may seem a bit complicated, but it will save you time and money if you follow the rules and procedures. You will have to submit a completed application for painting/repainting to the Building Department counter at 1300 White Street—by the parking lot entrance to City Hall—along with a current photo of part of the house that will be painted, a photo of the structure from the street/sidewalk, paint chips, descriptions of painting to be done and the $10.00 staff approval fee for residential painting.

You can download the required HARC application at www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/egov/documents.

The painting of Key West’s historic homes is overseen by HARC (Historic Architectural Review Commission). HARC’s design guidelines in Key West’s Historic District are intended to preserve and protect the architectural environment and unique character of its historic neighborhoods—Key West’s #1 tourist attraction. There are many structures outside of the historic district that are contributing to the historic district and HARC has jurisdiction on all exterior changes to the buildings.

HARC’s Historic Architectural Guidelines for the City of Key West are available on the city’s website at www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov. To confirm if your home is under HARC regulation contact the HARC staff at HARC@cityofkeywest-fl.gov.

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While most wood frame buildings in Key West were historically white or unpainted, the use of muted colors may be approved by HARC. The colors below are recommended by HARC as appropriate within the historic zones. Other colors may be used if supported by historical documentation, or by evidence of underlying paint.

TRADITIONAL COLORS OF KEY WEST
Doors: white, black, red, dark green, natural finished wood
Exterior Siding or Body: white, pastels, light gray, beige, buff
Exterior Trim: white, off-white
Porch Ceilings: light aqua, light blue, white
Lattice: dark green, white
Foundations: natural, gray
Wood Fences & Gates: white
Iron Fences & Gates: dark green, white
Masonry Walls & Fences: white, beige, gray
Railings, Balusters & Porches: white
Metal Roofing: silver
Asphalt Roofing: gray, white, black
Shutters: white, black, gray, dark green

HARC suggests when choosing colors to try and select a combination that will highlight the architectural details of the building. Typically, one color for the body and one for the trim will bring the architectural details into focus. Additional colors may be appropriate for subtle highlighting for porch ceilings, porch floors, foundations, etc. HARC recommends saving paint chips of significant contributing historical buildings so that a paint analysis may be done to determine the appropriate historical colors. To help preserve the cultural heritage of Bahama Village, the contemporary addition of brighter Caribbean colors may be acceptable within this neighborhood of the Historic District. Colors for new proposed additions that stand out from a contributing building or its neighbors are prohibited. If a new addition for a non-contributing structure proposes colors different from the main building, the colors need to be harmonious and like ones found within the adjacent urban content.

If you haven’t decided on your Key West cottage’s color scheme, you might want to wander around Old Town snapping pictures of historic homes sporting color combinations that speak to you. Pickup a selection of paint chips with HARC approved historic colors at Strunk Ace Hardware on Eaton Street and play with color combinations over a glass of wine with friends and neighbors. Once you have decided on the perfect color scheme head over to City Hall and get the permit process rolling.

THE TOWNSEND TEAM
Dean & Keith Townsend, REALTORS®
Keller Williams Key West Compass Realty
333 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040
305-942-1369 • www.DeanTownsend.com

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OUR FAVORITE KEY WEST HOME SALES OF 2018

Margaret Porch

A stately Classical Revival mansion, a charming Bahama Village cottage and a stellar Old Town investment property shine brightly on the fifth annual list of our favorite Key West home sales. Not only did we wish we were buying these beautiful properties for ourselves, family or friends, we had a wonderful time working with the REALTORS®, buyers, sellers, closing attorneys, loan officers, photographers, and all the industry professionals that helped make these transactions happen.

OUR FAVORITE KEY WEST HOME SALES OF 2018

Windsor 3

• 1011 Windsor Lane, Key West, FL 33040—SOLD $989,000.
After unsuccessfully attempting to buy this Classical Revival fixer-upper, our buyer teamed up with us to successfully purchase his Key West dream home. We can’t wait to see him polish this historic gem to its former glory.

2601 S. Roosevelt

• 2601 South Roosevelt Boulevard, 107A, Key West, FL 33040—SOLD $400,000.
Since you can’t throw a conch shell down an Old Town street without hitting a real estate agent, we were delighted when our friend called on us to help him purchase his Key West By the Sea condominium. After convincing him that even though he was over eighty he could qualify for a mortgage, we made a winning offer and celebrated the closing of his “it’s never too late” Key West home.

1800 Venetia

• 1800 Venetia Street, Key West, FL 33040—SOLD $968,250.
Our social media focused marketing campaign paid off quickly for the seller of this generous Midtown Key West home. After having his listing flounder with another agent for years, he was very happy with our creative approach for getting his family-friendly property sold.

714 Chapman

• 714 Chapman Lane, Key West, FL 33040—SOLD $915,000.
After getting to know us through our online marketing presence, our buyers contacted us to help them find an investment property that would eventually transition to their permanent Key West home. We immediately thought of this beautiful Bahama Village cottage—and it was love at first sight for our buyers. They are thrilled with the strong numbers their inviting monthly vacation rental is delivering.

