When it comes to wondering about the aura of Beth and Dick Howard’s house in The Shores, the name of the street paints an accurate picture: Island Sanctuary.
“I get there and just kind of go ‘Ahhhh …,’” said Mrs. Howard. “I start to relax. The vibe is so fresh!”
The 4-bedroom, 4-bath house, with its free-flowing floor plan and ample sunlight, offers the perfect venue to settle in and kick back, as well as entertain house guests. The relaxed lifestyle it inspires is a fresh breath of air compared to the demanding lifestyle their Northern life conjures up. It is truly, as the street name suggests, a sanctuary.
“I work a lot when I’m in North Carolina,” said Mrs. Howard. “I work at a computer. I’m stuck in an office. When I’m in Florida, I’m truly on vacation.”
Their 3,339-square-foot lakefront house, with pool and 3-car garage, transports them to another mode of life – the kind that visitors, full-time Vero barrier island residents and seasonal residents, like the Howards, are so fond of.
The estate home was designed by Robert Banov. It features a large master bedroom with fireplace, 3 private guest suites, gourmet kitchen and lanai overlooking the lake. The house is listed by Treasure Coast Sotheby’s agent Mary Frances Driscoll for $1,195,000. The owners, who moved into the home in 2008, are downsizing.
That said, the Howards have enjoyed every minute in their lovely home, hosting family and friends in a place that’s suitable for houseguests and provides easy access to recreational opportunities at the beach, along the Historic Jungle Trail and on the Indian River Lagoon.
“When we have company, we don’t know they are there,” she said, noting the layout of the house. For example, there are double doors to one guest room suite which could also be converted into an office. The master bedroom is nearby but there is a lot of privacy. The other two guest rooms are located on the other side of the house. These 3 en suite bedrooms are generous in size – 14 by 12 feet; 14 by 14 feet; and 14 by 14 feet.
The 22 by 15-foot master bedroom overlooks the pool and lake and opens to the lanai. It has a fireplace and volume ceiling.
The master bath has two separate closets and washrooms, Saturnia floors, a built-in linen closet, Jacuzzi, walk-in shower with access to a serenity garden area. The bath also features marble countertops, recessed lighting and ceiling molding.
High coffered ceilings, ceiling moldings and Saturnia floors add splendor to the home situated on a .63-acre lot on a quiet street. Transoms throughout offer abundant sunlight.
“When we walked in, it was so open and airy,” said Mrs. Howard. “It was light and sunny, which is why we were buying a house in Florida – for the warmth and sunshine.”
In the 23 by 16-foot living room there are coffered ceilings, window treatments and recessed lighting. There’s an extensive view of the lake from there.
The 15 by 13-foot dining room has a cove ceiling, plantation shutters and decorative pillars.
The kitchen features granite and tile countertops, an island with cooktop, bar area, counter sealing and custom cabinetry with recessed panels.
The spacious family room opens to the kitchen, lanai and living room. The room features bamboo window treatments, grass cloth wall paper and recessed lighting.
The 3-car garage has a finished floor and Mrs. Howard set up a private workout space in one bay with curtains separating it from the other bays. “I can go in there and it’s my little pilates retreat,” she said.
There’s also a large laundry room.
The gracious patio extends out to the pool where Mrs. Howard enjoys her daily swim overlooking the lake.
“I’m a big water aerobics nut,” Mrs. Howard said. “Because it’s a southern exposure, I have warm water all winter. I have a long view of the lake. We are secluded – so it’s very private.”
The landscaping in the back does provide privacy with its lushness and overhangs which frame the lake view. But landscaping can also be trimmed way back on the property to provide more openness and an even more expansive view.
listing agent Mary Frances Driscoll noted the many highlights of living in The Shores – apart from the fact that each house has a lake or river view.
The Shores gated community features majestic oak trees and its streets throughout were recently pavered, evoking an Old Florida charm. There are two tennis courts in the community, which is located just north of John’s Island. Located adjacent to the Jungle Trail running along the Indian River Lagoon, it’s ideal for those who like to walk, bike and kayak within close proximity to home. And beach access is nearby as well.