On the ocean side of A1A – at 8876 N. Sea Oaks Way – is Dune House, the newest 4-story building in the beautiful Sea Oaks community. On the first floor is Unit 400, a single-family residence which offers not only the conveniences of a luxury condo and the amenities and privacy of a luxury house, but also an unparalleled ground-floor location directly on the ocean, with landscaping that provides breathtaking sea views across a lavishly wide lawn.
With the ambiance of a grand seaside estate, the residence is the only one on the ground floor, and one of only 10 in the entire building. A broad marble foyer leads to family spaces to the left, and service areas on the right. Stepping into the spacious living room, a visitor’s eye is immediately drawn to the 10-foot ceilings and the rare, 9-foot glass panels that open all exterior walls to the glorious vistas beyond.
Although these striking “window walls” virtually bring the outdoors inside, they are all of highest-quality impact glass, able to withstand whatever the capricious tropical weather may bring. The pale-hued walls, white crown molding and soft golden marble floors drink in the abundant ambient light which flows, unimpeded, from sea to landscaped dunes, across grassy lawn and tiled patios.
The floor plan, by no means a typical condo “shoe box,” combines beauty and convenience, cleverly creating cozy, comfortable spaces, within an atmosphere of simple, un-fussy luxury.
For owners who work from home or simply for household organizing, party planning, catching up on correspondence, or relaxing with a book, the large den/library/office (12’X13′), will surely become a favorite room, although the ocean view could prove a distraction. This already flexible room could easily be converted into a fourth bedroom, should the homeowner desire to do so.
Another space that will likely become a favorite gathering place for family and friends is the kitchen. Gourmet all the way, it is designed for creative food preparation, with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances (Sub Zero, Kitchen Aid and Miele), wall oven, 6-burner cooktop, wine cooler, pantry, an abundance of well-designed, floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, full crown molding and beautiful black granite counter and island tops. The island features convenient outlets, double sink, dishwasher and storage, as well as a breakfast bar.
The kitchen is both user- and visitor-friendly, flowing right into a conversation-inviting seating area, and the window/door wall with ocean view will surely make food prep and dishwashing a lot more enjoyable for the family member who draws KP duty.
The large family room, too, offers space, light, soothing views and opportunities for games, conversation and relaxation.
Two bedrooms, each with its own full bath, are accessed along a broad corridor leading to the master suite, which anchors the bedroom “wing.” This lovely, quiet space encourages get-away-from-it-all letting go of stressing, with pale amber walls, white woodwork, retractable shades and glass sliders for patio access. The suite includes a generous, custom his-and-hers walk-in closet and, for ultimate relaxation (think bubble bath and a glass of Chablis), a large and luxurious Jacuzzi tub. A separate, sumptuous marble shower and private water closet complete the indulgent master bath.
Recessed lighting or sleek chandeliers complement the home’s elegant, non-fussy personality. An unusual lighting treatment in the bathrooms is especially appealing: in each, a graceful three- or four-light vanity fixture is attached directly to a wide, framed mirror which extends from ceiling to backsplash.
Accessed from the master suite, framed by long arches, is a charming, walled, private terrace, which will soon be trellised for maximum privacy from the three floors above. Additional landscaping – sea grape and coconut palms – will also be installed just beyond the wall, for even more privacy.
Behind the kitchen is the laundry, a bright area with plenty of elbow room, storage and countertop space, as well as top-of-the-line Bosch washer and dryer.
The attached, private, oversized single-vehicle garage can be accessed from inside. Adjacent to the garage is a 10’X14′ storage room which is vented for air conditioning if desired.
Other amenities include a central vac system; A/V and Wi-Fi systems throughout; ceiling fans; and generous custom closets. Lighting can be dimmer-adjusted, and there are controls in each bedroom for multi-audio functions. Within Dune House’s main foyer is a stylish seating area, a tidy mailbox room, and individual, lockable trash and recycling chutes.
From all of the rooms in the home, there is access to the wrap-around patio and, from there, to the shore. On the far side of the broad backyard is a walkway, leading to the white sand beach. It extends above the delicate dune line, which is protected from erosion by the saltwater-loving landscape plants.
Also within a short walk, but far enough away to ensure privacy, is the heated community pool. Other Sea Oaks community amenities, just steps away, include a spa, gas barbecue, and brand new beach club with fitness room and tennis courts. Just across A1A to the west is Sea Oaks’ world-class tennis facility and the community marina.
For pet lovers, the Dune House message is, “Bring your family and pets. Two dogs (no weight limit) are welcome.”
In addition to the numerous opportunities to get to know your Sea Oaks neighbors, you’ll be only minutes from Windsor, John’s Island and several other luxury communities. The city of Sebastian, home of Pelican Island Wildlife Refuge and a lively, riverfront “fishing village” scene, is a short drive to the north. And the charming seaside community of Vero Beach is only a few miles to the south. Here, along and near Ocean Drive, a variety of shops and restaurants beckon. You’ll discover a lively arts and cultural scene, led by Riverside Theatre (equity), and the Vero Beach Museum of Art, both in Riverside Park.
With its under-six-figure asking price, 8876 N. Sea Oaks Way, Residence #400, could be the most undervalued oceanfront property in all Vero Beach.