726 Olivia

• 726 Olivia Street, Key West, FL 33040—SOLD $669,500.
This picture-perfect, one bedroom and one bath, Old Town cottage was the ideal fit for our buyer. We were delighted to help our friend—and long-time Key West restaurateur—purchase her first home. Working together was so much fun, we didn’t want it to end.

Margaret Living

• 515-517 Margaret Street, Key West, FL 33040—SOLD $1,340,000.
When we first experienced this exquisitely renovated (four bedroom and four and a half bath) Old Town property, we were determined to find the buyer. With its two single-story cottages, dynamite location, and amazing flexibility, we knew this historic property would undoubtedly prove to be a coveted monthly vacation rental. On the search to discover their perfect Key West investment property, our buyers saw the homes’ great potential and happily closed on their property in December.

515-517 Margaret

Whether your home is one of Key West’s crown jewels, a hidden gem, or a diamond in the rough, our laser focus, refined selling skills and proven strategy for marketing online and through social media will get your home sold fast and for top market value. We don’t just list properties, we market and sell homes.

When you team up with The Townsend Team to discover your Key West dream home, we focus on you—your goals, priorities, investment and dreams. On your journey to realize your vision, we’ll be there for you every exciting step of the way. We bet you will love living in Key West as much as we do!

Square TownsendHaving been involved in more than 250 real estate sales, we have the experience, knowledge, skill and dedication to be your Key West REALTORS® of choice.

THE TOWNSEND TEAM
Dean & Keith Townsend, REALTORS®
Keller Williams Key West Compass Realty
333 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040
305-942-1369 • www.DeanTownsend.com

A QUIT YOUR JOB AND MOVE TO KEY WEST COTTAGE

Pearl Entrance

700 Pearl Street, Key West, FL 33040—$775,000.

Is it finally time to trade the Johnny Paycheck ditty turning over in your head for a tropical Jimmy Buffett tune? The captivating Key West cottage at 700 Pearl Street might be your catalyst for quitting your job, selling your house and making your move to paradise.

Pearl Front Cropped

Nestled at the end of a quiet street in historic Old Town’s coveted Meadows neighborhood, this beautifully renovated fisherman’s cottage skillfully blends contemporary design with Key West character. The one-of-a-kind two bedroom and two bath home features high ceilings, travertine and wood floors, gorgeous kitchen and baths, and abundant windows and doors.

Living Room

Dining Room

Living Dining

The light-filled living room showcases a vaulted ceiling and island-inspired stained glass windows. Ideal for enjoying the best of indoor/outdoor living, the living room flows to the dining area and out to the sun-dappled deck.

Kitchen 1

Kitchen 2

Kitchen 3

Kitchen 4

Showcasing custom cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, gas range, built-in microwave and farmhouse sink, the well-designed kitchen cannot be missed.

Entry

The entry hall offers design possibilities with room for a café table, writing desk, or reading nook.

Guest Bath

The guest bathroom is a delight.

Guest Bedroom

Friends and family will be booking their next visit once they have enjoyed the bright and inviting guest room.

Master

Master 2

Master Bath

The peaceful master suite features frosted glass barn doors and stylish bath.

Outdoor Shower

The outdoor shower in the garden is to die for.

Grill Station

Cooking is made easy with the gas grilling station.

Back

The lushly planted corner lot includes Key Lime and Spanish Lime trees, irrigation system and landscape lighting. The spacious deck is perfect for outdoor entertaining.

We can’t wait to give you a private tour of this unforgettable Key West gem. Bet you will love it as much as we do!

THE TOWNSEND TEAM
Dean & Keith Townsend, REALTORS®
Keller Williams Key West Compass Realty
333 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040
305-942-1369 • www.DeanTownsend.com
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WELCOME HOME TO KEY WEST

Cropped Front United

1606 United Street, Key West, FL 33040—$659,000.

Create your Key West vision in this bright and sunny Midtown home. 1606 United Street’s centrally located family-friendly neighborhood will have you living island life like a local in no time.

Living 1

Living 2

Living 3

The light-filled living room opens to an inviting dining area and kitchen.

Hall 1

Hall 2

Built in 1958, the nicely renovated single-story home features a contemporary floor plan in 1,216 square feet of indoor living space.

Kitchen 1

Kitchen 2

The charming kitchen flows to the laundry, generous storage and the backyard.

Studio 1

Studio 2

Offering many lifestyle options, the first of three spacious bedrooms is currently being enjoyed as an artist’s studio. Awash with sunlight and views of the garden, it has proven to be a rewarding creative space.

Master

Master Bath

Outdoor Shower

Currently utilized as the master, the second bedroom has its own half bath opening to a delightful outdoor shower.

Office

The third bedroom now serves as a library and office.

