Anthony and Megan D’Elia came to Vero Beach looking for a place where their family could vacation but still be available to run their creative and marketing firm. After searching for a condo that would fit the bill, the couple discovered the two-story, riverfront estate home at 215 Rudder Road in the Anchor at the Moorings.
“As soon as we walked in here, we loved it,” says Megan D’Elia. “That was 11 years ago, and it’s been a great house and a great community, especially for the kids growing up.” But now, with the kids all grown and off to college, it’s time for the couple to find something else.
“We always say, ‘the tagline for Vero Beach should be ‘Shhhhh,’ because it’s so great we don’t want to tell too many people about it,” she continues.
The D’Elias made the formal, island-style home their own while they lived there.
They updated much of the house, taking the kitchen, laundry room and powder room down to the studs, says Premier Estate Properties broker associate Kristin Dobson, who is co-listing the property with Cindy O’Dare.
Dobson points out extensive custom decorator details, including chic lighting fixtures, plantation shutters, wainscoting, chair rails, ceiling details and crown molding.
The home’s grand entry is softened with frosted glass doors that open into a bright, family residence. The understated elegance doesn’t deter from the spectacular water view from the formal living room through a trio of French, transomed doors. The gas fireplace awaits to provide some warmth and ambiance on one of Florida’s rare cold days or perhaps when the weather turns stormy.
The eastern wing houses a den, breezeway access to one of the two-car air-conditioned garages and the owner’s suite, which allows the owners a great deal of privacy from the rest of the home’s residents who may be milling about.
The spacious retreat has built-ins with lighted jewelry display cases, river views, two walk-in closets and an en suite bathroom awaiting your indulgence. You can peek at the river from the soaking tub. Dual sinks, a water closet, and a walk-in shower complete the luxurious space.
The dining room is situated to the left of the front entryway with access from there and the hallway leading to the renovated chef’s kitchen, where stone countertops and a butcher block island with a prep sink provide plenty of space to prepare snacks for the kids or a gourmet dinner for guests – who can have a glass of wine around the island, enjoy casual conversation in the family room or step outside onto the veranda.
High-end appliances make entertaining a snap with a Wolf gas cooktop, KitchenAid double wall ovens, JennAir double door fridge with freezer drawer, Miele coffee maker, Subzero fridge drawers, and Bosch dishwasher.
The first-floor laundry room, a powder room and breezeway with access to the second, air-conditioned, two-car garage are just off the kitchen.
The upper level of the house can be reached via stairs near the front door. At the top of the staircase, the loft is set up as a fitness room with a wet bar with Danby drink fridge and sink.
Down a hallway lined with built-in shelves are three en suite bedrooms.
The two bedrooms at the front of the house have private sunrise balconies. At the center of the second-floor rooms, the media-game room provides a sanctuary for those residing on the upper level. The kids can gather for popcorn and a movie, do homework or play their favorite games without disturbing others on the ground floor.
Outside you can watch the sunset from the loggia or cook up dinner al fresco on the built-in KitchenAid gas grill in the summer kitchen. A cabana bath allows for easy cleanup after lounging by the heated, infinity-edge pool or when you come in from a day on the boat.
“We loved going out on the boat when the kids were young. It was incredible,” recalls D’Elia.
The private dock has a 6,000-pound lift, a double PWC lift for personal watercraft and a third slip that can accommodate up to a 70-foot yacht. No matter what your boating preference is, you’re covered.
With 108 feet of river frontage, the expansive, open views of Porpoise Bay give way to The Moorings Yacht & Country Club and the Intracoastal waterway beyond says Dobson.
“I love that the Moorings Club is right there and that the kids could ride their bikes there to hang out or go to the gym. It has been a great place for our family,” says D’Elia.
As a member of the Moorings Property Owners Association, residents have private beach access and patrolled security. Designed as a deep-water boating community, The Moorings Yacht & Country Club offers all the amenities residents need, including Pete Dye’s signature golf course, Jim Fazio’s Hawk’s Nest championship golf course, tennis, croquet and pickleball courts, a fitness center with pool and spa, a yacht club, as well as fine and casual dining.
Photos provided
