Tag Archives: tropical gardens

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.

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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

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The outdated and tiny original kitchen was reconceived as a sleek and stylish chef’s delight.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

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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.

End Blog Shot

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

End Of Blog

1010 Elgin Lane, Key West, FL 33040—SOLD $1,200,000.

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Among the sweetest perks of selling Key West real estate are the array of invitations, to tour the island’s hidden treasures, that come across our desks. After experiencing the captivating cottage at 1010 Elgin Lane, we felt like we had discovered a pot of gold.

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Tucked away on a hidden Old Town lane, this historic, 3 bedroom/3 bath, property can best be described as personality plus. With quintessential Key West curb appeal and a front porch tailor-made for whiling away the hours, the home lays out an unforgettable welcome mat.

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Crossing the threshold, one is immediately struck by the cottage’s storybook charm. The art-filled living room lends itself to whispered confidences and joyous celebrations. Wonderful artistic details delight at every turn.

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The generous, cottage-style, eat-in kitchen offers views of the beautiful garden and pool.

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Downstairs, the master bedroom and adjoining sitting room are awash with dappled light.

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Custom features create a tropical island paradise in the home’s main bath.

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Born from a childhood fantasy, an enchanting secret garden awaits in the backyard.

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Guests will long to stay forever in the coastal guest cottage overlooking the sparkling pool.

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Reminiscent of a British architectural folly, or a New England summer house, the unforgettable octagonal pavilion offers a peaceful retreat from the world’s cares.

Undoubtedly, the magical island escape at 1010 Elgin Lane has captured our hearts. We bet you will fall in love with this not-to-be-missed home as well.

—Keith & Dean

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3322 Duck Avenue, Key West, FL 33040—SOLD $369,000.

The common definition of a starter home is: a relatively small, economical house or condominium that meets the requirements of young people buying their first home. In Key West, a broader definition is required to encompass the realities of island living. Let’s face it, real estate in Key West is not inexpensive. While many newcomers dream of finding a spacious Old Town cottage with a sparkling pool, nestled on a quiet lane, that is just a short stroll to Duval Street, the harsh realities of our housing market can be daunting. Consequently, for those sea, sun, and sand filled souls that can’t imagine starting out in life—or starting life anew—anywhere that cannot easily be described as a tropical paradise, expectations often must be adjusted. What you get for $379,000.00 in Cleveland, is not what you get here. In Key West, downsizing is not just for empty nesters. For most buyers, a Key West starter home will generally cost more, be smaller, lack a pool, and will not be in the historic district. That being said, wonderful island homes are waiting to be discovered.

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Move-in-ready with 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and 1,041 sq. ft. of living space, the charming townhome at 3322 Duck Avenue might just be the Key West starter home of your dreams.

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Off-street parking leads to a private tropical garden. Showcasing a custom brick path, inviting water feature, irrigation system, accent lighting, and outdoor shower, this lush corner of paradise will welcome you home.

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Perfect for entertaining, both the spacious living room and eat-in kitchen open through French doors to a generous deck. The bright kitchen has been updated with stainless steel appliances. The renovated first floor half bath includes the laundry.

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Sliding glass doors allow twin master bedrooms to flow to the sunny upstairs balcony overlooking the garden.

Embrace a laid-back island lifestyle and enjoy affordable Key West living at its best in this beautiful New Town townhouse: the perfect Key West starter home.

—Keith & Dean

Click here to enjoy a virtual tour of this charming island townhome.

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824 Thomas Street, Key West, FL—SOLD $924,500.

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If you have dreamed of finding a historic barn, firehouse, or church and turning it into a one-of-a-kind showplace—or lost a Sunday afternoon captivated by amazing home conversions on HGTV—then our new listing at 824 Thomas Street, in Key West’s historic Bahama Village, is your dream come true.

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dmre-824thomas-3173Erected by former slaves in 1867, the Zion Primitive Baptist Church was rebuilt in 1911. The African American congregation closed its doors in the 1970’s and the current owner converted the church to an extraordinary single-family home in 1983. Elementary architectural features attest to its ecclesiastical origins. The simple elegance of the corner steeple, prominent double-door entrance, and pointed-arch windows reflect the structure’s Carpenter Gothic style.

