Driving under a canopy of live oaks into the tranquility of Orchid Isle Estates is like taking a step back in time. The unspoiled beauty of this hidden treasure is what first attracted Peter and Sally Blanchard to build their house in-between the Indian River Lagoon and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Tucked among the mangroves, their home at 8140 S. Seacrest Drive provides a setting for never-ending natural inspiration for these two artists.
“From our home in Marbrisa we would look across the river and see how secluded and beautiful it was,” recalls Sally. “There were only a few houses and one day we decided to take a look and found this lot for sale. Now we watch the houses across the way each evening. As the sun sets it almost looks like they are on fire. The orange glow is gorgeous.”
After finding the perfect lot, the couple collaborated on perhaps their biggest work of art ever. “They are both artists and really gave it a lot of thought when they built the house,” says Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty Broker Associate Debbie Bell. “This is one of the lowest-price newer homes on the river with Intracoastal views in deep water on the market today.”
The two-story estate home was built in 2001 and sits on nearly an acre of riverfront property. “The location is like having your own private oasis. With the preserve on one side and river on the other, you are removed but still close to everything. The view is fabulous with an endless parade of boats passing by, reminiscent of old Florida,” Bell explains.
The driveway is flanked by palms swaying in the river breeze. Cool blue, double inlaid doors open to the formal living room and a wide-open view of the river through a back wall that is mostly glass.
Tall narrow windows allow for plenty of light to enter from the west, explains Sally. “These windows were designed for function and aesthetics. The light comes through, but the house doesn’t get too hot from the sun.”
Vaulted ceilings and sliding glass doors with transom windows open the room out onto the screened veranda, allowing the symphony of river sounds into the house.
“The boats start coming by in the late fall [heading south], and in the spring they start heading back. Some of the ships that come by here are unbelievable,” shares Peter. “And if there’s a night launch at the Kennedy Space Center you can watch from the dock. It’s spectacular!”
Just off the living room sits the den with a built-in desk and work area with closet space allowing for its use as a bedroom. Across the hall, the cabana bath opens to the pool area. The custom-built bureau sink designed by the owners adds contrast to the black and gold room.
The master suite is tucked away at the end of the hall, allowing for optimal privacy. An en suite bath with his and her closets, double-vessel vanities and quartz countertops, a garden tub and oversize doorless stone shower create a spa-like atmosphere. Sliding glass doors lead out to the pool area and open the master bedroom to a sweeping river view.
On the north side of the house, the formal dining room overlooks the nature preserve. A wet bar with built-in, glass-fronted custom cabinets, marble countertop and wine refrigerator are conveniently located between the dining area and kitchen.
The open-concept gourmet kitchen flows into the breakfast nook and family room. A large window seat provides the perfect perch to snuggle up and watch the comings and goings on the lagoon.
Natural wood kitchen cabinets add warmth to the dark, granite countertops, and the island, built-in desk, and double ovens create a highly functional kitchen.
Storage was a key factor in the design of the house, with an enormous walk-in pantry, second refrigerator and cabinets in the laundry room, butler’s pantry and 3 1/2-car garage. An above the garage, walk-up attic area accessed by a staircase instead of a pull-down ladder is a rare feature.
A beautiful custom wrought iron rail graces the elegant main staircase that leads to a second-story with two guest rooms, a balcony and two full baths. This area was created with the Blanchard’s large family in mind. It provides privacy and a beautiful view of the river.
“Guests love to visit,” says Peter as he looks out at the river from the balcony. “You can see the river from every room in the house. I’m really going to miss this view.”
A small kitchen area and the large balcony provide plenty of space for guests to settle in and feel at home. With seven children, 17 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren this guest suite is an invaluable feature of the home.
“It’s nice to wake up to this view, but once you’re out of your bedroom for the day you don’t see it again,” explains Sally. “Instead I designed around this area so you can sit and watch the river at any time of the day or night.”
Back downstairs, the living room, master bedroom, and family room all open out onto the screened lanai and fenced pool area with hot tub. Beyond the pool, a walkway through the mangroves leads to the dock and boat lift, where adventure on the river awaits.
Cherry wood flooring, vaulted ceilings and built-in features showcase the nature of this beautiful home located on a quiet cul-de-sac street at the back of the neighborhood.
Orchid Isle Estates is a gated community located on Pine Island in the middle of the Indian River Lagoon. Located conveniently off the Wabasso Causeway in a protected nature preserve the 300-acre subdivision has only about 60 home sites, adding to the privacy and allure of the serene setting.
If you would like to take a closer look at this hidden beauty stop by the Open House from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 22.