If you are looking for a lovely home that is as much about the surrounding natural world as it is about the interior, the 3-bedroom, 4-bath courtyard home at 216 Oak Hammock Circle SW overlooking a beautiful lake could be the place for you. Because of its screened courtyard and wide pocket sliders, nature surrounds homeowners Al and Peg Fariello and their visitors every day.
The most prevalent indoor/outdoor space is the courtyard pool patio which is just beyond the front door next to the sweet garden master gardener Peg has created. Walking in, one instantly feels like throwing on a swimsuit and spending the day by the freeform heated pool, breaking up the time with occasional dips in the spa.
If you are looking for entertainment as you float along, Peg Fariello said a family of five otters likes to traipse outside the screen enclosure on the way to the lake in back.
The couple’s grandchildren vie to stay in the cabana bedroom by the front gate that has living space with a hideaway Murphy bed and a built-in desk Peg uses as her crafting area.
“I wanted it to be transitional so it didn’t have to be a bedroom all the time,” said Peg Fariello. She jokingly said that when she first came up with the Murphy bed idea, Al Fariello said he did not think he could install the Murphy bed but she convinced him. “I’m design, Al’s application. I say ‘Honey, do this’ and he does.”
The cabana bedroom also has a large walk-in closet and the bath has a no-step shower to make it easy for seniors or small children.
A separate front door enters into the living room and wide pocket sliders open into the family room filled with built-in shelving and cabinets next to the kitchen. Living areas have stunning Ipe (Brazilian Mahogany) hardwood floors with plush neutral carpet in the bedrooms and calming pastel paint finishes.
The second bedroom enjoys a lovely pool view and the serene sound of the spa’s flowing waterfall. This room has an office/den anteroom with built-ins along two walls and a privacy door perfect for guests with children.
The laundry room is off this area with disinfecting Samsung steam washer and dryer.
“You never have to iron anything,” said Peg Fariello happily.
Across the house, the master bedroom has two separate bathrooms joined by a walk-through shower. A French door accesses the courtyard and another door leads to the living room and screened, covered lanai, which makes the most of the lake view.
“We have tons of wildlife out there,” said Al Fariello.
Not to forget the kitchen – since this is one of the most party-friendly aspects of the house – it contains beautiful maple cabinets and a huge granite counter island which can seat at least six people. Combined with the kitchen is a dining nook with a seamless beveled window looking over the courtyard; the Fariellos have seated 10 people in this space and used it for large buffets.
This fun, engaging couple has owned the house since it was built and added many custom details. They have obviously enjoyed parties here, entertaining their friends and family, yet it is lovingly cared for and in immaculate condition. As they move to Stuart to be closer to their grandchildren they will miss their friendly neighbors and the community’s amazing amenities.
Indian River Club residents enjoy HOA-regulated pristine care of the common areas and carefree lawn maintenance, a natural Audubon Signature Sanctuary and professional golf course as well as social club amenities. A new fitness room and pool in the south section where the Fariellos’ home is located just opened and has become the new social center for residents. The tennis courts, nature areas, multiple swimming pools and stunning clubhouse are in the north section just a golf cart ride away.
To view this special courtyard home by the lake listed for only $519,000, call Peggy Hewett at 772-321-4282.
