721-F Windsor Lane, Key West, Florida—SOLD $467,125.

The Windsor Village Compound—tucked away behind a tropically landscaped gate on Windsor Lane—is one of Key West’s best kept secrets. Brick pathways wind through stunning gardens to eleven individually owned cottages nestled around a large and tranquil pool. Built in the 1950’s, it is one of the oldest compounds on the island. Peaceful living abounds in this community established for those 55 years of age and older. Just two-and-a-half blocks from the heart of Duval Street, the conveniently located Windsor Village sits high and dry near the top of the highest point in Key West, Solares Hill.

The lushly landscaped grounds and community pool are beautiful.
The lushly landscaped grounds and community pool are beautiful.
We love the vaulted wood ceiling and accent window.
We love the vaulted wood ceiling and accent window.

Ideal for a couple or single person looking for a charming Key West pied-à-terre, 721-F Windsor Lane is a move-in-ready island cottage. Beautifully designed, the home utilizes its 591 square feet to maximum effect. A welcoming front porch invites you to while away the hours with a good book. Leading directly to the kitchen, the bright entry hall separates the living room from the bedroom. The living room features accent windows, a vaulted wood ceiling, and French doors leading to a private garden. Opening to an outdoor dining space, the sparking new kitchen showcases custom cabinets and stainless steel appliances. The light-filled bedroom features a high ceiling, French doors, and a newly renovated en suite bath. With the added bonuses of an outdoor shower, laundry, and storage loft, the small-scale cottage undoubtedly lives large. We adore this hidden Key West treasure!

The custom kitchen is gorgeous.
The custom kitchen is gorgeous.

Windsor Village became commonly known as the Windsor Village Writer’s Compound when acclaimed writers, John Hersey, John Ciardi, Richard Wilbur, and Ralph Ellison purchased winter homes there in 1976. John Hersey was a celebrated writer and journalist, winning the Pulitzer Prize for his 1944 novel, A Bell for Adono. John Ciradi was a poet, translator and etymologist. Ciradi worked in television and radio with his show Accents on CBS and is reporting on NPR’s Morning Edition. Richard Wilbur is a poet and literary translator. The second U.S. Poet Laureate, Wilbur won the Pulitzer Prize for poetry twice, the National Book Award, and received the National Medal of Arts from President Clinton. Ralph Ellison was a novelist, literary critic, scholar, and writer. Ellison is best known for his novel, Invisible Man, for which he won the National Book Award in 1953.

Keith & Dean

715 Frances Street, Key West, Florida—SOLD $1,360,000.

One of 30 historic eyebrow houses on the island.  Beautiful!
One of 30 historic eyebrow houses on the island. Beautiful!

It has been said that it is the surviving collection of simple, though decorative, well-proportioned houses of great dignity that is impressive and appealing about Key West architecture.

We love that every room is light-filled and inviting.
We love that every room is light-filled and inviting.

The great majority of the homes in Key West’s historic district are classified as examples of either Classical Revival architecture or Key West vernacular architecture. One uniquely Key West modification to the Classical Revival style is the eyebrow house. The eyebrow house was based on the New England saltbox house in that the front wall is commonly a two-story plane and the rear wall a one-story plane. The front roof rests on the front porch pillars, partially obscuring the windows of the upstairs rooms, making the eyebrow effect. This awning like feature keeps out direct sunlight and offers a desirable cooling effect.

Paradise in your own backyard.
Paradise in your own backyard.

715 Frances Street is one of the best examples of the 30 vernacular eyebrow houses on the island. The beautifully light-filled home has been lovingly renovated to preserve the unique character of the home—while offering all the conveniences of contemporary living. We love that the home features two spacious living areas and three bedrooms with en suite baths. The high-end kitchen, with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, opens to the sunny family room. The 6,000 square-foot lot showcases a sparkling heated pool, hot tub with waterfall, outdoor shower, lush tropical landscaping, and highly coveted off-street parking. We could move into this stunning home today—we just love it!

Keith & Dean

Click here to enjoy of virtual tour of this historic eyebrow house.

635 William Street, Key West, Florida—SOLD $1,605,000.

A+ Curb Appeal!
A+ Curb Appeal!

