The gorgeous home at 12440 A1A is built to dazzle, and dazzle it does, from the moment you lay eyes on the low-walled, iron-gated entrance, circular drive and 3-story estate beyond – all perfectly framed by tall, slender palms and the azure sky, reflecting the blue of the Atlantic.
Past the gate, the circular drive curves around a graceful mermaid fountain, surrounded by low foliage and flowers. Impeccably designed landscaping showcases the home on all sides. The 1.76-acre lot includes the riverfront parcel, and the very rare 170-foot ocean frontage makes this a true treasure on the Treasure Coast.
Ascending to the second/main level via the grand, double staircase, curving up and around a waterfall fountain, a visitor steps though the two-story double door and window/transom entrance into the two-story foyer, with its stunning polished marble floor and graceful columns. Standing here, one is treated to spectacular vistas: look east to the sea or west to the shimmering lagoon, without taking a step.
Through a broad pillared archway, the exquisite formal living room with its spectacular, coffered ceiling offers its unimpeded sea view through three large picture windows. Floor-to-ceiling dark wood cabinets flank a custom gas fireplace with white stone surround, imbuing the room with the warmth of welcome.
This is a house of textures, and the color palate – creamy hues whispering of delicate gold and cocoa, and contrasting touches of rich deep amber – creates a seamless flow from space to space. Carefully considered placement of large windows ensures plentiful ambient light, and a wonderful play of light and shadow, further enhancing the many hues and textures. Especially striking is a delicate faux gold foil technique, employed on several ceiling and walls surfaces.
Adjacent to the living room is the beautifully appointed formal dining room, with its custom copper-highlighted tray ceiling and striking, metal chandelier. A broad, double picture window with arched transom reveals a swaying palm and water view. Enhancing this area are finely-crafted built-ins and a lighted wall niche for display of favorite objets d’art. Between the dining room and the kitchen is a fabulous butler’s/caterer’s pantry that offers tons storage and a coffee/wet bar.
The family gourmet(s) will absolutely adore the kitchen – a chef’s dream come true – which adjoins the butler’s pantry, perfectly positioned for seamless entertaining. It is, of course, fully equipped, with walnut-toned, floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, dark crown molding, a cabinet-fronted fridge, wine cooler and granite countertops. The spacious island features gas cooktop, lunch bar, and a trio of glass-shaded lights for soft but ample illumination, plus glass-door cabinetry below to show off favorite collections. No need for crouching to load the dishwasher, either: It’s thoughtfully positioned on a raised platform.
Cleverly tucked into a corner of the kitchen is a luxurious little powder room. Just off the kitchen is a breakfast nook and comfy seating area with built-in telly, still more cabinet storage – and even convenient desk space. Here, too, the configuration of walls and windows allows the luxury of wonderful views to the north, south and east. These myriad enticements will certainly make this area the favorite indoor gathering hub for family and guests.
Guests will feel wonderfully spoiled here. The two spacious guest suites, one with ocean views, one with river views, share a luxurious Jack-and-Jill bathroom, which pampers with walk-in shower, separate water closet, soaking tub and to charming porcelain “petal” sinks. From this level, there is an open balcony, with a spiral staircase leading to the grounds and pool area.
The entire third floor is occupied by the sumptuous owners’ suite, an elegant retreat which the homeowners can access via the grand staircase or the convenient elevator. The always generous use of wide picture windows allows one, up awakening, to lift his/her head off the pillow ever so slightly and be greeted by an ocean view. Here, the floor covering is luxurious plush carpet. The spacious master bedroom lets into a sunny, inviting living area, with plenty of seating room and another special feature – a bay window containing a comfy window seat with, of course, an unbeatable sea view. (Think reading, snoozing, daydreaming, maybe sharing quality time with a beloved pet.)
Here, too, there is a coffee/beverage station, complete with sink, fridge, and granite counters with storage. A “port-hole” window overlooks the river. The owners’ suite also contains two walk-in closets, two bathrooms and additional flexible office/den space.
The lady of the manor will love spending hours relaxing in her luxurious personal spa. The wide vanity is flanked by ceiling-to-countertop shelving with cabinets below. The vanity is within an arched, mirrored alcove, and has lighting fixtures that are not only beautiful but also provide very soft and friendly light. (As, every woman knows, many bathroom lights do not.) A large, corner soaking tub, with graceful columns and ceramic surround, overlooks the ocean and offers a built-in TV and extra surface space for a favorite coffee or tea. (Or wine!) What more pleasant a way to greet the sunrise? Or, if you don’t have time to linger, there is a spacious walk-in shower, with rainforest shower head.
The lower/ground floor could be considered the entertainment floor: the highlight here is an enormous “media room,” starring a huge (6 feet-by-9 feet) movie screen, complete with ceiling projector, built-in sound equipment and lots of space for luxurious seating. (A huge sectional sofa will fit in with room to spare.) Just add popcorn. The screen retracts when not in use.
There is a handy kitchenette, with sink, fridge, granite counters with seating, an extra-large wine cooler, built-in shelves for extra wine storage, wood cabinetry for even more storage; and multiple, flexible space for seating or games. Two spacious en suite bedrooms, each with a full bath, also occupy this floor. One has French doors leading directly to the pool and patio area and a cabana bath opening directly onto the pool-patio.
The free-form pool with its charming dolphin fountain, spa and spacious deck provides another great entertainment space or, for quieter moments, a private oasis from which to enjoy lush tropical landscaping. A boardwalk leads across the dunes to the beautiful, beach. To the west, a brief stroll from your front gate takes you to your private dock on the Indian River Lagoon.
Homeowners here have access to the best of both worlds, oceanfront living as well as all charming amenities famed Indian River Lagoon has to offer.
The unparalleled location is but a short, pleasant drive away from the beautiful seaside village of Vero Beach, with its myriad shops and restaurants. Also on the island are the renowned Riverside Theatre (Equity) and the nationally acclaimed Vero Museum of Art, as well as Riverside Park with is variety of sports opportunities, river access and events all year round.