front porches – Page 3 – Dean Townsend Team

1022 Roberts Lane, Key West, FL—SOLD $699,000.

If you have enjoyed fantasies of owning a charming Key West cottage, tucked away on one of Old Town’s historic hidden lanes, then the beautiful island style home located at 1022 Roberts Lane is your dream come true. We love everything about this meticulously renovated 1 bedroom/1.5 bath corner of paradise.

Stroll down tranquil Roberts Lane (off the 600 Block of Frances Street) and you will discover this unforgettable cottage nestled at the end of the lane. Artisan-crafted features abound in this truly one-of-a-kind home. Entering to inviting open-plan living, you will be captivated by the spacious kitchen’s beamed ceiling, handcrafted copper countertops, and reclaimed Dade County Pine bar. The gorgeous living room’s exquisite teak floors and soaring bamboo ceiling echo South Pacific dreams. French doors carry you to a private side porch overlooking the lush tropical garden. Nirvana.

Beams grace the ceiling of the lovely and serene master bedroom. The light-filled master bath is unforgettable. With its vaulted ceiling, double vanity and shower, and magnificent windows, it rivals a five star spa. A bright Balinese inspired powder room opens to a wonderful sundeck, outdoor shower, and enclosed laundry.

As REALTORS®, we do not always have the opportunity to sell a home that has captured our hearts. 1022 Roberts Lane is not only a listing we are more than proud to have, we wish we were buying this adorable island style cottage for ourselves.

—Keith & Dean

Click here to enjoy a virtual tour of this beautiful island style cottage.

Click here to see THE TOP 10 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT 1022 ROBERTS LANE, KEY WEST, FL.

The Year of the Key West Cottage

Posted by Dean in Homes We Love

With our sales of five charming island cottages since the beginning of the year, 2016 is turning out to be The Year of the Key West Cottage. While it is not unusual—among our closings of historic Classical Revival mansions, stylish oceanfront condos, and tropical mid-century homes—for us to sell an Old Town cottage here and there, more and more of our clients are choosing cottage living. Since we happily dwell in an 1890’s cigar makers’ cottage, it is not hard for us to expound on the joys of cottage life. We are delighted that cottage living seems to be the Hemingway cat’s meow in Key West.

So what is it about quintessential Key West cottages that is attracting buyers? Yes, they are quaint, charming, and adorable, but we believe people are being drawn to them on an even deeper level. Among this year’s contentious presidential primaries, the Syrian refugee crisis, and terrorist attacks in Paris and Brussels, individuals and families are longing for a simpler, less chaotic time. (Not long after the attacks of September 11th, Dean sold his home in Chicago and bought his first Key West cottage.) The trademark white picket fences, welcoming front porches, and Victorian gingerbread adornments of Old Town’s historic cottages evoke the cherished, uncomplicated lifestyle lived by our grandparents and great-grandparents. Only a distant memory in most places, Key West cottage living offers a lifestyle of strolling to dinner, visiting with neighbors, and watching the world pass by from a porch swing.

While the Florida New Urbanism communities, of Seaside, Rosemary Beach, and Celebration have worked to recreate the best of small town America, Key West is the real deal. The Charter of the New Urbanism begins with: “We advocate the restructuring of public policy and development practices to support the following principles: neighborhoods should be diverse in use and population; communities should be designed for the pedestrian and transit as well as the car; cities and towns should be shaped by physically defined and universally accessible public spaces and community institutions; urban places should be framed by architecture and landscape design that celebrates local history, climate, ecology, and building practice.” Sound like Key West? Investors have been backing these developments for over three decades because they know they offer what buyers are looking for. Key West has obviously inspired more people than us.

Taking up residence in a century old cottage can take a lot of getting used to for those that are accustomed to the space allotted to many of the country’s suburban homes. Although challenging, adapting to living less large can be freeing, and can certainly lead one on a path to a simpler life. (Many Old Town cottages have been renovated to make it easier, not only maximizing space, but reflecting the best of modern living and design.) It is the Siren’s call of Key West’s laid-back, authentic, small town lifestyle that is capturing the hearts and minds of our cottage buyers and makes adapting to a different way of living well worth the effort.

