People who love historic homes tend to buy them to fix up and modernize but the lovely two-story American Colonial at 2005 De Leon Avenue in McAnsh Park is already perfect. It is obvious that Ray and Heather Kinzer, who have lived here for the last 21 years, have tenderly cared for this special 1940’s era home, because it is absolutely immaculate and gorgeous.
Every detail has been seen to over the years, blending the past with the present, leaving historic details to keep it charming yet updating where necessary for today’s lifestyle. Examples of that are everywhere – original quaint tilework in the bathrooms side-by-side with new vanities and fixtures; granite counters in the kitchen with lovely built-in closets and a corner cubby in the formal dining room. The architectural embellishments over the arched doorways in the front foyer add to the feel of a period home while the central air conditioning fills today’s need for comfort.
The many special details of a structure built in the 1940s make this a unique home filled with delightful surprises. Glass doorknobs, wood valances, a telephone wall inset, hardwood floors and huge storage closets bespeak the long-ago decade when the house was erected. A wealth of windows everywhere bring natural light shining through this bright four bedroom home.
Upon entering the stunning grand foyer entry guests immediately remark on the beautiful winding wood staircase. To the right is a formal dining room, which features a corner built-in cabinet shelf, chair rails and crown moldings, and which leads to the kitchen. The kitchen has a wall of cabinets perfect for easy reach while the opposite wall contains more storage along with an extended countertop desk space. The half-bath “necessary room” off the kitchen services the second bedroom, which is smaller than the other bedrooms and was probably used as a maid’s room or nursery long ago.
The formal living and a cozy sun room is to the south. There is a wood-burning fireplace and a wall of built in shelves that includes a bin for firewood and the sun room is surrounded by casement windows to let the light and breeze flow if desired.
“Our four children loved Christmastime the most,” recalled Heather Kinzer fondly. “We would have multiple trees throughout the house; stockings were hung on the staircase and the fireplace, and on Christmas day we would light the fireplace.”
Upstairs, the owners’ suite and two additional guest or children’s bedrooms have windows everywhere, including in the closets, which offer plenty of storage space. The master is huge, with enough room for a sitting room, and it is already wired for a mounted flat screen television. It has an en suite bathroom with a window overlooking the backyard. The other two bedrooms share an additional bathroom.
The front bedroom is large enough for two children, with an extensive closet with built-in dresser, cabinets and tons of shelving. The back bedroom has a door to access an outdoor flat roof area for stargazing.
“Our kids just loved that they could sit out there and watch the fireworks at Dodgertown and all of the space launches,” said Ray Kinzer.
A spacious screened pool area at the back of the house is protected by a fenced back yard and is accessed either by the kitchen door or an outdoor gate that leads to the driveway – which features an RV hookup. This space at the top of the driveway offers cable access, electric and sewer connection and is just off a side entrance that leads to a converted garage with a shower and laundry room. This room could either be left as is, turned back to its original use or made into a workshop or play room.
“We do not need this large of a home now that our kids are grown,” said Ray Hinzer as he tended to the flowers by his front door with his son. “We have really loved this house and so have our children who grew up here. Now they bring their children.”
McAnsh Park is still one of the most desirable established neighborhoods in Vero and it is where many prominent members of Vero Beach society raised their families, so at only $285,000 the house offers great value. The subdivision has retained its charm and neighbors still bike and stroll along under large shady canopies to Troy Moody Park, which is at the heart of the neighborhood.
Updating this stunning home has been a labor of love for the Kinzers but they will be happy to see a new family make it their own now.
“The home is so special and it has a wonderful feel to it,” said listing agent Nancy Fiorenza. “It is full of character and charm with many wonderful details and many built-ins typical of the quality homes made during this period.”
To view this special home contact Nancy Fiorenza at 772-633-5985.