Strolling past 635 William Street on our way to dinner—on many a beautiful Key West evening—Dean has regaled me with stellar reviews of the wonderful home. As soon as it was listed for sale, I could not wait to see if the property was as great as Dean said it was. The idyllic home did not disappoint. Now, we are both in love with 635 William Street.

The open floor plan is perfect for entertaining.
The open floor plan is perfect for entertaining.

With a charming white picket fence, an impeccably landscaped front garden, an inviting front porch, and classical Key West cottage design, the curb appeal of this one story home is as good as it gets. The long and wide entry hall is an art collector’s dream. Beautiful Brazilian cherry floors lead to three bright bedrooms and three baths (including two master suites). Open to the living and dining areas, the kitchen features custom cherry cabinets, granite counter tops, and high end appliances. From the street, one would never imagine that the cottage would feature such a large, light-filled living area. Perfect for entertaining, the open floor plan flows to the back garden with an outdoor dining space and a magical lanai overlooking the heated pool, spa, and waterfall.

We love the sparkling pool and the covered outdoor space.
We love the sparkling pool and the covered outdoor space.

Just a short walk to renowned locally-owned restaurants, celebrated entertainment venues, and the heart of Duval Street, we love the excellent location of this impeccably restored home. Moving into 635 William Street would certainly be a dream coming true.

Keith & Dean

1108 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida—SOLD $1,140,000.

A quintessential Key West cottage.
A quintessential Key West cottage.

We are not the only ones in love with 1108 Fleming Street. During our open house yesterday, we were delighted by the dozens of smiling people that had their heartstrings tugged by this charming Key West cottage.

Fabulous indoor/outdoor living.
Fabulous indoor/outdoor living.

Located on the quiet end of one of the most beautiful streets in Old Town, this quintessential Key West cottage stole our hearts when we first passed through the classic white picket gate and gazed upon the lovely bougainvillea-graced front porch. The picturesque entry welcomed us to a home that has been wonderfully designed and meticulously cared for.

We love the home’s light filled open floor plan with its gorgeous pine floors, painted wood walls and generous windows. The entry hall has a graceful staircase and opens to a dreamy guest room, an island style kitchen and a living room straight out of Costal Living. Upstairs, the master suite features an inviting bedroom, an exquisitely designed bath and a cozy office—with scuttles for superior old-fashioned ventilation.

Paradise.
Paradise.

The beautifully landscaped backyard, with its generous patio and heated pool, is perfect for tropical entertaining. Guests will never want to leave the picture perfect poolside guest cottage. With an outdoor shower, extra storage, and off-street parking on quiet Curry Lane, this slice of paradise has it all.

Keith & Dean

822 Washington Street, Key West, Florida—SOLD $1,875,000.

Love the 1,000 square foot veranda.
Love the 1,000 square foot veranda.

We wish we were buying 822 Washington Street in Key West. Wow! Could we live large and entertain with style in this extraordinary single story home!

The spacious living room features a working fireplace.
The spacious living room features a working fireplace.

Designed by Key West architect Tom Pope, the home was perfectly created for its tropical island setting—allowing for indoor/outdoor living at its best. The 3,500 square foot, four bedroom/four bath home has a wonderful floor plan with spacious rooms flowing beautifully to the outdoors. We love that the living room, kitchen, family room and master bedroom all open onto the spectacular 1,000 square foot veranda, overlooking the 33 foot heated pool and walled garden. The generous and inviting spaces would not deter us from inviting as many as 200 to 300 guests for an unforgettable party.

Swimming laps in the 33 foot heated pool, sure would beat going to the gym.
Swimming laps in the 33 foot heated pool, sure would beat going to the gym.

Located in the prestigious Casa Marina District, just a short stroll from Flagler’s historic hotel, Higgs Beach, Louie’s Backyard, and Upper Duval Street, the home’s location is ideal. We could walk or bike to dinner in the evening or pull the car out of the home’s unusual oversized garage.

From the first time we toured this private and special home, we could not stop talking about its exquisite highlights and imagining the endless possibilities.

Keith & Dean