As either a second-home retreat for snowbirds, or a primary residence for a family that wants to live like they’re on holiday, the custom Ameron home at 874 Haverhill Ave. in the Sebastian Highlands provides an ideal backdrop for a relaxing lifestyle surrounded by warm colors and a touch of old Southern European flair.
That was the design effect Sonia and Steve Sabino were going for when they bought the home in 2009 and began remodeling it, inch by inch and room by room. They turned it into a cozy and inviting abode not only for them and their two sons, but also for entertaining friends and family.
The open plan of the home is what sold Sonia Sabino on the place – the family room, breakfast nook and kitchen form the hub of activity, all looking out over the terracotta patio of pavers Steve carefully measured and laid by hand. The paver-block front porch matches the stones in the rear, providing continuity to the outdoor decor.
All festive occasions in this house naturally spill over to the screened-in patio or out to the private, fenced back yard as the sun sets. Firewood is stacked at the ready to fuel the fire pit so family get-togethers or quiet evenings over bottles of wine can last into the wee hours.
The northern exposure to the back yard offers cooler breezes in the hottest months and chilly nights in the winter – the perfect excuse to nudge a little closer to the fire.
Back inside the home is a great layout for a family with kids who want their own wing of the house, as a custom pocket door can be closed on the two guest bedrooms and a shared full bath. The bath has been totally updated with beautiful tile, designer accents and a solid-wood, furniture-style vanity as is the latest trend in bathroom design.
The master bath has been redone in the same style with a vanity in dark wood that looks like a vintage heirloom dresser with two sinks and two separate mirrors. The his-and-hers theme continues with two large walk-in closets. The shower is tiled in warm hues of beige and brown and the water closet is private with a pocket door.
Along with all the upgrades inside the home, the Sabinos installed a brand-new high-efficiency air-conditioning system just last week – a major expense that the new owners won’t have to worry about. Equipped with the best of both worlds, the home is on Indian River County water but also has a well for irrigation. Stone xeriscaping and a paver brick walkway around the home keep lawn maintenance to a minimum.
The quiet, established Sebastian Highlands neighborhood just off Roseland Road is close to Sebastian Elementary School and a short hop from shopping on either U.S. 1 or on Sebastian Boulevard. The interstate is just a few minutes to the west and the municipal golf course and airport are just a few minutes to the north.