Its name – Palm Cottage – may well bring to mind a humble abode with thatched roof and lace curtains. But the stunning, 8,416-square-foot estate at 721 Grove Place in the exclusive Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club community is more akin to the so-called “Millionaires’ Cottages” in Jekyll Island, Georgia’s Historic District, where late 19th and early 20th century barons of industry one-upped each other, building fabulous mansions in which to escape winter in the Frozen North.
A circular brick-paver drive, manicured lawn, palms and cleanly designed landscape elements perfectly present the estate’s front structure, a two-story, double guest house offering a single bedroom on the south side and two on the north, the two sides separated by a pass-through, each with its own staircase.
Here, as in much of the main house, the floors are a rich, dark tropical hardwood, as are the stairs. The pale soft hues of the walls are offset by all-white custom woodwork, featuring triple crown molding and plantation doors on closets and cabinetry. Each bedroom has its own full bath and closet. Upstairs, both sides offer laundry room, full kitchen and living room. All ground-floor rooms open onto the courtyard, and generous use of windows and glass doors ensures plentiful ambient light.
Between the guest quarters and the main house is the courtyard, clean and elegant, informed by the artful use of rectangles, repeated in the natural stone tile, the pool, punctuations of emerald lawn, the spa, the double glass doors to the game room on the north, and the striking main entrance’s double doors, flanked by long glass panes and topped with glass pane squares. North and south courtyard walls and the first floor of the main house are vine-covered, the rich green anchoring this exceptional outdoor space and imparting a feeling of privacy, a worthy entrance to the main house.
As breathtaking as are the guest quarters and courtyard, the main residence is the pièce de résistance, with glowing hardwood floors, liberal use of marble and stone, rich crown molding, beautifully detailed ceilings and an astounding nine (!) fireplaces.
Immediately left off the broad foyer, a stunning stone staircase leads to the second level. Looking west, from the foyer, across the marble-floored living/dining room, a full-wall bank of five double-glass doors repeats the clean design of the front entrance, opening to the west lanai and pool, and farther, toward the private dock, and picturesque Indian River lagoon with its dazzling sunset views. The north and south walls of the living/dining space each feature a gorgeous stone fireplace.
A guest suite occupies the south end of the first floor, and includes a large, elegantly appointed bathroom with graceful gold-ribboned candle chandelier, marble surround jacuzzi tub, marble, glass-door shower, water closet, and access to the courtyard. A large laundry/storage area contains custom cabinetry and stacked washer/dryer unit.
This suite also accesses the covered lanai and pool deck, a lovely, large outdoor space with endless entertaining possibilities, easily accommodating even the most lavish parties, with all doors open to the spacious living/dining area.
The first-floor north wing houses the kitchen/sitting room, and two laundry/utility rooms, which include a large, two-door wine cooler, sink, extensive storage and ample counter space for sorting and folding. Also in this wing are a pair of two-car garages, separated by a spacious game room, with cathedral ceiling, fireplace, full bath and access to the courtyard/pool.
The chef’s kitchen features black, heat resistant countertop; one double and one single sink; an island housing a 6-burner Thermador gas cooktop and double ovens; side-by-side Sub Zero fridge, one side with a glass front; three freezer drawers; and white plantation cabinetry with two glass-front display doors.
Gas fireplaces highlight both ends of the lanai, with a seating area to the south and summer kitchen and dining space to the north, each surrounded by a low hedge wall, creating lovely outdoor “rooms.” Listing agent Matilde Sorensen calls the lanai “the perfect space to enjoy an alfresco lunch or evening cocktail.”
Three stone steps down from either end, the rectangular pool is a cool, clean centerpiece, its four single-stream fountains providing a melodic backdrop to pleasant conversation or quiet enjoyment of the green landscape and shimmering lagoon beyond.
The magnificent master suite occupies the second level. At the top of the castle-channeling stone staircase, double doors on the landing open onto a balcony which overlooks the courtyard and welcomes the sunrise. This lavish retreat can also be accessed via a convenient, unobtrusive elevator. The master bedroom boasts glowing tropical wood floors and a three-double door wall opening to the wide west balcony with its lagoon views. A dark wood-beamed cathedral ceiling and a beautiful stone fireplace with raised hearth star in this elegant room.
Arguably the most irresistible, indulgent spot on the second level is the master bath. Tall mirrors rise above a pair of black and gold furniture-style footed sink units; above the large, oval jacuzzi tub is a bank of discreetly high windows, and, across the marble floor opposite the tub, is another striking stone fireplace.
The standout among standouts, occupying most of the west wall and flanked by twin water closets, is the lavish shower, actually an all-marble room, almost as large as a modest, traditional bathroom. There are three shower heads, including two rainforest heads (one extending from the ceiling) and one detachable-hose unit. Through a huge picture window, the shower occupant(s) can look across the lagoon to the mainland. The window has a convenient drop-down shade.
The master suite also includes a “piano” room, with wet bar, white-beamed cathedral ceiling and fireplace, occupying the northwest corner. Light floods in through a bank of doors and windows, and the broad balcony, extending the entire length of the house, provides another captivating lagoon and sunset vista.
Between the piano room and the master bedroom is a study, a secluded, quiet place to work, read or dream. Extending from the handsome tray ceiling is a graceful gold-hued, glass domed chandelier. Here, too, is a fireplace, and access to the balcony.
The Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club is only minutes north of the charming seaside village of Vero Beach, with its numerous shops and restaurants, Riverside Theatre (equity) and the prestigious Vero Beach Museum of Art.
