Dr. and Mrs. Michael Mattice say the 2-story West Indies-style home at 1802 Ocean Drive in Riomar has been a dream house for them, the ideal place to raise their sons and unwind from the rigors of daily work life.
“It’s got no fuss floors and it’s a house not limited to just spectacular views of sunrises, sunsets and the ocean, but rather made to actually get out there and enjoy all of that,” said Mrs. Mattice. “It’s a house built for fun.”
Indeed, the 6-bedroom, 5.5-bath house with spacious indoor and outdoor living areas, a Palm Beach-style lap pool deep enough to play volleyball in and private access to the spectacular beach affronting it, has been the center of activity for family members and close friends.
The Mattices have lived in the 8,000-plus square foot home since 2008. It is currently listed with Charlotte Terry Real Estate Group of Alex MacWilliam Inc. for $7,995,000.
“It’s open and casual here, and we enjoy the beach,” Mrs. Mattice said amid her extensive sea glass and shell collection gathered during the family’s extensive beach combing experiences. “People say some who live on the beach don’t appreciate it. But we do appreciate it!”
Son, Graham Mattice, 20, sure does. “I have friends over to play ping pong, go to the beach and get tossed around by the waves. We go on sea turtle walks and watch for nests.”
“Some of them have to drive 20 minutes to get anywhere from their homes,” he added. “From here, it’s easy to get to the farmer’s market, go over the bridge to go to Publix and other stores and restaurants. It’s all right here. You can walk and bike everywhere.”
The Mattices designed the house with broad doorways, wider shower accesses and a choice of upstairs or downstairs master bedrooms. An elevator was installed and provides a nice alternative to the stairway leading to an impressive second-story balcony that people can walk three-quarters around for access into rooms and taking in great views of the impressive downstairs.
The 33-foot by 26.5-foot great room has an impressive vaulted ceiling – high, handsome and structurally bold. The downstairs marble floors extend the whole breadth of the house both inside and outside. Upstairs are elegant hardwood.
This great room, which includes living room and dining room areas, also has extensive views of the grassy yard, pool and ocean beyond.
The 23-foot by 15.5-foot gourmet kitchen features all of the commercial-grade appliances imaginable and plenty of counter space and a 10-foot by 15-foot breakfast nook. A large walk-in pantry provides plenty of storage room.
Downstairs also features the first-floor master bedroom and bathroom, a cabana bath, a huge entertainment room, a large office, a laundry room and another bathroom. There is an upstairs laundry room, as well.
Upstairs is the second master suite, along with 4 guest or children’s rooms and three additional bathrooms. Two of the guest rooms are linked by an upper loft.
Balconies on the east and west side of the house afford wonderful views from almost every upstairs room in the house. The balcony overlooking the ocean is massive and handsomely designed.
The house features a 4-car garage with additional outside parking on the paver driveway. Above the garage is an 1,800-square-foot unfinished guest space with 2 potential bedrooms.
“This property is a one-of-a-kind oceanfront property in the desirable Riomar neighborhood,” said Terry, who co-listed the house with Barbara Parent. “The home has a coastal feel with views of the ocean from most rooms. The oceanside lawn is large enough for a croquette court next to the Palm Beach-style pool.”
The handsome island-style home is also equipped with a Sonos sound system and Vantage control panels for lighting.
“I like to go out there after work and unwind,” Mrs. Mattice said looking out at the patio. “I turn on the music on the back patio and enjoy the view.”
And as far as the street-side part of their lives at 1802 Ocean Drive, they’ve loved the location because Riomar a neighborhood of family-oriented people who are friendly helpful, Mrs. Mattice said. “It’s the kind of place where you can knock on a neighbor’s door and borrow eggs and sugar if you need to.”
