The Secret Garden House on Johnson Lane is more than a home, this is a hidden sanctuary in the heart of Old Town Key West -- a soulful retreat where historic architecture, tropical landscape, and effortless indoor-outdoor living exist in complete harmony. Rich in character, creativity, and quiet beauty, the property captures the essence of authentic island living with a sense of intimacy and calm that feels worlds away. Celebrated for its distinctive design, the home has been featured in Design Within Reach Magazine and other notable publications highlighting its iconic interpretation of tropical modernism and handcrafted island living. Originally built as two modest cigar workers' cottages in the early 1900s, the homes were thoughtfully joined and transformed into a one-of-a-kind compound that honors the simplicity and artistry of old Key West. Lush exotic and indigenous landscaping unfolds as a private garden escape layered with mature palms, native plantings, orchids, and a rare working well that speaks to the home's historic roots. Natural light and warm ocean breezes move effortlessly throughout the interiors. Skylights, louvered openings, covered breezeways, and disappearing sliders create a seamless connection between inside and out, while handcrafted details and natural materials bring warmth and texture to every space. The interiors are understated yet deeply refined -- exposed beams, whitewashed walls, custom built-ins, lofted spaces, and quiet corners designed for reading, creating, and gathering. Every room feels intentional, balancing simplicity with an unmistakable sense of soul. Outdoor living is woven into the experience of the home. Intimate decks, shaded seating areas, and garden pathways invite slow mornings, candlelit dinners, and evenings spent beneath the palms surrounded by the sounds of the tropics. Private, artistic, and entirely authentic, this is the kind of Key West property rarely offered.
Pending
$1,175,000
816 Johnson Ln, Key West, FL 33040
2beds
896sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1928
4,808 Square Feet Lot
$1,151,000 Zestimate®
$1,311/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Intimate decksPrivate garden escapeLofted spacesNative plantingsCustom built-insMature palmsTropical landscape
- 56 days |
- 158 |
- 0 |
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Team Kaufelt 305-393-1267,
Truman & Co. (KW)
Source: FLKMLS,MLS#: 619811
Originating MLS: Key West Association
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 2
- Full bathrooms: 2
Cooling
- Wall/Window Unit(s), Ceiling Fans(s)
Appliances
- Included: Washer, Microwave, Oven, Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Dryer
Features
- Cathedral Ceiling(s), Built-in Cabinets, Dade County Pine, Loft
- Flooring: Wood
- Windows: Other
Interior area
- Total interior livable area: 896 sqft
Video & virtual tour
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 2
Features
- Patio & porch: Lanai, Open Porch/Balcony, Deck
- Exterior features: Outdoor Shower
- Fencing: Fenced
- Water view: None
- Waterfront features: None, Dockage: None
Lot
- Size: 4,808 Square Feet
- Features: Less Than 1/4 Acre
Details
- Additional structures: Detached Guest Qtrs
- Parcel number: 00020190000000
- Zoning: HHDR
- Zoning description: Historic High Density Residential
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Cigar Maker
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Frame
- Roof: Metal
Condition
- Year built: 1928
Utilities & green energy
- Electric: Elect Separate Meter
- Sewer: Municipal Sewer, Public Sewer
- Water: Well
- Utilities for property: FKAA
Community & HOA
Community
- Subdivision: Eugene R Albury Sub (1.0)
HOA
- Has HOA: No
- Services included: None
Location
- Region: Key West
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $1,311/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $1,674,925
- Annual tax amount: $9,870
- Date on market: 5/7/2026
- Listing terms: Cash,Conventional
Estimated market value
$1,151,000
$1.09M - $1.21M
$4,933/mo
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 5/10/2026 | Pending sale | $1,175,000$1,311/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 5/7/2026 | Listed for sale | $1,175,000$1,311/sqft |
Source: | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $9,870 +12.4% | $827,890 +21% |
| 2023 | $8,785 +18.5% | $684,206 +10% |
| 2022 | $7,412 +12.5% | $622,005 +10% |
| 2021 | $6,591 +6.5% | $565,459 +10% |
| 2020 | $6,191 | $514,054 -38.1% |
| 2019 | $6,191 +7.7% | $830,164 +5.4% |
| 2018 | $5,751 +5.4% | $787,667 +11.5% |
| 2017 | $5,457 +8.5% | $706,258 -3.1% |
| 2016 | $5,027 -2.1% | $729,048 +31.9% |
| 2015 | $5,136 | $552,814 |
Find assessor info on the county website
Monthly payment
Est. payment$--/mo
Payment breakdown
Explore the cost of this home by adjusting the details. Changes won't be saved.All calculations are estimates and provided by Zillow, Inc. for informational purposes only. Actual amounts may vary.
HOA fees may include property taxes on listings classified as Co-Ops. Contact the listing agent and/or owner for fee details.
Mortgage interest rates are dependent on a number of factors, including credit score, down payment, and repayment length. Interest rate data provided by Zillow Group Marketplace, Inc. as of 1/1/1970 from various mortgage lenders with which we have lead or other similar arrangements; the Estimated Payment is an average of those rates.
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Climate risks
Neighborhood: Old Town
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 3/10Horace O'bryant SchoolGrades: PK-8Distance: 0.6 mi
- 4/10Key West High SchoolGrades: 9-12Distance: 1.2 mi
A local agent can set up tours, give advice and negotiate with sellers.
- Florida
- Monroe County
- Key West
- 33040
- Old Town
- 816 Johnson Ln





