Lovely photos, but to give an opinion I would need to know more about the neighborhood and see a floor plan of the house.

I know absolutely nothing about Florida real estate, but I love the pictures. The house is charming, seems to have a nice-sized lot and has a terrific back yard. I think there's work to be done on the kitchen and baths and I couldn't tell much about the overall floor plan. If you love it, though, and there's really enough closet space and flow for you, then I would definitely think that buying is better than building. Certainly, you'll be able to move in more quickly assuming that you don't make major changes.

Here is another picture.. the houses beside it are newer, more expensive, key west homes, and a few old Florida cottage style. upward of 1-2 million. This picture shows the front, taken front the dock area.. which is across the street - but we'd OWN that property. (the whole street is like that - all the docks are across the street)

No floorplan available, but it doesn't flow like a new home, but it has a nice flow overall.

Tinker, did you see this post from phoggie? I think she's looking for some photos you had.

Here is a link that might be useful: post by phoggie

The house is gorgeous!!! Have you checked the cost of hurricane insurance in the Keys? Especially, have you checked the cost of hurricane insurance in the Keys on a non-CBS constructed home? Have you checked the cost of flood insurance on a non-CBS non-elevated sea level home? If you have been living in Florida a while you probably know it's a big.

Just the lot/backyard alone is fantastic. If you are experienced remodelers and won't have an issue getting permits, etc., I say go for it.

lukkiirish, thanks - I didn't see phoggie's post!

The house is NOT in the Keys, but it is on the Gulf of Mexico, and we have lived here almost 20 years, so the cost of insurance will not be a sticker shock (well... it is, but we know what to expect). The land has more value than the house, and not many permits (if any) would even need to be pulled. They make you pull them on the big stuff, pool, air, electric, etc., but not for remodeling kitchens or baths. It is very livable as is.. just really needs some TLC, and a face lift here and there!

I'm feeling more excited about this house, and the house has been on the market 1 year, and owner is anxious...

The pool would do it for me. I wouldn't ever be inside LOL. But those wood floors and that wonderful bedroom with the fireplace...not the purple one :) Well I grew up in New Orleans and my folks were in the Tavares FL area for 22 years so I know all the drawbacks of hurricanes...I would have a hard time resisting that house. The kitchen looks fine to me. Who cares you are out by the pool , c

I think it's beautiful and such nice character compared to the generic cbs look. I have a cbs and it's nice enough but would like something with more charm. The flood insurance doesn't seem to cover much of anything anymore anyway if one were to need it. It's really a ripe off down here.

LOL...that would be rip-off not ripe off.

I absolutely love it. Just think, all the landscaping is done too. That's the part I hate when building a new home.

I think it's beautiful and the back yard is stunning. Hey - if it's in a location you like and the price is right - I'd go for it.

I know you said you've done major remodeling before so you can handle whatever comes your way. And the way prices are these days you'd probably do better on an existing home rather than building new.

I'm loving it. It says FL to me, in a nice relaxed way. I also grew up in FL and would love to live in that house (but not cut the grass!)

I will tell you the truth about what I think of that house . . .

IT. IS. PERFECT. Perfect!

We lived in Florida for years and that location is KILLER. The house is darling, it has an easy feeling, and the property is fantastic. Undoubtedly the house has been retrofitted with some of the newer hangers for the roof when it was last replaced. And I always said I'd rather have an old Florida house that has withstood hurricanes than a new stilt home that is supposed to withstand hurricanes.

This house is fantastic. . . I would buy it tomorrow.

What a beautiful home and those grounds and pool. I'd buy it just for that. I would definitely go for it if it's what you want.

Love it! If it fits your needs and you like the area then go for it. What is nice about a preexisting house is that you don't have to make so many choices and the landscaping is done and I really like the back yard.

So much less stress is always a good thing. At least I got stressed when building years ago.

What a beautiful and charming house, grounds, and setting, such a joy just to be there in any part of it. I love it inside and out, I even don't mind the green checked wallpaper too much, it's kinda refreshing and fun.

A big added benefit is that you know exactly what it looks like -- something that we never know about new construction until it's too late to change it. If it met my price and neighborhood criteria, I'd go for it!