While David and Fraulein Jaffe are trading in their sandals for snowshoes, the memories made along the river at 69 Cache Cay Drive in Cache Cay will surely keep them warm. Their spectacular home is one of the best-priced riverfront properties on the island.
David Jaffe moved to Vero Beach when he was 15 years old and returned after completing medical school. While showing his new bride the area, they decided to drive through Cache Cay only to discover it was a gated community. Fortunately there was an open house and they “decided to take a look,” recalls Jaffe.
“When my wife and I walked into the open house, she fell in love with the house and the floor plan, and I fell in love with the views.” That was all it took, and for the next 25 years they called this beautiful spot home.
The traditional frame home with metal roof and brick accents is located in a quiet, guard-gated community where mature oaks and palms grace the property and a border of mangroves creates a natural buffer between the backyard and the river’s edge.
Mahogany front doors open to vistas of the river. The living area is airy and enhanced by an abundance of natural light. Crown molding and double glass doors add a touch of elegance as the room opens to the covered patio bringing the serenity of the river into the heart of this home.
Wainscoting and crown molding in the formal dining area create an ambiance perfectly suited for entertaining, whether a lively family meal or an intimate dinner party. The custom built-in buffet adds warmth without overtly revealing its more practical nature and makes entertaining a cinch.
Renovated in 2005, the gourmet kitchen is a cook’s dream. Professional-grade appliances include a Thermador gas cooktop, two KitchenAid ovens, a KitchenAid refrigerator and a Bosch dishwasher. Unique extras include a prep sink, pull-out pantry shelves, a coffee garage, a soapstone farmer’s sink, a breakfast nook and bar.
The large island and breakfast bar are the perfect places for everything from coffee with a neighbor to after-school snacks for the kids to a light repast of wine and cheese. The classic design is accented by natural light, recessed lighting and light fixtures. Wood and granite countertops paired with custom cherry cabinets add warmth to the room.
Adjacent to the kitchen, the family room features a high ceiling and large windows, creating a welcoming atmosphere for relaxing in front of the built-in entertainment center. Glass double doors open to the covered patio and summer kitchen.
The covered patio provides a seamless transition between the house and pool area, a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the serene setting while watching the sunset over the river, which attracts everything from pelicans and osprey to manatees and dolphins.
Sitting on 108 lineal feet of riverfront along the Intracoastal Waterway, the property boasts a private dock with cleaning station, bench and full-service boat lift, providing easy access to the river via a deep-water inlet. The Jaffes enjoyed water skiing, wakeboarding and fishing with their sons, and their chocolate Labrador enjoyed taking rides in the boat and going for swims off the spoil islands. A rare find in Cache Cay, the backyard is fenced making it a great place for pets.
The cabana bath with shower offers swimmers convenient access to the house. With its bright, eclectic tile, it feels like every day is full of Florida sunshine.
Back inside, the den is located just off the foyer with a built-in desk area and window seat providing the perfect at-home workspace. The closet space offers the versatility of using the room as a fourth bedroom.
The master suite is a pleasant surprise with a river view through double doors leading out to the pool and patio area. High ceilings and soft tones create an inviting space to while away Sunday afternoons. The three-sided gas fireplace divides the sleeping area from the en-suite bath.
The spa-like master bath boasts a freestanding tub with the backdrop of a glass block window. The enclosed shower and double vanity with a granite countertop finish off this open space providing plenty of room for couples to maneuver in this haven of classic elegance with a splash of modern touches. Two custom California walk-in closets round out the room with plenty of space.
The split plan creates a buffer between the master suite and guest rooms. On the opposite side of the house are two additional bedrooms filled with light softened by the warmth of the wood floors and built-in storage space.
The laundry room and 3-car garage complete this lovely waterside home. With cabinets galore and a built-in ironing board in the laundry room there isn’t anything you can’t tackle. The spacious garage provides plenty of room for fishing, surfing and golf gear for the whole family, as well as secure parking for vehicles.
Located near shops, restaurants and beaches, Cache Cay borders Indian River Shores, recently voted the safest town in Florida.
