The big, beautiful, 3-story home at 1870 Ocean Way in Seagrove East is impressive without being intimidating – a welcoming family residence that offers abundant space and complete privacy, entirely embraced by breathtaking tropical landscaping, and with deeded access to the beautiful Atlantic beach.
The thoughtful, creative design is wonderfully atypical, not the usual Florida oceanside style: Most of the open-plan structure is only one room deep which, with the generous use of beautiful window walls, allows the ambient light to flow through the home unimpeded. An especially appealing feature of this remarkable residence is the very wide, covered balcony, which wraps around the main floor and is accessible from all the main floor living spaces.
Stepping though the double entrance doors into the lofty, 2-story living room with its tongue-in-groove, vaulted ceiling, the eye is drawn to the stunning floor-to-ceiling coral-stone accent wall, complemented by the pale Saturnia marble floor. The main floor living space was designed for seamless entertaining: a pass-
thru wet bar connects the living room to the kitchen and adjoining open family room, which features a coral-stone fireplace wall.
The gourmet, dine-in kitchen is a chef’s dream come true, with pale granite countertops; a 6-burner Thermador gas range and grill; microwave; KitchenAid fridge; warming drawer; dishwasher; disposal; built-in wine rack/cooler; and a Mielle espresso machine. The custom island includes storage and lunch bar with stools. Above the island hangs a charming metal chandelier with six shaded lights and plenty of pot hooks. Recessed lighting, as well, ensures ample kitchen illumination.
The floor-to-ceiling kitchen cabinetry includes a convenient lighted desk area perfect for party planning, list making or perusing recipes. A quartet of bay windows illuminates the sunny breakfast nook which, along with the kitchen’s island bar and adjoining family room, provide plenty of space to congregate, as family and friends always seem to gravitate to the kitchen area.
From the kitchen, a doorway leads to the formal dining room, filled with natural light and restful garden views. Adjacent to the kitchen, a full cabana bath leads to the pool area, and can do double duty as a powder room.
A wing on this level houses a pair of spacious guest bedrooms and a large guest bathroom. Both bedrooms have access to the wide covered balcony, where one can enjoy morning coffee, indulge in a favorite book, or simply take in the beauty of the tropical surroundings, in total privacy.
The open staircase, which leads from the main floor up to the master suite and down to another guest suite, is itself a pleasing design element. Approaching the master suite, the third-floor landing is a cozy, bookcase-lined reading loft, overlooking the living room below. Here, too, one might enjoy a croissant and a fragrant cup of tea while preparing to greet the day.
The master suite is an indulgently spacious, soothing retreat a homeowner will not wish to leave, with complete privacy and verdant views, including treetop glimpses of the blue Atlantic, framed by palm and bougainvillea. A window wall overlooks the extremely private pool deck and patio, and the huge bedroom features a gorgeous fireplace with black marble surround.
The lady of the house will appreciate the private vanity, as well as the three-way mirror in the master bath. Here, too, are a large, raised soaking tub; his-and-hers vanities; spacious his-and-hers walk-in closets; a large walk-in shower with double heads; and a roomy linen closet. With no outside wall, the master bath is wonderfully illuminated by twin skylights, which fill the space with soft sunlight.
Also part of the master suite is a surprising space, a “hidden room” with two casement window walls, built-in desk, bookcase and cabinet storage, perfect for a private office or study.
Heading downstairs from the living room is another guest suite, featuring a huge bedroom, full bath, roomy double closets, and a space that can function as an office or, perhaps, an exercise room. Sliders open directly onto the pool area and adjoining well-landscaped grassy space. The large pool is 9 feet deep, and there is an outdoor shower and covered porch.
A large three-bay attached garage will easily accommodate the family vehicles, with plenty of room left for storage.
Homeowners Tom and Adele Beganie love their home, which they renovated in 2004, but they have now decided to downsize. Tom Beganie especially appreciates “the contemporary design, the way the layout flows, the unique windows and the coquina walls in the living room and family room. It’s a family-friendly house – all the bedrooms are large and it’s great for entertaining!”
Adele Beganie says, “It’s so close to the ocean, in easy walking distance, and there’s an ocean view from the house, as well. And we love the privacy. I think my favorite thing is all the windows.”
From this serene South Beach oceanfront neighborhood, it is only a few short miles to the many boutiques, shops and restaurants of Vero Beach’s charming seaside village, as well as Riverside Park on the Indian River Lagoon, the 5-acre Vero Beach Dog Park, nationally renowned Riverside Theatre (Equity) and the acclaimed Vero Beach Museum of Art.