When they wanted a larger home back in 2008, the owners of the beautiful waterfront house at 915 Orchid Point Way searched up and down the Indian River Lagoon for a property that spoke them. They are not boaters and did not want to be directly on the Intracoastal, but did want to be on the water to enjoy fishing and viewing wildlife.
They were living in Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club at the time and, after looking at many properties in many communities, they ended up finding the perfect place in a different section of Orchid Island.
Their 4-bedroom, 5.5-bath, 4,481- square-foot house is located on a private estuary dug by Orchid Island developer Galen Weston where, the homeowners say, the fishing is superb.
They are out on the water much of the time on stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and a locally made Dragonfly skiff with an electric motor.
The estuary, which connects to the larger lagoon, is a nursery for many species of fish and fingerlings draw in hungry game fish that don’t hesitate to snap at a fisherman’s lure or bait. The homeowners say they catch snook, redfish, black drum, crevalle jack, multiple types of snapper and tarpon up to 40 inches.
With all those fish, birdlife is abundant, too, with osprey, egrets, herons, white pelican’s and even a bald eagle that has a nest nearby and circles overhead looking for prey.
Besides fish and birds, manatees are abundant, as well, cruising and cavorting in the quiet, protected waters that lap up against the bulwark at the edge of the home’s back yard.
Orchid Island is a renowned golf community and the homeowners like to play, but they also like being in a bit more secluded of a spot, instead of right on the course.
“People who live in that section of the community, on the estuary, absolutely love it,” says Orchid Island Realty broker Bob Niederpruem, who has the house listed for $2,550,000. “They love the peace and quiet, the sunsets, the fishing. It is just a very special spot.”
The house itself has wonderful virtues in addition to its location on an idyllic waterway in one of the island’s most attractive country club communities.
Many of those virtues, including a classic and convenient layout, high-quality construction and more than 5,900 square feet under roof, including the two-car-plus-golf-cart garage and covered front and rear terraces, are original to the house, which was completed in 2003. Others were lovingly added by the current homeowners.
When they bought the house in 2009, they added a front courtyard, many small windows to illuminate hallways, bathroom and even closets with natural light, and a new master bathroom. They also opened up the breakfast area wall to let in light and views of the lagoon through glass French doors, and redecorated throughout.
As it stands now, as the homeowners get ready for a transition, the house is beautifully detailed and proportioned and meticulously maintained.
“It is move-in ready,” says Niederpruem. “New owners will not have to do a single thing.”
Entering through the front courtyard, a visitor crosses the front veranda and goes in through a massive mahogany door to a traditional foyer. To the right is the guest bedroom wing, with three large en suite guest or children’s rooms. The homeowners have twins, now age 28, and both have their own room ready and waiting when they arrive to visit.
The guest wing also includes a well-equipped laundry room, a oversize mud room with storage areas, and the entrance to the garage.
To the left of the foyer is the elaborate owner’s suite, which was substantially upgraded and redesigned by the current homeowners. It includes a 16-foot by 20-foot bedroom at the back, overlooking the pool and opening onto the covered back terrace. It has a huge bay window and tray ceiling.
Moving toward the front of the house, via a marble-paved hallway, there are two walk-in closets and then his and hers bathrooms that connect through a combined Jacuzzi and shower area.
Beyond that indulgent space is a large study with another bay window, a coffered ceiling and extensive built-ins that is being used as an office.
Straight ahead from the foyer is the home’s extensive public space, consisting of a 31-foot by 19-foot living room/dining room with coffered ceiling and fire place, a gorgeous kitchen with high-end appliances, granite counters and glass front cabinets, a 21-foot by 26-foot family room and breakfast area that is open to the kitchen, and the spacious covered rear terrace that overlooks the travertine-paved pool patio and the estuary just beyond.
There is also a second study/office opening off of the family room.
The whole back of the house, which faces west, is open to the bright water and sunset views.
The home has an air of gracious living that is hard to describe but felt immediately upon entrance.
The house is rare in today’s market,” says Niederpruem. “It is one of only two on the estuary that is for sale and the price is much less than for a home on the direct Intracoastal, yet it has the all the advantages of being on the water except for having a big boat in the back yard.
“The least expensive direct Intracoastal home in Orchid is right around $4 million so this is a great value for someone who loves peace and quiet and enjoys wildlife and fishing. It is a very unique property. The quality of construction and level of finishes are outstanding. It was an excellent house to begin with, but the current owners have taken it to a whole new level.
