Key West Homes for Sale in the Casa Marina area
The luxurious Casa Marina neighborhood was named for the resort hotel it grew up around. The Casa Marina, Key West’s first crown jewel luxury resort, was built by Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway company. It was intended to accommodate tourists arriving aboard Flagler’s amazing overseas railway that made runs from the Florida mainland down the Keys and back for 23 years beginning in January of 1912. Now, the exclusive neighborhood that grew up around the resort is a haven of luxury for Key West residents and visitors who prefer the quieter side of town and proximity to the sandy Atlantic beaches.
When it opened in 1921, the opulent Casa Marina Hotel was the talk of the town. Located in what was then considered the “country” side of the island, the quiet atmosphere and Atlantic beachfront location of the Casa Marina soon attracted dignitaries like President Warren G. Harding and a long list of celebrity guests. The hotel also played important roles in US history over the years. It was purchased by the Navy and used as officer’s quarters during World War II, and was a US Army headquarters during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Now a Waldorf Astoria property, the Casa Marina is the premier resort on the Atlantic side of Key West. The renovated historic hotel anchors a surrounding neighborhood locally known as the Casa that remains just as upscale as when it was developed in the 1950’s for wealthy residents.
Known for its large homes, expansive lots and walled gardens, the Casa Marina Neighborhood is the second-most sought after Key West residential area after Old Town. The Casa district runs from the Atlantic shoreline north to United Street, bounded by White Street to the east and Duval to the west. Sometimes referred to as Mid-Town by locals, the Casa featuresbeaches and several parks as well as fine restaurants and other attractions. Key West homes for Sale in the Casa Marina district also offer convenient access to the south ends of Duval and White streets and to Old Town South.
The tree-lined boulevards of Casa Marina are prefect for walking or biking, and it is only minutes by bike from any point in the neighborhood to Higgs Beach, the White Street Pier, and CB Harvey Rest Beach Park. Across the street from Higgs is another park area with tennis courts, a playground and a dog park. With South Beach and the Duval Street pier just two blocks to the west, Casa Marina homeowners enjoy the best waterfront recreation access of any Key West neighborhood.
Casa Marina is an island home showcase that features exceptional examples of Mid-Century modern architecture ranging from lofty mansions and palm-shaded estates to trim tropical bungalows. Most residents are long-term, with a select few homes available as monthly or seasonal rentals.For island home buyers with ocean views and beach access in mind, the Casa is arguably the most desirable neighborhood in Key West. Let Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Knight & Gardner Realty be your guide to the homes of Casa Marina, where you can find a private resort gem of your own.
