First impressions are everything. And it's love at first sight with the charming 2BR 2BA Casa Bella Petite le Bleu. This classic Key West cigar-maker's cottage was originally built in 1889, on a lazy little narrow lane. It was so lovingly restored and renovated in 2011, that it received the coveted Historic Florida Keys Foundation Preservation Award.
Over a century later, Casa Bella Petite le Bleuis a luxurious charming pool-garden home. Situated on the quiet upper end of famous Elizabeth Street, this house is dripping with authentic charm. From its stunning transformation to its enviable location, this Key West house is a great place to stay for a month or more.
LAYOUT
From the front curb this cottage is a picture of perfection. Nestled amongst a remarkable collection of authentic structures, its historic characteristics are captivating. On the left side you'll notice tin sawtooth roof. Designed for function in the 1800's, the steep roof was designed to shield the cottage from the heat of the tropical sun. You'll also see its notable modern feature - the off-street brick paved parking area. Parking is an enviable perk in Old Town Key West. Plus, it has Tesla charging station mounted on the fence.
As your eyes pan away from the driveway to the right, take-in the crisp white clapboard cottage accented by bright blue storm shutters and a traditional metal roof. The ample covered porch invites you to linger for a moment in its shade to savor the fragrant island breeze wafting by. This porch features comfortable outdoor furnishings and roll down sunscreen shades for privacy and protection from the afternoon sun.
This is the perfect cottage for two to four people. If friends and family become enchanted and decide they want to come. No Problem! Right across the street is the extraordinary 5BR 5.5 BA Bella Grand Premier Estate
The Great Room
As you step through the front door into the great room, you'll be taken by the skillful blending of clean modern lines within this historic Key West cottage. The original Key West heartpine wood warms and personalizes the environment. The tall wood-paneled ceiling with bright white open beams creates a sense of openness and makes the room feel larger. The pine flooring adds warmth to the entire main level except for the kitchen and bath areas, which are finished in beautiful ceramic tile. The sense of openness is amplified by the plentiful outdoor views afforded by the many windows and glass doors which wrap around the room. Tasteful, clean contemporary furnishings include a queen sleeper sofa. The two large double French doors on the wall to your left seamlessly merge the room with the swimming pool garden. The garden is a room, in and of itself, and is made to feel private with lush tropical foliage.
Main Level Bedroom
The interior wall directly opposite the poolside French doors, is the only Great Room wall without windows. Immediately to the right of the home's front door is the entrance to the 1st floor bedroom. This downstairs bedroom offers a queen sized bed, large flat screen TV and spacious double closet.
Upstairs Bedroom Suite
Next as we pass by the interior wall, we come to an artistically simple open stairway. The stairway leads up to the second floor Master Suite. As you reach the top of the stairs, you find enter the 2nd floor suite. This room runs the entire width of the house. The low ceiling is tucked up to the roof-lline. Turn to your right, and you'll be led to the bedroom area with its king bed and 40" flat screen TV. On the other end, just past the stairs, is the open bath area. The bathroom features a spacious glass-enclosed shower with rainfall shower head and hand held spray. A 12-light sash window in the shower looks out over the treetops outside.
Kitchen
Heading back down the stairs, we find ourselves approaching the kitchen, separated from the living by a four-stool breakfast bar. The kitchen space has a vaulted ceiling, which adds a nice sense of volume to the space.
The upscale Viking appliances make the kitchen a pleasure to cook in. It has a large capacity dishwasher, a two over one refrigerator/freezer, and a smooth-top stove featuring a state-of-the-art downdraft venting system. A large double stainless sink with high end fixtures plus disposal and under-counter lighting finish out the beauttiful and efficient work space. Two large windows and a French door bring in lots of natural light and never let you forget for a moment that you're in a tropical paradise.
Master Bath/Rear Deck
On the opposite wall from the kitchen is the entrance to the master bath. Under its vaulted ceiling, you'll find the bathtub complete with rain shower head, and ample closet space. In its own closet, you'll find a Frigidaire washer/dryer stack. Step through the frosted glass French door, and you're under a shady little lanai which opens onto the back deck. Here you'll spot a table and chairs for luxurious dining under the stars, and also an open shower stall, handy for rinsing off after a swim.
Tropical Pool Garden
Around the corner from the rear deck to the side of the house, we find the swimming pool garden. French doors connected the pool-garden deck with the great room. The roomy heated swimming pool features a sparkling sheet waterfall, The soothing sound of the splasing waterfall contributes to the peaceful ambiance. The pool is surrounded by a deck wwith chaises for sunbathing or retreating to a shady corner for a refreshing afternoon beverage. We suspect that throughout your stay at Casa Bella Petite le Bleu, this beautiful pool area will be your prime go-to spot for relaxing, swimming or reading a good book.Settle back and relax ... you've arrived!
Bedding Summary (Sleeps Six):
Upstairs Bedroom Suite - King size bed
First Floor Bedroom - 1 Queen size bed
Living Room - Queen sleeper sofa.
Amenities: This is an upscale complete renovation with many extras. Comfortably decorated and furnished. Fully equipped user-friendly Viking kitchen. 55- inch flat screen TV in the 1st floor bedroom, 40-inch flat screen TV in the 2nd floor suite. Central A/C. Linens and Towels are provided. There is a laundry closet in the 1st floor bath with stacked Frigidaire washer/dryer. Heated swimming pool, lush tropical landscaping, large private sun deck, outdoor shower, kettle style charcoal smoker/BBQ grill. There is a full outdoor dining set complete with high-end umbrella.
Activities:Casa Bella Petite is conveniently located in a classic Key West residential neighborhood. It is an easy 5-10 minute walk straight ahead to Duval St., around the midpoint between the Atlantic and the Gulf. Along this bustling strip, you'll find a wide selection of shops and galleries as well as restaurants of every style and price point. And of course you'll want to check out the many bars and nightspots for which Duval is famous. Walk 10-15 minutes to your right and you'll find yourself at the colorful Key West Historic Seaport with its myriad of attractions, restaurants, bars and shops on the land side, and boats and ships of every description docked along the waterfront.
Area:Although not really much of a hill by the usual standards, Solaris Hill is actually the highest point of land on our little island. This neighborhood was developed in the late 1800's, and is comprised mainly of smaller homes built for Key West's early working folks. A few larger homes are dotted throughout, though, as is not unusual in Old Town. From this home, a half a block from the dead center of this "hill", you are only two blocks from the fascinating Key West Cemetery (circa 1847), host to over 100,000 former Conchs and many entertaining gravestones. From such a central location, you will have easy access to beaches, attractions, shopping and galleries all over the historic end of the island. This is a terrific spot for guests who opt to rent bicycles rather than a motor vehicle.
Parking: This home has a private designated off-street parking area paved with bricks for one car or a couple of golf carts or scooters. A Tesla charging station is provided. A convenient gate in the parking area fence allows easy access to the side pool deck where you can securely stash your rental bicycles.
Restrictions: Month minimum rental. Smoke free house.No pets please. Not suitable for staging loud parties. Maximum of 8 guests allowed. We do not accept guests less than 25 years of age unless accompanied by a family or group.
