There are 15 communities within The Moorings from condominiums to golf course cottages to oceanfront and riverfront houses, townhouses and villas. As Moorings Realty Sales Co. broker Marsha Sherry says, “There is something for everybody here.”
And for that somebody who wants a stunning, sprawling view of the Intracoastal Waterway from almost every room in their house, 801 Bay Road is a remarkable opportunity to cash in on a dream for a very reasonable price.
The 3-bedroom, 3.5 bath, Mediterranean-style house was recently listed by The Moorings Realty Sales Co. for $1,200,000. With roughly 3,260 square feet of air-conditioned living space, the home with abundant windows and skylights is spacious, light, and airy and offers endless water views.
There’s also a bit of interesting history that comes with the property where the 2-story riverfront villa built in 1987.
Years ago, the property was taken through eminent domain and was the proposed landing of a planned bridge from Oslo Road, according to Sherry. After the 17th Street/Alma Lee Loy Bridge was built, plans changed and The Moorings Development Co. was able to buy back the land from the state.
“So that is how this special piece of property became available again,” Sherry said. Two friends and business partners decided to make the best use of the property and its breathtaking views by designing side-by-side attached custom villas.
The villa at 801 Bay Road lends itself beautifully to being a full-time residence or else a second home. “It’s really the best of both worlds,” Sherry said. “It doesn’t feel overwhelming, though it is big.”
Indeed, with its slightly angled rooms and nooks, it feels warm and cozy even though there is plenty of space and a free-flowing floor plan.
Walking into the house you immediately feel the height and airiness in the 2-story marble-floored foyer, with etched windows in the doors and a transom. A winding staircase ahead adds visual interest. So, too, does the water view.
To the left of the foyer is an 11-foot by 11-foot office with built-ins and a laundry facility, which occupies a private corner of the house.
Access to the 2-car garage is through this room. There is also a powder room and elevator nearby for those who opt not take the stairs up to the second floor.
On the opposite side of the house is the 15-foot by 23-foot island kitchen and dining nook. From the kitchen you can see the spacious family room where people socialize with the cook and enjoy the lagoon views.
A wet bar is conveniently located near the kitchen, living room and family room.
People sitting in the 17-foot by 19-foot living room enjoy the spaciousness afforded by the 2-story-high ceiling and the access to the covered lanai and pool. Beyond the pool and patio is a stand of oleander and a dock with a boat lift.
The living room features double moldings, a fireplace and French doors to the 19-foot by 12-foot lanai. The formal dining room that flows into the living room also has water views.
The 23-foot by 14-foot upstairs master bedroom with sitting area has its own private terrace, and a large bathroom.
Also upstairs are two large, en suite guest rooms.
“In this price point, I don’t know where else you can get this much square footage and that view,” said Sherry.
One of the benefits of living at The Moorings is the diversity of homes and neighborhoods, which makes for a more lively and interesting environment. No matter where you live – on the river, at the beach or in between – you have private access to the beach.
Owner Helen Wallace said the house at 801 holds many happy memories and moments of shared joy, laughter and love. “What we fell in love with first was the view – looking out across the water, watching the boats drift along, enjoying the manatees as they frolic, and marveling as the sunsets unfurled. Over the years the house was filled with friends socializing in an embrace of ease and comfort, and our kids and grandkids visiting with their spirits high and souls refreshed by their time here.”