The lovely oak hammock on a beautifully sited lot in the Little Harbour subdivision overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway resonated deeply with Faye and W. Cody Estes when they first saw it. She, a fourth generation Indian River County resident, and he, a prominent executive in the citrus business who grew up on the water in Winter Haven, knew they could build their dream home there.
And that they did. The lovely riverfront home at 1315 Little Harbour Lane just south of the 17th Street Bridge on the barrier island has 3,958 square feet of living space with 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and an air about it that is irresistibly inviting.
The home has a spacious living room and family room/kitchen taking in the magnificent southwesterly view of the Indian River Lagoon. Add a billiard room with wet bar, comfortable en suite guest rooms, office, covered lanai, patio and pool, and it’s hard to imagine a better a place for the Vero Beach couple to have raised their two children and accrued countless hours of quality time with their grandchildren.
This riverfront retreat, built in 1995, embodies the spirit of the couple’s past and present. That said, it is time for them to downsize. The home is currently listed with Premier Estate Properties broker associate Kay Brown for $2,250,000.
“It’s a good family home,” Faye Estes said, sitting comfortably in her living room overlooking the sprawling outdoor spaces, ideal for a game of badminton, hide-and-seek and accessing the family dock to board a boat and head out on the Indian River Lagoon. “It’s been full of kids who go out on the river all day long. Water skiing is out the back door. It’s been an active lifestyle.”
Given that W. Cody Estes grew up on a lake in Winter Haven, the couple wanted their children to have a similar experience growing up on the water. “Oak hammocks are even more prevalent in Winter Haven, and the oak hammock here caught his eye, and this was the best view.”
Whether frolicking in a myriad of outdoor activities on the property or doing hobbies such as creating one of her wonderful floral displays in the large pergola, or indoors, playing billiards in the 18-foot by 14-foot game room, reading or watching television in the family room, entertaining in the living room or enjoying any of the other comfortable spaces throughout the home, this house delights at every turn
Walking through the front door of the solidly constructed house, the sense of spaciousness sweeps across you. Standing in the entryway, one can’t help but marvel at the live oak tree seen through the French doors and windows of the expansive 29-foot by 20-foot living room, the river in the near distance. It immediately draws you in. One can imagine being nestled in a chair, reading by the fire. To one side, is a large dining room that flows gracefully into the. High ceilings throughout the home afford a grandness.
The comforts of home continue to be felt throughout the house, with one room after another offering ideal spaces to partake in daytime and evening activities. The 17-foot by 13-foot kitchen includes a breakfast nook with a large corner window offering great views of the river and yard. The 27-foot by 20-foot family room is ideally situated near the kitchen to allow for good flow and conversation between the two spaces.
The luxuriousness of the house is also punctuated by the 23-foot by 20-foot master bedroom with French doors leading to the covered lanai. The view of the river is jaw-dropping. There are two spacious foot guest bedrooms with bathrooms and generous closets overlooking lush landscaping.
Faye Estes, a Garden Club member who once owned a flower business, is especially fond of the landscape design, which features abundant greenery, foliage and plants often used in her arrangements.
There is a 15-foot by 11-foot den/office off the master bedroom. The large billiard room could also be used as a handsome office/den.
“We wanted simple elegance,” Faye Estes said of the interior design. As for the architecture: “It’s got different styles, it’s eclectic; a mix of Mediterranean and Georgian.” Throughout the house, the couple chose natural materials such as marble in the master bath and granite in the kitchen.
“We wanted a timeless home,” she said. “I wouldn’t do a thing differently.”
The house is well protected, offering great privacy but also affording a gorgeous view. There is a steady flow of sea breezes that originate from down the canal.
Kay Brown and Jeanine Harris are listing agents. “Every time I walk out the back door into the incredible back garden with river sunset, I feel like I am on a movie set or in the midst of a Highwayman painting!” said Brown. “It is paradise!”
