Sunlight floods in through large windows and glass doors at 5450 W. Harbor Village in the marina neighborhood of Grand Harbor. The light reflects off the volume ceilings, lending the attached courtyard home on the waterfront a bright, optimistic ambiance that suits the environment.
Claudine and David Wright have called Marina Village at Grand Harbor their home for three years, during which they have updated and upgraded the courtyard villa built in 2002.
Away went the dark tint on the glass panes of the doors fronting the courtyard pool. In went more clear glass panes in any exterior door that didn’t have them.
Brick pavers went in the courtyard, connecting the 1-bed/1-bath casita to the main house. The kitchen got a makeover as well, with new counters, repainted cabinets and a glass-paned door for one cupboard.
The guiding principle was to bring in the light. And so they did.
And now that they have everything as they want it, they’re packing up and heading to Colorado, where they recently closed on a large home in Monument.
“I like change,” Claudine said, noting that she and David have moved six or seven times since they’ve been together. Previously, they’ve called Palm Beach Gardens and Islamorada home – each time for a span of three years.
“Looks like three years is my limit,” she said, chuckling.
The couple moved to Grand Harbor originally because they needed a place where they could dock their boat. The property comes with a 60-foot boat slip. But over time, they realized they weren’t using the boat enough to justify the maintenance and upkeep and so they sold it.
They’ve stayed in their home overlooking the picturesque harbor, though, in part because of the beauty of the surrounding scene.
“I love the outdoors and nature,” Claudine said, something Marina Village at Grand Harbor has been able to provide.
Often, dolphins frolic in the waters off their deck, coming close enough Claudine has heard them take a breath before submerging. Manatees also come into the marina, but they tend to stay farther out, nearer the boats, which are beautiful, too.
The home features a casita with one bedroom and one bath. A pocket door separates the sleeping quarters from the living room, which has views of the unit’s private pool. The casita would serve as a great place for visiting guests or could be used as an in-law suite, providing privacy for both guests and hosts.
Inside the home, attractive architectural details include arched niches for displaying art as well as graceful columns that lend a sophisticated air.
The open floor plan includes a large dining and living area between the kitchen and marina-front deck. There is space to spare for an eat-in kitchen setup near sliding doors out to the pool.
The master suite has hardwood flooring and an expansive picture window overlooking the marina, along with two large walk-in closets.
A pocket door separates the bedroom from the master bath, which includes a garden tub, a large glass-enclosed shower, double vanity and a water closet. There’s also a pool door out to the courtyard, providing easy access.
The spare room is currently being utilized as an in-home gym but could easily be turned into a guest room should the need arise. A sliding glass door leads out to the courtyard, providing ample natural light.
The deck has plenty of space for seating and grilling and also has a tall, enclosed storage space the Wrights used to store kayaks and other such equipment.
Claudine said the level of activity in the neighborhood varies based on the time of year. “In the summer, it’s really quiet,” she said, explaining many of her neighbors are seasonal residents.
“People are very friendly,” Claudine added. “And it is a very safe community.”
Grand Harbor’s magnificent clubhouse offers a full array of activities and is equipped with just about any amenity you’d want. There’s no requirement to be a member of the club – but if you are, you have access to a host of social and educational events, two full golf courses, and the beach club on the barrier island.
Vital Statistics
- Address: 5450 W. Harbor Village
- Neighborhood: Marina Village at Grand Harbor
- Construction: Concrete block and stucco • Year built: 2002
- Size: 2,300 square feet under air
- Bedrooms: 3 • Bathrooms: 3
- Additional features: Waterfront courtyard attached home with 1/1 casita and pool; 60-foot dock slip; tile and wood flooring; volume ceilings and crown molding; recessed lighting; covered deck overlooking picturesque marina; upgraded kitchen and windows; community center with full amenities including beach club on the island, two full golf courses and social events.
- Listing agency: ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
- Listing agent: Caroline Sanders, 772-532-8884
- Listing price: $685,000
