All it took was one look at the spectacular river view, and the owners of the home at 21 Marker Way knew this was the house for them. And now that they are moving, that’s what they are going to miss the most – the sunsets.
The couple knew they wanted to renovate the home when they bought it, but also wanted to get a feel for the property before making any decisions. After a year and a half, they had a plan and gathered the team needed to make their vision a reality.
The result is a classic Georgian home with more than 8,000 square feet of living space tucked away on Gem Island in the John’s Island Club.
“We took the house down to the studs,” says the owner. “We loved the basic design of the house. After living . . . [there for a while], we knew exactly what we wanted to do.”
Among other things, they wanted to maintain the symmetry of the original Jim Gibson design, according to architect Harry Gandy Howle, who was tasked with redesigning the home.
They also wanted to make “some lifestyle enhancements to it,” Howle says. “We didn’t leave anything untouched.”
“This project stands out because they picked the highest level of materials and craftsmanship for the home,” says Charles Croom, vice president of operations for Croom Construction, the company that did the renovation. “The level of stonework in the master bathroom alone is a work of art.”
From the granite, quartz and lapis countertops to the wormy chestnut flooring and pecky cypress ceilings, the owners – who had already redone several homes and knew exactly what they were aiming for – selected high-quality, durable materials.
“The team was able to take a beautiful lot in the perfect setting, add to an older home and bring it back to life,” says Croom. The renovated house sits on more than an acre of land and includes 4 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms.
Upon stepping through the front door, guests are greeted with a view straight through to the river. The entry gallery immediately draws the eye with its high, white ceilings, beautiful finishes, detailed carvings and egg and dart crown molding.
The formal living and dining rooms open onto the veranda with an unrestricted view of the river. Built-ins and a gas-burning fireplace create a cozy ambiance, and pocket doors separate the rooms when entertaining.
The gourmet kitchen and family room sit just off the dining area. With cathedral ceiling and box beams, the bright, airy room is home to a his and her kitchen, outfitted with two sets of Miele, Sub-Zero and Thermador appliances so two chefs can cook in tandem. A six-burner Thermador gas cooktop with griddle and pot filler finishes off the cooking area with a book-matched marble backsplash and island.
“Since we both cook we don’t want to trip over each,” says the lady of the house. “On my side, I do the cooking, and on his side, he does all the prep,” she explains. “And the butlery is just off the kitchen with a pantry, another refrigerator and ovens.”
The south side of the house is connected by a belvedere, which leads to the cabana with two guest rooms, baths and a bar area. Further down the hall are a large craft room, laundry, exercise room and 3-car garage.
The master suite sits on the west side of the house and can be completely shut off for privacy. This area of the house underwent extensive revisions, according to Howle. “We increased the size of the closets and were able to reformat the master bath area, walk-in closet and dressing room. The last addition was the master sitting room, so the owners would have a private sitting area.”
The all-marble master bathroom has a book-matched slab marble shower with both handhelds and a rain head. A spa tub, his and her sinks, and two water closets with electric Toto toilet/bidets complete the elegant room.
The master bedroom is designed as a “safe room” with a steel reinforced cremone-bolted pocket door and metal-plated wall. Surround-sound speakers and remote-controlled curtains finish off the room and the sitting area provides a quiet place for the owners to enjoy the river view.
The veranda was fitted with retractable screens and shutters for all weather use. The outdoor oasis has non-slip Syrian shell stone hardscape and a waterproof television, so whatever the weather may be they can lounge in the shade morning, noon and night.
A few steps around the corner is an inviting saltwater pool with glass waterline tile and glass bead finish. The house provides a wind break for optimal use and there is a Pergola with a powered awning that covers the built-in gas grill.
Lush, tropical plantings, extensive landscape lighting, and external speakers set the outdoor mood and add to the mystique of living along the river’s shore. To keep mosquitoes at bay, the property has been fitted with programmable bug misters.
Sitting on more than 165 feet of river frontage with a private dock the 1-acre-plus property is a boat lover’s dream. The dock made of Ipe wood – a beautiful, super-durable South American hardwood – has watertight storage benches, a picnic area and a hot and cold dock shower. The Hi Tides boat lift can raise and lower a 30,000-pound boat with a power pedestal, 30 and 50 amp service and a Davits lift.
Technology and security were paramount as the couple made plans. Ceiling speakers can be found throughout the house and the chandeliers use an attic mounted chandelier lift for ease of access.
The house has been completely renovated to meet Miami/Dade hurricane standards with concrete tile roof, roof strapping and hurricane-rated impact windows, doors and shutters.
Lutron-controlled electronic security gates, driveway sensor, internal and external alarm system, dock and external house cameras provide a high level of security. All audio-visual and security components are remotely monitored and maintained.
“The owners took a keen interest in the project. The high quality, attention to detail and technology are typical of the work we do, but it was a great opportunity for us to go beyond,” reflects Howle. “It is a completely revitalized house.”
John’s Island Club is a private, member-owned country club community situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon. Amenities include dining, golf, tennis and beach clubs.