The magnificent house at 524 White Pelican Circle in Orchid Island is a highlight of this beautifully manicured barrier island community. Many appealing houses line the lovely streets of the upscale and friendly private enclave in Vero Beach, but there is something extra striking about this one.
This custom-built 6-bedroom, 7.5-bath, 9,500-square-foot home, with all its grandeur, warrants a lifestyle that calls for elegant dinner parties with caviar and champagne served to smartly-attired guests, as well as casual outdoor events featuring grilled burgers and hot dogs for those clad in sportswear and working up appetites over a stealthy game of bocce or badminton on the stunning sprawl of lush grass in the backyard.
No matter what activities the house and grounds have inspired, house-guests and homeowners alike have adequate privacy in their suites to take a breather from the daily goings-on and socializing or to suit up for the next occasion.
“Our main goal when remodeling was to have separate family suites, so all our family and grandchildren could be comfortably visiting at the same time, and to have plenty of outdoor space for basketball, badminton, bocce ball, a putting area, swimming and easy access to the golf course and the beach,” said owner Julie Cawley.
The house and property never saw a shortage of events over the years, she added. These included large family celebrations at holidays, charitable fundraising events, formal and informal dinner parties and intimate dinners for two on the lanai.
When guests enter the stately home, Cawley said, their comments tend to be the following: “It’s so spacious – inviting, yet comfortable”; “great entertaining house”; “understated and elegant”; “it’s as comfortable with a small group as with many family members visiting at once.”
The next owner or owners are sure to feel similarly privileged to enjoy such an elegant and relaxed house, which is gracefully sited on an expansive, 1.37-acre double lot overlooking a pond and the fourth green of the golf course.
The home, newly priced at $5,150,000, is listed by Matilde Sorensen.
One of the property’s biggest attractions is the expansiveness of the well-groomed, lushly-landscaped grounds; another is and the impressive size of the home. The front entrance is on White Pelican Circle, the service entrance is on the adjacent street, Heron Point Court.
Inside, the home delights all of the senses, and that starts the instant you step onto the attractive La Perla stone in the wide-columned entryway. Upon entry, one can’t help but notice – and marvel at – the length of the hallways extending out on both sides, leading to large private guest suites and a master suite, all so inviting and luxurious. Which way you choose to go is an exciting decision to make, leading to an adventure, a cozy conversation, a full-blown social event or a quiet swim or lawn game on the sprawling yard.
Stepping further into the house, there’s an inviting 36-foot by 19-foot living room with fireplace and multiple French doors awaiting you. Beyond is a screened lanai and pool with soothing sounds from a water feature drawing you in further. The porch is 41 X 18 feet.
How this all came about for Cawley and her late husband, Charlie, was a stroke of good fortune.
The couple had been looking at houses with at least four to five bedrooms in Orchid Island with no luck when, as they were driving past 524 White Pelican Circle, the realtor mentioned that that house was also for sale but it only had three bedrooms.
Their imaginations and creativity immediately kicked in.
“We loved the way it was situated on the corner and the possibilities of additions – it was one of the first houses built at Orchid – the architecture of the original house was very appealing. We could envision what an outstanding larger home this could become.”
In 2002, the Cawleys worked with architect George Bollis and The Hill Group to dramatically enlarge the house, which was originally built on one lot in 1991. They added the lot next door to make a dream house come to fruition with six bedrooms, long hallways with columns, a theater, office, spacious living room, large kitchen, dining area and family room, large master suite and lanai.
Bedroom sizes are indeed generous. The master is 27 feet by 19 feet; bunk room is 14 feet by 13 feet; other guest rooms on the first level 19 by 15 feet and 16 feet by 13 feet. The guest suite over the garage, which the owner uses as a photography studio, is 18 feet by 10 feet
The bedrooms are beautifully appointed and proportioned and afford great views of the lush landscaping outside. The master suite features dual baths and dressing rooms.
While one’s privacy and quiet time is manageable in this house, there are plenty of areas of the home that call for interaction and togetherness. The huge gourmet kitchen featuring maple wood counters and top-quality appliances overlooks the 22-foot by 18-foot dining room that currently holds a round maple dining room table that seats 14.
Just past the dining room is the welcoming 31-foot by 26-foot family room with fireplace and multiple windows, including an extra-large window affording expansive views of the lovely pond and the fourth green.
A theater and office offer wonderful places to watch a movie, listen to music or read.
There are also two powder rooms, a utility room and an air-conditioned, oversize three-car garage.
“There are so many unique details in this home to fall in love with: the marble floors, the beautiful combination of tray and beamed ceilings and the fabulous master suite with two dressing rooms and baths,” said Broker and listing agent Matilde Sorensen, also pointing out the kitchen with beautiful warm woods, highly polished hard maple countertops and soft lighting. “This a remarkable home!”
The home is ideal for the family that loves the combination of golf, entertaining and elegance, she added. “It is perfectly situated on a double lot overlooking the fourth green at one of the most exclusive and renowned golf courses in Vero Beach. It has some of the most spacious rooms of any home on the Barrier Island and lots of fun spaces like the media room, family room and that special bunk room.”
The house exudes an undeniable luxury while being very welcoming and elegant, noted Joan Cook, co-listing agent.
“It’s rare to see a home that combines elegance and comfort so well,” she said. “With gracious room proportions and soothing colors, it is easy to imagine entertaining a large group or finding a cozy spot to relax and read a book.”
“Orchid Island is a gem that we have always loved – great friends, golf, beach, fitness center. There is a great golf clubhouse for informal dining, an elegant beach club for a more formal evening, along with superb administration, staff and groundskeepers … this is Florida at its best!” said Cawley.
