Dean – Page 18 – Dean Townsend Team

1217 Packer Street, Key West, Florida—SOLD $1,100,000.

Five bedrooms, five baths, and elbow room for all!

CBS news recently reported that while most of the 76 million baby boomers are no longer caring for their children, more and more of them are becoming caretakers of an older generation. For those boomers lucky enough to retire in Key West, many of them are not only looking for a dream home that checks off all the boxes on their wish list, they are considering the needs of their elderly parents as well. Our spacious new listing at 1217 Packer Street offers a wonderful opportunity for a multi-generational family to balance the need for safety and convenience with the desire for privacy and independence.

The 4 off-street parking spaces are a rare find in Old Town!

With 2,500 square feet of living space—all on one level—and a 6,701 square foot lot, 1217 Packer Street boasts plenty of breathing room. The 3 bedroom/3 bath main house features a generous open floor plan, two large master suites, high ceilings, and great storage. Multiple French doors open to a sunny 28’ x 13.5’ pool, sparkling spa, outdoor dining, and tropical garden. The inviting 2 bedroom/2 bath guest cottage—with a private entrance, living/dining room, full-sized kitchen, and laundry room—overlooks the pool. Indoor/outdoor living at its best can be found in this diverse Old Town property.

We love the sparkling 28' x 13,.5' pool! — We love the sparkling 28′ x 13,.5′ pool!

We love that 1217 Packer Street is the perfect home for a multi-generational family to experience the best in tropical island retirement.

Keith & Dean

Click here to enjoy a virtual tour of this very special home.

KEY WEST FUN FACT #2

Posted by Dean in Key West Fun Facts

Fantasy Fest 2014 is just around the corner!

KEY WEST FUN FACT #2: In an essay for the October 1959 issue of Male magazine, Frank Lynn described Key West as a sex mad, vice ridden city with more gambling, crime, and perversion than anyplace east of Singapore. Key West has changed a bit!

Keith & Dean

530 Grinnell Street, Key West, Florida—SOLD $750,000.

Posted by Dean in Homes We Love

We love the cottage's superior curb appeal. — We love the cottage’s superior curb appeal.

Big things don’t always come in small packages. In the case of the charming cottage at 530 Grinnell Street, they certainly do.

Designed by Key West architect, Guillermo Orozco, the home masterfully maximizes its 800 square feet with an open floor plan and lofty vaulted ceilings. The stunning island inspired interiors were fashioned by Houston’s Blair Gordon Design. We love the Brazilian Ipe wood floors, Dade County pine walls, Caesarstone countertops, maple cabinets, top-end appliances, and custom built-ins. The magical bunkroom is a childhood fantasy come true.

The bunkroom is a kid's dream come true. — The bunkroom is a kid’s dream come true.

The storybook island cottage never ceases to capture our attention when we are strolling to Sunday brunch at Azure. From the Stephanotis draped white picket fence, to the indigenous Lignum Vitae tree shading the inviting front porch, the cottage radiates curb appeal plus. It is no wonder that this award winning home has been featured in the pages of Coastal Living.

Keith & Dean

Click here to enjoy a virtual tour of this charming Key West cottage.

KEY WEST FUN FACT #1

Posted by Dean in Key West Fun Facts

Guess Key West's flamingos tasted just like chicken. — Do you guess that Key West’s flamingos tasted just like chicken?

KEY WEST FUN FACT #1: In 1819, when Key West founder John Whitehead first laid eyes on the island, he saw a lush tropical shoreline inhabited by flamingos, miniature deer, and a large population of sea turtles.

Keith & Dean

Key West “Gypsy” Chickens

Posted by Dean in Key West History

As proud citizens of Key West, we are always glad to help bewildered-looking tourists with directions or to answer their more than familiar and often entertaining questions. Besides are all time favorites— “Is there water on the other side of the island?” and “Do you have a sunset every night?”—we are amazed by how many people ask us, “What’s up with the chickens?”

What's the joke about the chicken crossing the road? — What’s the joke about the chicken crossing the road?

Often called Key West “Gypsy” chickens or Key West “Free-Range” chickens, the number of chickens on the island took a big leap in the 1860’s when waves of Cubans followed the cigar industry to Key West. Cockfighting was an extremely popular sport in Cuba and the immigrants brought their chickens with them. When cockfighting was finally outlawed in 1970, the chickens were emancipated, protected by law, and free to roam the island.

We have a love/hate relationship with the chickens. The roosters’ gorgeous plumage often warrants our highest compliments and we have marveled at the tenacity of many a hen when her chicks are being asked to lunch by a hungry hawk. Choice words have flown when a daydreaming rooster has suddenly stepped into the path of our bikes or after moving in next door, an early riser has awakened us before sunrise. Good or bad, Key West’s “Gypsy” chickens have attained celebrity status and are as woven into the colorful fabric of the island as Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and Jimmy Buffett.

Keith & Dean