When looking around Vero Beach for a home in a private golf club community most buyers may believe all the prime properties are located on the Barrier Island. But Indian River Club should not be overlooked when searching for a luxurious southern style home with friendly neighbors and a landscape that embraces a Florida lifestyle. The highly-regarded community in the southeast portion of the county offers gated country club amenities, an exquisite golf course, and lovely lake views.
The lovely two-bedroom, two-bath Rutenberg cottage residence at 640 Bridgewater Lane has magnificent views of the 8th tee and the quaint wood bridge that guides golfers over the lake filled with teeming wildlife. Owners Jean and Murray Swindell renovated the home by eliminating the entry wall to produce a spacious open floor plan to best take in the expansive lake and golf course views, which can be seen from the front door to the back yard patio. They also updated all of the bathrooms and the kitchen and had the home professionally decorated using natural colors and fibers to produce a soothing and peaceful ambience. Crown moldings and arched doorways throughout add a luxurious touch to every room.
Ducks in the lake glide past the spacious screened pool and private patio. The master bedroom has its own exit to the patio, a spacious walk-in closet, a two-sink vanity, a soaking tub and a separate glass enclosed shower. The second bedroom now holds a king-size bed but is large enough to accommodate two twin beds. Both bedrooms have sumptuous carpeting as does the den which is perfect for guests or as an office; the rest of the home offers natural tile flooring.
Imagine waking to a Florida sunrise and watching the sun set as you are enjoying wine on the patio in the evening. This home enjoys both sunrises and sunsets because of its unique positioning – a photographer’s dream.
Indian River Club is designated an International Audubon Signature Sanctuary golf course community which was developed by sculpting the land carefully to minimize the removal of the native habitat to feature the beauty of Florida environment. Playing off the natural splendor, the golf course was designed by Ron Garl who has designed courses all over the world. The course was opened in 1995 and was recognized as Best New Environmental Course in the country with an award at the 1996 U.S. Open.
As much land as possible was kept in its natural state by developer Jeff Reynolds. His design had to be approved by the International Audubon Society. Many residents bought properties at Indian River Club specifically because of the community’s founding principle of “Respect for all nature” and there is even a wild scrub jay area on the property for birdwatching enthusiasts.
In addition to the stunning scenery, residents say Indian River Club feels like their forever home where they are able to enjoy a full lifestyle of entertaining, elegant dining in the clubhouse and amenities that include a fitness center, community pool, and worry-free property maintenance.
“This community is the friendliest you will find in Vero Beach,” said Norris & Company Real Estate listing agent Beth Livers who is offering this week’s featured home for $449,000.
“I just sold a house in the community and already had the neighbors calling me and asking for the new owner’s contact information so they could invite them over for dinner. They are very welcoming here. I think this type of environment attracts that kind of buyer. Probably 60 to 70 percent of the owners here could live anywhere, including the Barrier Island, and they picked this because they liked the architecture, landscape and they really liked the people.”
Another unique asset to the home is that over 50 percent of the neighbors stay year-round so summers do not feel like living in a deserted ghost town. Only a small percentage of properties are typically available for sale. Livers said that most communities of this size have at least 20 homes on the market but there is only half that here because people love it so much and tend to stay put.
The picturesque golf clubhouse which overlooks an eight-acre lake is the center of the community. Residents are not required to belong but if they wish to, the initial full golf membership fee is $20,000 and $8,400 per year – a much more reasonable rate than many other clubs. The clubhouse offers open air dining overlooking the 18th Hole, a Member’s Grille, golf shop, card room and locker rooms.
All in all, this Indian River Club property offers the full package of a friendly neighborhood, active club lifestyle and incredible views to enjoy Florida at its most beautiful. Call Beth Livers at Norris & Company to view this special golf cottage home in this special gated community.
