For British West Indies style and ambiance, Palm Island Plantation is in a class by itself. Located in Indian River Shores, between the azure waters of the Atlantic and the beautiful Indian River estuary, this prestigious community offers estate, carriage and town homes along with luxurious two-story condominiums, on some of Florida’s most desirable real estate.
The condominium at 104 Island Plantation Terrace #202 charms visitors with its open floor plan, lavishly large windows, verandas, porches and balconies, all of which invite the lush, tropical landscaping indoors. The island ambiance is enhanced by the plantation shutters featured throughout, among the homeowner’s extensive upgrades by well known interior designer Leah Muller, which make this a beautifully appointed standout.
With 3,100 square feet under air, this lovely 3-bedroom, 3-bath condo is more spacious than many stand-alone home. The soft wall colors showcase the elegant white crown molding used throughout the home. The open foyer impresses with a private elevator, Italian porcelain flooring and beautifully textured, grass cloth wall treatment.
The light, bright living area features custom wall-unit shelving, and sliding glass doors opening onto a long, covered balcony. Recessed lighting and a custom ceiling fan enhance the home’s easy, breezy feel.
Wainscoting and ceiling molding, an alcove perfect for a sideboard or breakfront, and a graceful wrought iron chandelier highlight the dining room.
The large, delightful balcony area – with built-in BBQ, summer kitchen and garden hose hook-up – is certain to become a homeowner favorite, overlooking the tropical landscape, softly lighted in the evening hours, and proffering soft ocean breezes. The balcony can be accessed from the living area and the master suite, as well as though the dining room’s double French doors, creating a seamless, inside-outside flow-through perfect for entertaining.
“This is a really well-designed space,” says owner Martha Moore. “It is user-friendly, great for entertaining. You don’t feel separated.” She has furnished and upgraded with great style and care, but now, with family grown and gone, she intends to downsize, while remaining in the area.
Among her upgrades are the gorgeous and plentiful cherry kitchen cabinets with custom pull-outs for uber-organized storage and access. Other aspects of the large, fully appointed gourmet kitchen – a dream for homeowners who love to cook and entertain – are the granite countertops and large center island, Kitchen-Aid fridge and microwave, GE Profile dishwasher and range with convection oven, U-Line wine cooler, and – a welcome addition for running an organized household – a handy desk.
A built-in wet bar, which includes ice maker and cabinets with recessed lighting, is conveniently located just off the kitchen.
The master suite offers access not only to the main balcony, but to a private balcony, with its own, stress-reducing tropical view. Striking architectural features include a tray ceiling and an arched, custom wall niche. The luxurious spa-like bath retreat invites relaxation, with dual sinks, large, garden tub with Jacuzzi and walk-in shower.
Moore points out another feature she appreciates: the master suite is located away from the guest bedroom. “It’s nice to have a quiet get-away. And we can all meet in the middle – the kitchen – it’s perfect.”
The second bedroom suite, also spacious, boasts its own balcony and a roomy walk-in closet. Its bathroom is sumptuous, with tiled shower and bath, granite countertops, recessed lighting, ceiling molding and designer wallpaper. The guest bedroom, too, has its own balcony, bathroom and walk-in closet.
A room Moore especially enjoys is the “office,” for which she installed a highly efficient and elegant built-in desk/bookcase system, in a rich, dark wood. There is a decorator fan, and the wall covering is a unique and stylish cork. This room, too, has its own balcony. The space, she said, could also multi-task as an extra guest room.
Other features of this wonderful home include: metal roof; a cozy breakfast nook, with wainscoting and its own chandelier, opening to the covered balcony; and a laundry room, equipped with a Maytag washer and dryer, and a built-in vacuum system. Moore says she has also used this area as a butler’s pantry when she entertains.
Each condo in the community has its own air-conditioned 2-car garage and ample storage area under the building, accessed via each home’s private elevator, with a special, individual key code. All windows are high-impact and code-compliant, and Moore has also installed high-tech, see-through hurricane shutters, operated with the flip of a switch. She emphasizes the excellence and professionalism of the community’s security and property maintenance, and says maintenance projects are done on the same day, “so you don’t have so many trucks coming in and out.”
“I like the location. I bike a lot and, in 10 minutes, I can access Jungle Trail. A group of us ride every morning.” (One of the oldest, most beloved and still rural roadways on the island, Jungle Trail invites leisurely biking or walking, along the Indian River.) A lovely community pool is only a few steps from the condo’s front door.
Moore calls her neighborhood a very friendly one, with frequent activities and “meet-and-greets.” The community clubhouse includes a very well-equipped fitness center and a large, beautiful pool. Riverfront dockage may be available for purchase, through the Palm Island Plantation Association. The community is pet-friendly.
Moore also has convenient access to the beach. “With the gate code, I can walk there faster than I can drive.” There, on the east side of A1A, is the beautiful, easily accessible oceanfront Palm Island Beach Club, which provides luxurious relaxation and entertaining opportunities right on the ocean, with a heated pool and elegant community gathering center. Beach cabanas may be available for purchase.
Residents of Palm Island Plantation have easy access to dining and shopping opportunities, including the Village Shops in Indian River Shores, and, a bit farther south, myriad shops along Vero’s Ocean Drive, as well as a wealth of casual and fine dining choices. With a quaint village vibe, the community nevertheless boasts a lively cultural scene, including the island’s widely renowned Riverside Theatre, a professional equity theater, and the nationally lauded Vero Museum of Art.
Riverside Park and the Vero Dog Park are popular destinations, and opportunities for fishing, boating and other water sports abound.
A short drive north on A1A is the popular Wabasso Disney Resort, and halfway across the lagoon just off the Wabasso Bridge is the acclaimed Environmental Learning Center, a must-see for residents and visitors, young and old alike.