Being offered for sale for the first time in 33 years, 824 Thomas Street presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a truly unique Key West property.

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Working on the project for over three decades, the craftsman owner has created an unforgettable home with 2,692 square feet of living space on a lot of 4,865 square feet. The converted church structure features two dramatic living spaces: a 2 bedroom/1 bath main living area and a 1 bedroom/1 bath Mother-in-Law suite/artist’s studio. A charming 1 bedroom/1 bath guest cottage and a spacious storage shed can be found in the tropical backyard garden. Generous off-street parking and a prized X Flood Zone location add to the property’s substantial charms.

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dmre-824thomas-3154The main living area offers striking spaces rarely seen in Key West. Soaring to 27 feet at its peak, the great room’s beamed ceiling is breathtaking. Original Romanesque arches and unique craftsman features demand one’s eye at every turn. With outstanding flow from the great room to the massive kitchen space and out to the garden, the home is ideal for entertaining. A cozy guestroom, full bath, and large laundry complete the first floor. Looking over both the great room and the backyard, a grand master bedroom dominates the second story.

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A lofty, 1 bedroom/1 bath, Mother-in-Law suite has been created in the front of the converted church structure. Architectural Fir wood beams add to the drama of the space’s 27’ ceiling. A roomy loft bedroom—with skylights—looks out over open plan living below. The towering space calls out for an artist to take up residence.

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dmre-824thomas-3166A secret garden can be found at the back of the property. Overlooking the mature tropical garden, a historic, 1 bedroom/1 bath, guest cottage offers visitors a charming private retreat. The deep lot is beautifully landscaped with rare palms and features a grand old Sapodilla tree. With a generous storage shed, privacy, and room for a sparkling pool, the backyard garden is a rare gem in the Key West Historic District.

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Nothing less than a Bahama Village Neighborhood landmark, 824 Thomas Street is routinely photographed, sketched, and painted by visitors and artists from around the world. Iconic Key West restaurant, Blue Heaven, can be found on the corner, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum sits a block away, and you are just a two-block stroll to all the best of world famous Duval Street.

Since we first toured this incomparable home, we have not stopped daydreaming about what we would do to make it our own. We wish we were buying this wondrous corner of paradise.

—Keith & Dean

Click here to enjoy of virtual tour of this truly one-of-a-kind Key West home.

Photo taken by the Property Appraiser's office c1965; 824 Thomas St.; built 1920's; Zion Primitive Baptist Church; Tract 3, Sqr 2, Sub 5

Photo taken by the Property Appraiser’s office c1965; 824 Thomas St.; built 1920’s; Zion Primitive Baptist Church; Tract 3, Sqr 2, Sub 5

A POCKET LISTING TO LOVE—OFF THE MARKET

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618 Catholic Lane & 1022 Roberts Lane, Key West, FL 33040—$2,400,000.

A 3 Bedroom/3.5 Bath Compound with 1,908 Sq. Ft. of Living Space on a 5,489 Sq. Ft. Lot

Tucked away at the end of two tranquil Old Town lanes, the combined properties of 618 Catholic Lane and 1022 Roberts Lane offer a private and secluded sanctuary to love. Not to be seen on the Key West Association of REALTORS® MLS, Realtor.com, or Zillow.com, this beautiful Key West compound is quietly being offered for sale for the first time.

A charming single story, 2 bedroom/2 bath, 1,200 square foot main house smiles across a gorgeous tropical garden to an unforgettable one level, 1 bedroom/1.5 bath, 708 square foot guest cottage. With inviting covered outdoor space, a sparkling pool, and generous room for alfresco entertaining, the compound offers the best of island living.

When it comes to Key West properties, there are special properties and there are once in a lifetime opportunities. This remarkable refuge is a rare gem in the heart of Old Town. It is not to be missed.

—Keith & Dean

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