When Ed and Claire Sheridan decided to retire to Florida they first bought a vacation condominium in Coralstone on the barrier island to test the waters. When they became serious about living here year-round, they found that they were more suited to house ownership than condo living. Eight years ago they found their home in The Isles.
The couple liked the security of living on the mainland away from coastal areas more vulnerable to storms. Although realtors hate to utter the word “hurricane” storms are a fact of life in Florida and the couple chose a property that is not in a flood zone and also includes a hurricane safe room. The safe room doubles as the master walk-in closet, yet has poured concrete walls, a ventilation system for air from the outside and a reinforced door for added security.
Although practicality might have finalized their decision to move from their original winter retreat to the 4-bedroom, 4-bath home at 5449 Barbados Square in in Waterway Village, the choice also was a perfect fit.
Spend just a short time with the engaging and friendly couple and it is probably a good bet to say they have many friends who enjoyed their hospitality in this spacious home designed for entertainment. There are clues to the fun parties that have filled the house, such as a grand piano in the formal living room and a wall designed with wine corks in the eat-in dining area overlooking the pool.
The flow in this house is particularly appealing, and the Sheridans say it is one of the home’s best features.
“I love to entertain and it is perfect for that,” said Claire Sheridan.
The kitchen’s granite counters, maple cabinets, stainless appliances and soft overhead lighting creates a warmly welcoming ambience.
The kitchen breakfast bar was built at a lower height for comfortable seating. It easily accommodates four or more chairs for casual meals or chatting with the cook while he or she is whipping up hors d’oeuvres. Originally there was a kitchen cabinet that hung above the breakfast bar, but the Sheridans had it removed and re-installed in the dining area to store dinnerware and glasses. The result is added spaciousness and direct views through the kitchen to the outdoors.
“The nicest feature about this home is its openness,” said Ed Sheridan. “When you have the master bedroom double doors and the porch sliders open, it is just so spacious. This area, including the family room and eating area, is a great room to entertain in and has been perfect for our Christmas parties.”
Listing agent Bob Faller of Norris & Company Real Estate said the house was just listed this month, and since the home market is hot right now the property has a good chance of selling fast.
“This has been one of my busiest years ever in real estate,” said Faller.
Because of the house’s charm and the reasonable price – just $379,000 – there is a good possibility the Sheridans will be looking for a new location for this year’s holiday gathering.
The home was designed and painstakingly constructed by DiVosta, which has a reputation for quality details and luxury finishes. In many of DiVosta’s Palm Beach developments, properties often sell before they are even listed on the market.
Some of the builder’s distinctive upgrades are evident throughout. The family room has a wall of beautiful built-in glass shelves with granite topped cabinets for storage and dimmed lighting, and all of the closets have beautiful custom-built shelving.
The formal dining room features a pass-through to the kitchen lined with crown molding and there are many unique extras which DiVosta considered inclusive. A granite-faced electric fireplace is a focal point in the formal living room which is surrounded by windows streaming sunshine in from the front porch and side yard.
“The light is wonderful, we get the sunrises from the front porch and enjoy the sunsets over the pool,” said Ed Sheridan.
The sunsets can also be enjoyed from the master bedroom, which is located off the family room and has a separate exit to the pool area.
The master’s en suite bath has a unique walk-in glass shower which may be entered from either an enclosed bath or the main bath area, which includes a dressing table, second sink and soaking tub.
Porcelain tile and wood laminate floors throughout increase the house’s sleek, clean lines and offer easy maintenance utilizing a central vacuum system. A private exit leading to the pool from the third bath keeps wet feet from pattering through the house. The fourth bedroom is used as a private guest suite; it is close to the kitchen if visitors want to grab a cup of coffee to enjoy quietly by the pool in the morning.
Visitors may also utilize the club amenities instead; they include lighted tennis courts, a heated pool, incredible fitness gym and even a Tiny Tot play set by the clubhouse.
The other bedrooms offer plenty of room and storage as well as easy access to the laundry room and two-car garage at the front of the house. Ed Sheridan is currently using one of these rooms as an office and its dark wood flooring adds to its studious atmosphere.
“They built a nice quality luxury home here,” said Faller. “There are only four others in this neighborhood for sale and this one is valued at the best price.”
Although the Sheridan’s will miss their home when they downsize to a smaller place they emphatically insist that they will stay close by.
“I play golf at Sandridge and it is just 5 minutes to there or Bent Pine Golf Club; 5 minutes to Publix and only 15 minutes to the beach. Anywhere you want go only takes about 15 minutes,” said Ed Sheridan.
To view this lovely home, call Bob Faller at 772-774-4427.
