The exquisite, 2-story estate home at 1403 Old Winter Beach Road, part of the exclusive River Club at Carlton, is all about balance and proportion, light and space – and incomparable views. This 5-bedroom, 5.5-bath, 6,700-square-foot Georgian-style beauty sits directly on the Intracoastal Waterway in Indian River Shores, just north of Gem Island, its comfortable elegance enhanced by the palms and mangroves that surround it, from the gracious courtyard entrance on the east to the sandy water’s edge to the west.
The impressive dwelling, says Realtor Jim Knapp, was built by a couple approaching retirement (he was a law professor), who moved to Vero Beach after selling their seasonal hi-rise in Miami. They purchased the lot at 1403, as well as a nearby property, where they resided while designing and building their waterfront home, moving in upon completion in 2007.
The couple, who have lived in their truly one-of-a-kind estate on the river for about eight years, are now downsizing and planning to build in North Carolina. The lady of the house possessed a fine arts background, clearly apparent in the meticulous attention to detail and many special touches. Among these are the interesting ceiling treatments throughout, each featuring its own chandelier, always maintaining the home’s balance and Georgian integrity while adding creative structural interest.
Although the house is more than 10,000 square feet under roof, Knapp points out it is by no means intimidating: in fact, because the rooms are so well balanced to human proportions, it could be considered almost cozy, a rare characteristic in such large homes.
The home boasts 12-foot ceilings; 2,000+ square feet of covered porches; split, 4+ car garages (the south garage is air conditioned, for off-season storage.); two fireplaces; 13 ceiling fans; two wet bars (upstairs and down); private pool with spa; creamy marble and pecan wood floors; and elegant white crown molding throughout.
The home has eye-popping “curb appeal,” with graceful palms and tropical foliage flanking the broad brick drive and courtyard leading to the dramatic double mahogany doors. These open into the marble entryway and spacious living room, which features one of the home’s two fireplaces. Across the room, floor-to-ceiling double French doors and window panels reveal an irresistible view of the pool, lanai and river just beyond, where homeowners are often treated to the sight of a sailboat or motor yacht cruising past in the channel.
Off the living room is a library/den/office, reminiscent of an elegant and exclusive British gentlemen’s club. It features tall, built-in bookshelves, storage closet, rich brown grass wall covering; unique sconces; and an especially eye-catching architectural ceiling treatment. French doors provide access to the pool and lanai as well as a terrific view across to the Intracoastal and the island beyond – a perfect spot on which to gaze after hours of desk or computer work.
Just down the hall from the living room is a lovely, unexpected little powder room, with deep blue-green walls, black-shaded sconces, and an elegant black marble and dark-wood vanity, on which sits a gorgeous replica Chinese porcelain basin with ancient blue and white design.
The roomy kitchen is a chef’s dream-come-true, with plentiful, creamy wood drawers and cabinets; huge, marble-top baker’s island with rinsing sink, dishwasher and storage beneath; disposal; subzero dual fridges; large gas cook top; dual ovens; and warming bar. The kitchen opens to the family room via a clever window-like space, allowing for conversation and pass-through of snacks. A welcome aspect of the central vacuum system is a floor level crumb sweeper in both the kitchen and the master bath.
Both the kitchen and family room also access a charming, sunny breakfast room, which overlooks the pool and lanai, entertaining thoughts of an early-morning, pre-breakfast swim. A full bathroom off the family room serves double duty as the designated facility for the pool crowd.
The formal dining room is an elegant stand-out, with its white molding and tall built-in cabinets a pleasing contrast to the rich raspberry grass cloth wall covering. The room enjoys yet another outstanding ceiling design, recessed lighting and an elegant crystal chandelier. The floor-to-ceiling windows perfectly frame the lush foliage outside.
The sumptuous and spacious first-floor master suite provides ample room for two queen beds, and a pleasant conversation area as well. French doors open west, onto the lanai and, along with floor-to-ceiling windows on the south side, welcome the outdoors in. This exceptional suite features a very generous his-and-hers closet; marble bath and shower with built-in “bench;” and his-and-hers water closets. From here, a wide hallway leads out to the south garage. Also occupying the first floor is a well-appointed guest suite.
To reach the second floor, one may choose either the graceful staircase, aglow with satiny tropical wood; or the stylish and practical elevator.
The second-floor master suite offers perfect, private accommodations for adult children or guests. It features a handsome volume ceiling, sitting room and desk space, as well as a full bath with large garden tub, marble shower and water closet, as well as French door access to the broad covered porch.
Also on the second floor is a two-bedroom, one-bath guest suite with plenty of light and tropical views. An especially thoughtful amenity is the upstairs laundry closet, with stacked washer/dryer.
A second-floor favorite is the River Room, a ready-for-relaxing family room with wet bar, striking tongue-in-groove, tropical wood cabana ceiling with banana leaf fan and, for the best seat in the house for the sunset celebration, French door access to the covered porch and its glorious river view.
The expansive lanai with its large spa pool offers the perfect place for entertaining al fresco. Guests will be drawn to the intimate seating area in front of the beautifully simple white fireplace, with its subtle tile surround in tones of earth and water, which dominates the open south end of the lanai. A built-in gas grill unit at the north end and the tongue-in-groove tropical wood ceiling further enhance the undeniable allure of this outside space.
Knapp pointed toward the 215-foot dock, extending into the river though a carefully (and appropriately) trimmed archway of mangroves. The dock is set up with power and water. Noting that the owners took pains to build with great respect for the environment, Knapp explained that the entire dock walkway is a durable, synthetic grid, allowing precious sunlight to reach the delicate and protected sea grasses beneath.
A very special shoreline feature Knapp pointed out is the little natural beach peeping though the mangroves, perfect for launching a kayak. Creating such a cut through the growth is strictly forbidden, but this one is a naturally occurring “extra” for the fortunate homeowner.
Safety features include security system and camera, as well as compliance with current stringent coastal building codes; impact-resistant windows and French doors throughout (and hurricane shutters for the front doors as well, to protect the beautiful mahogany.) To be well prepared for emergencies, the home boasts a built-in 45-KW generator, and a 1,000-gallon underground propane tank, features Knapp feels will be especially appealing to men.
River Club at Carlton offers its residents access to the beautiful clubhouse, community pool, exercise and fitness room and tennis courts; the Atlantic Ocean awaits, just across A1A.
Bikers will love the plentiful bike trails and paths. A short drive south on A1A leads to the many shops and restaurants of Vero Beach’s island village; the regional Riverside Theatre (equity); and the acclaimed Museum of Art, which anchor the city’s vibrant cultural life. Great golf, tennis and deep-sea fishing opportunities abound as well, and dog lovers will find the entire community very dog friendly.