Cottage living in Key West has given us the uncomplicated lifestyle that we see our clients longing for. We bet that they will love living in a tropical island cottage as much as we do. With a new listing of an exceptionally renovated Key West cottage coming our way, and clients deciding on which charming shotgun cottage to make an offer, 2016 will surely continue to earn The Townsend Team’s title of The Year of the Key West Cottage.

—Dean & Keith

The Top 10 Features Key West Buyers Are Looking For In Their Dream Home

Posted by Dean in Key West's Top 10's

Countless people fantasize about owning a home in Key West. Each year, hundreds of lucky dreamers descend on our island looking for the perfect Victorian cottage, seaside condominium, or tropical estate. The best thing about our job, is helping our clients find the Key West home of their dreams.

With years of experience selling Key West real estate, we pretty much know what people desire in their dream home. We’ve compiled a list of the top ten home features that Key West buyers are looking for. What are your Top 10?

—Dean

The Top 10 Features Key West Buyers Are Looking For In Their Dream Home

10. Old Town Location
It is no wonder that the Key West neighborhood that tops the list of home buyers is our beautiful, historic Old Town. Amid picturesque Victorian era streets and a lifestyle lived visiting on front porches or strolling to dinner at favorite neighborhood eateries, Old Town is the authentic version of classic small town America that the New Urbanism movement has been recreating across the country for decades.

9. Palm Trees
Key West buyers simply can’t imagine purchasing a home without palm trees in the yard. With a subtropical climate offering an eternal growing season, and over 2,500 species of palms to choose from, palm trees abound in our island’s gardens.

8. Covered Outdoor Space
The sun in Key West is intense. Dreams of enjoying a cool tropical drink in the shade of a lazy veranda, live in many a heart and mind. Having covered outdoor space undoubtedly adds to sweetness of island living.

7. Off-Street Parking
Although they will likely find themselves walking and biking most of the time, buyers are looking for a home with a parking spot for their vehicle. In our historic neighborhoods that were densely built before the introduction of cars, off-street parking can be elusive.

6. High & Dry
With images of the flooding caused by 2005’s Hurricane Wilma lingering in the minds of many buyers, the desire for homes that did not take on water during the storm, is strong. A flood zone “X” certification eliminates most lenders’ requirement for flood insurance. Luckily, the majority of Old Town sits high and dry.

5. Move-In Ready
There will always be those looking for a cigar maker’s cottage to renovate, or a neglected Classical Revival mansion to restore, but most buyers are in search of their move-in ready corner of paradise. With many properties being sold turnkey, it is possible to find a home where you can move in with just your toothbrush.

4. Indoor/Outdoor Living
With an abundance of great weather to enjoy, our buyers want to be able to open their windows and doors and live a lifestyle that flows seamlessly from the indoors to the outdoors—especially if they have just endured a Chicago winter.

3. First Floor Master Suite
Let’s face it, Key West is not an inexpensive place to live. Most of our buyers have reached a stage in life where they can afford to buy their dream home in paradise. With the possibility of mobility issues looming down the road, a first floor master suite is an important feature for many baby boomers, retirees, and those with elderly parents.

2. Front Porch
What is more quintessentially Key West than kicking back on an old fashioned front porch and watching the world stroll by?

★1. Pool
A pool and Key West go together like rum and Ernest Hemingway. Is it any wonder that having a pool tops the list of the features our buyers are looking for in their dream home?

1309 Grinnell Street, Key West, FL—OFF THE MARKET

Posted by Dean in Homes We Love

We are always thrilled to see a wreck of a home turned into a masterpiece. When 1309 Grinnell Street sold last summer, it was definitely in need of some major TLC. After a total renovation (from a new metal roof and impact resistant doors and windows; to new high efficiency air conditioning and electrical wiring), the 3 bedroom/3 ½ bath, Casa Marina home shines like a new penny.

The five things that top our clients’ wish lists are: a ground floor master suite, off street parking, X Flood Zone certification, a pool, and covered outdoor space. This exemplary renovation has answered the call. The beautiful first floor master bedroom features new oak hardwood flooring, custom made barn doors that conceal a wall mounted television, and a superior walk in closet. With imported Spanish tiles and a pass through shower, the master bath is not to be missed. There is highly desirable, off street parking for more than one car. The property sits high and dry in the X Zone. Hidden from the street, the sparkling free-form pool is surprisingly located in the front of the house. Overlooking the pool, the large front porch and deck will welcome you home.