Main Bath

The home’s main bath has been recently updated.

5689 Cropped Outdoor

Outdoor 1

Welcome home to Key West. There is plenty of room for the pool of your dreams!

Outdoor 2

Covered Outdoor Space

Substantial covered outdoor space allows for entertaining and enjoying hobbies in the tropical backyard.

Carport 2

The 5,141 square foot lot is fully fenced and offers covered tandem parking for two cars. With a new roof, storm shutters and door dams this move-in-ready Key West property is not to be missed.

Welcome Home

We would love to give you a private tour of this wonderful island home. We bet you will enjoy our new listing as much as we do!

THE TOWNSEND TEAM
Dean & Keith Townsend, REALTORS®
Keller Williams Key West Compass Realty
333 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040
305-942-1369, www.DeanTownsend.com
www.Facebook.com/DeanTownsendSellsKeyWest

STUNNING KEY WEST HOME RENOVATION

Backyard After

“We immediately loved the potential of the property—from the moment we walked in the door and saw the direct view of the ponds behind the property, we knew we could make everything in the middle exactly what we wanted. The view from the back, framed in palm trees, was a little piece of paradise we wanted to claim as our own.”
—Brandon Jones

The Exterior Pic

In the summer of 2015 we were invited to help Robert Jensen and Brandon Jones discover their Key West dream home. At the end of a productive morning of showings—and with much anticipation—we introduced them to a property a bit outside of their stated parameters. With fingers crossed, we hoped that the unpolished gem that had recently captured our imaginations, would do the same for them. It was love at first sight.

Shortly after closing on the property Brandon and Robert assembled their renovation “A” team and began a two-year recreation of their two bedroom and two bath mid-century home. With stunning results, they have polished their Key West diamond in the rough to perfection.

Front Before

Front After

Brandon and Robert feel very lucky to have collaborated on their project with top notch Key West professionals. Jordan Holtkamp of Holtkamp Construction did outstanding work as their General Contractor and Rob DeLaune, Architect, brought his skill and talent to the remarkable home transformation.

Orange Door 2

Feeling that Key West is the perfect place to experiment with bold color choices, the owners had the front door painted their favorite shade of orange and carried the color theme throughout.

Interior Before

Linda WetBar

By beautifully combining her creative and artistic expressions with her clients’ personalities, Debra Butler, of Debra Butler Design Studio, fashioned a bright and open modern design for the interior.

Interior

All the art and accessories were chosen by Robert and Brandon—with each treasure holding a special meaning for them.

Kitchen Before

Linda Kitchen

The outdated and tiny original kitchen was reconceived as a sleek and stylish chef’s delight.

Linda Livingroom

Robert and Brandon love the décor of the Florida room. Its varied hues of blues and blue-greens take them to the alluring waters of Key West.

Linda Living 2

The Luke armchairs in Flagstaff Deep Water, by custom furniture maker American Leather, are special favorites.

Linda Master

Outdoor Shower

The tranquil master suite opens to an unforgettable private oasis. Surrounded by lush tropical landscaping, the serene outdoor shower and intimate seating area provide the perfect setting for surrendering to island life.

Front Garden

A master of his craft, Mark Harris with Diggin Key West, created the home’s spectacular gardens.

Master Bath Before

Linda Master Bath

The things about the home that really make the owners happy are the simple architectural and design aspects—even down to the faucets and fixtures chosen for the new bathrooms.

Linda Guest Bedroom

The resort-worthy guest accommodations are a welcomed retreat after a day of sun, sand, and sea.

Linda Office

With its peaceful water views, the custom-built office almost makes working from home a treat.

Backyard Before

Amazing Pool

The awe-inspiring transformation of the home’s backyard is undoubtedly the renovation’s crown jewel.

Outdoor Kitchen After

Having a top-of-the-line outdoor kitchen makes hosting friends and family a pleasure.

Back Before 2

Outdoor Room

Brandon and Robert’s favorite “room” of the house is the outdoor sitting and dining area beside the pool and ponds. They spend most of their time there, kicking back, watching the water and the visitors it brings.

Backyard Detail

“It’s a great place to entertain, or just soak in paradise without distraction,” Brandon said.

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Key West’s salt ponds are a hidden treasure, largely undiscovered by tourists and locals. Alive with crabs, shrimp, fish, herons and other birds that visit daily, the engaging ponds at the back of the property have not fallen from the top of the list of reasons why Robert and Brandon purchased the home.

Nothing is more gratifying than seeing friends and clients bring their vision for their new home into reality. Simply put, Robert Jensen and Brandon Jones have created a Key West dream home to die for. We could not be more delighted for them both.

THE TOWNSEND TEAM
Dean & Keith Townsend, REALTORS®
Keller Williams Key West Compass Realty
333 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040
305-942-1369, www.DeanTownsend.com
www.Facebook.com/DeanTownsendSellsKeyWest

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