If you look closely, you will see faint remnants of the attention to detail that was put into the building of this little house in Key West. Before checking the tax records, I guessed it was built in the 1920’s or 1930’s and I was correct - 1938. Like so many of the remaining structures in the historic district, this one has always been small - one bedroom, one bathroom, plus living space - all tucked into less than 800 square feet.
Ultra simple lines, however, did not mean that a little bit of island frill was not in order.
Someone, maybe to please a wife whose envy of all the sawn-work detailing on the houses around her had resulted in a special request, took the time to install tiny scalloped trimwork across the porch header and along the gabled roof. And even though hurricanes and fiery heat most months out of the year have taken a toll, the evidence is still visible.
The casual visitor to these parts might look upon this one as their big chance to finally own a piece of paradise for an affordable price. And, to be fair, the word “affordable” is a very relative term, but just so you know - the same tax records that told me when this one was built also made mention of the fact that the current market value is coming very close to $1,000,000 - just as you see it here. And besides that, it is not for sale that I know of.
This means that the daydreaming will continue for most of us. Meanwhile, the traces of love on this little house remain. My guess is they are hanging around for a reason.
Photo by Beth Yarbrough.
