One of the most appealing luxury beach homes you’ll ever find sits beside the Atlantic at 1984 Ocean Ridge Circle, in the lovely, gated South Beach subdivision of Ocean Ridge, on the east side of A1A. Anyone looking for a family home or a luxury seaside retreat simply must see this bright, tropically landscaped Nantucket-style dwelling, boasting 110 feet of very private ocean frontage.
Tall, graceful palms and tropical foliage line the circular drive, and the appealing roof design, soft gray walls and crisp white trim provide a warm welcome.
A breathtaking view of the sparkling Atlantic greets visitors immediately upon stepping through the double French doors into the open entry area. Directly ahead is the dining room, with its glass window-and-double door wall offering both the sea view and access to the pool, patio and dune-side gazebo/deck.
The home has been ingeniously designed to take full advantage of its gorgeous location, utilizing every possible opportunity to bring the magnificent outdoors inside, with a bright, open floor plan and banks of double French doors and floor-to-ceiling windows, which occupy much of the exterior wall space.
Inside and out, the blue ocean is the focus and the soft white of the walls, fans, ceilings, molding, cabinetry and the creamy stone floors do not distract but, rather, perfectly present nature’s magnificent artwork. There is, in fact, a stunning blue-water view from almost everywhere in the home, including the master suite’s water closet.
Even the furniture and window treatments, most of which come with the home, are predominantly white, cream or natural wood. Together, all these carefully thought-out elements allow so much light to pour in that the homeowners will find little need to flip a switch until darkness falls.
From the foyer, double French doors lead into the expansive kitchen/family room and, here, too, a bank of floor-to-ceiling windows and doors bring tropical beauty inside. Above the kitchen door, attesting to the home’s relaxed ambiance, a wooden whale sign proclaims, “Beach House: No Shoes Required.”
Nice, big windows over the double sink allow even the designated clean-up crew to enjoy an ocean view. The dove-gray, black stone-topped island accommodates a breakfast bar and lots of drawer and cabinet space, as well as convenient electrical outlets on both ends. A trio of sleek green glass disc pendant lights illuminate the island.
The black stone countertops and simple white cabinetry provide ample storage and work space. Appliances include a 6-burner Dacor gas range and hood, large side-by-side fridge/freezer, microwave and dishwasher. Just off the kitchen is the spacious laundry/utility room, with washer, dryer, wine cooler, sink and plenty of counter space and storage. Here, too, is access to the attached 2-car garage.
The gourmet kitchen space flows seamlessly along the east glass wall, past a sunny breakfast nook and into the spacious family room, anchored on the north end by a striking gas fireplace with black stone surround, and white hearth and mantle, set into a white stone wall flanked by broad shelf units for books, TV and cabinet storage below.
A terrific example of how cleverly the home is designed for maximum exposure to its fabulous seaside location: a mirror covers the entire west wall of the family room, effectively “doubling” the room’s size, and bringing the beach and sunlit ocean right into the room, an effect that must be seen to be fully appreciated.
To the south, the foyer opens into the lofty, two-story living room, its striking vaulted ceiling enhancing the sense of space. Bathed in ambient light flowing through three banks of glass window/door walls on the east, south and west, this welcoming room is furnished with lavishly comfy, casually elegant pieces. French doors lead to the garden pergola on the oceanfront patio.
The open flow between family room, kitchen, dining area and living room makes this home ideal for entertaining. Access to the pool, patio, pergola and gazebo from all first-floor living spaces further expands entertaining opportunities.
Also accessed from the foyer, tucked away beyond a small hallway, is an appealing office/den/library, with built-in shelves and drawers, dark wood plantation-shuttered windows, hardwood floor and bathroom with shower. This versatile space can also serve as a fourth bedroom.
A pair of striking black metal, open rectangle chandeliers hangs above the carpeted stairway to the second floor, where the balcony gallery provides impressive views of the living spaces below, and two well-placed horizontal windows frame the blue waters of the Atlantic.
The luxurious master suite offers exceptional, unimpeded ocean views through a window wall with two sets of double doors opening to a balcony of sufficient breadth to accommodate chairs – a perfect private place to enjoy the sunrise, the sound of the surf and the crisp, morning air.
Ocean views provide a tropical backdrop for the luxurious, light-filled master bath, accessed through louvered doors. Here, a roomy soaking tub, positioned between corner windows, offers an unimpeded palm and ocean vista, reminiscent of a Bahamas cruise. This relaxing spot encourages long, indulgent soaks, perhaps enhanced with a lovely glass of wine and a good book. Additional illumination is provided by recessed fixtures and disc pendants above the sinks. Here, too, is a glass-walled shower and separate water closet (with its own outdoor view).
Also on the second level are two additional bedrooms, each with its own closet and vanity. One has a seagrass carpet and a wide, comfortable window seat with ocean view, a fine place to read, daydream or simply gaze at the sparkling sea. The other looks out on the home’s pleasantly landscaped entrance area and picturesque neighborhood. The two bedrooms share a Jack-and-Jill bathroom.
The property includes 110 oceanfront feet. A sunrise patio extends the full length of the house. At the property’s seawall, the charming gazebo houses a built-in hexagonal bench and table and extends into a small wooden deck with additional seating. The gazebo also has an electric outlet. On the back yard’s north side, a small gate accesses a path down to the shore.
The magnificent home is listed by Premier Estate Properties broker-associate Cindy O’Dare, who says of the house, “It is one of the brightest, most light-filled homes I have ever listed.”
Home owner Tom Laboon loves many aspects of his beach house, especially (no surprise) the “great location, it’s well situated. It’s a great beach house, with a nice pool – and the gazebo.”
Laboon also mentions the master suite with its amazing ocean view.
“For families with kids, the house is right across A1A from St. Edwards School. And The Moorings Club is across the street. We’re members so that’s very convenient. And this is a great little subdivision.”
From Ocean Ridge, it’s only a few minutes north to Vero’s beachside village, with its myriad shops and restaurants, as well as Riverside Park, offering numerous events “under the oaks” throughout the year and home to the nationally known Riverside Theatre (Equity), and the much lauded Vero Beach Museum of Art.