Gorgeous impact resistant sliding doors allow outdoor living to comfortably flow inside. Straight out of Coastal Living, the stylish living room opens to the large and inviting chef’s kitchen. We love the wonderful built-ins, Kenmore Pro Series appliances, and the convenient laundry room with a half bath. Just off the dining area, a sun-dappled deck allows for carefree outdoor entertaining.

A welcoming family area awaits at the top of the stairs. The terrific, second master suite boasts a vaulted ceiling and a spacious walk in closet. A sunny upstairs guest bedroom connects to a third bathroom with designer marble flooring and a cast iron tub.

The transformation of 1309 Grinnell Street is no less than extraordinary. Call us to schedule your private showing today.

—Keith & Dean

Our Top 10 Favorite Features of 711 South Street, Key West, FL—SOLD $3,650,000.

Posted by Dean in Homes We Love

On a recent, warm and sunny, Sunday afternoon, we enjoyed hosting an open house at the exquisite tropical estate at 711 South Street in Key West’s beautiful Casa Marina neighborhood. Undoubtedly, many of the dozens of people in attendance turned out to see what you get for 4.8 million dollars (Now Reduced to $3,950,000.!). Amid glowing descriptions of “Totally amazing!”, “Four Seasons like!”, and “The most beautiful home I’ve ever seen!” we not surprisingly heard from many individuals that the property was worth every penny. We could not agree more. 711 South Street is simply our favorite home being offered for sale on the island.

Enjoy this list of our top ten favorite features of this four bedroom/six bath estate and you will see why this magnificent, one-of-a-kind, corner of paradise is not to be missed. Call us today to schedule your private tour.

—Keith & Dean

Our Top 10 Favorite Features of 711 South Street, Key West, FL

10. The Spectacular Resort Style Living
Reflective of the world’s best luxury island resorts, no detail has been overlooked in creating an environment of casual elegance and tranquility for this spacious estate. With 3,274 square feet of air conditioned space and a 15,252 square foot double lot, there is plenty of room for you and your guests to gather together, or to escape to a private corner of paradise.

9. The Beautiful Guest Suites
We love the two beautifully decorated guest bedrooms (each with an elegant en suite bath) that open to a large and inviting covered porch overlooking a secluded tropical garden.

8. The Lush Tropical Gardens
Meticulously cared for, the verdant gardens create an unforgettable tropical oasis.

7. The Gorgeous Master Suite
Opening to the grand veranda overlooking the pool, the gorgeous master suite is simply a masterpiece. Multiple closets, built-in dressers, owner’s laundry, travertine tiles, and easy access to the outdoor shower add to its appeal.

6. The Custom Tiger Maple Kitchen Cabinets
From the top of the line appliances to the glorious granite countertops, the open-plan chef’s kitchen offers so much to adore. The custom tiger maple cabinets are a thing to behold—beautiful.

5. The Impressive Front Porch
With abundant room for outdoor dining, relaxing, and entering, the impressive front porch sets a welcoming tone that rings throughout the home.

4. The Inviting Guest Quarters
Tucked away above the estate’s detached two car garage, guests will never want to leave their splendid, private haven.

3. The Gallery-like Entry Hall
An art collector’s dream, the gracious entry hall not only serves as a welcoming gallery space, it frames a spectacular vista of the living room, veranda, pool and gardens beyond.

2. The Dramatic Resort Style Pool
With its graceful, sweeping gesture, the estate’s resort style pool has captured our hearts. It will almost certainly capture yours.

★1. The Exquisite Alexander Baer Interiors
Acclaimed interior designer Alexander Baer worked with the owners of 711 South Street to create the home’s exquisite interiors. A welcoming air of easy island elegance is found in every room. You can kick off your flip-flops and put your feet up on the coffee table. With the extraordinary estate being sold turnkey with all of the impeccable designer furnishings (artwork, sculptures, and personal items excluded; with a list of exclusions to be provided by the seller), settling into 711 South Street will be a breeze.

Click here to visit Jenkins Baer Associates’ website.

Click here to enjoy a virtual tour of this beautiful Key West estate.

Click here to read more about 711 South Street, Key West, FL.