The builder had only one non-negotiable request of designer Michael Brosche during the two years they spent planning the gorgeous 3-story, ocean-to-river residence at 13030 A1A in Ambersand on the northern part of the island – but it was a doozy: Every room must have a water view.
Undaunted, Brosche fulfilled the builder’s requirement, creating one of the most appealing, eye-catching, light-filled homes you’ll find anywhere along the highly desirable strip of barrier island with properties that are at once oceanfront and riverfront.
The lot at 13030 A1A extends from the Indian River Lagoon, east across A1A, to the Atlantic. It’s landscaping is in harmony with the captivating natural landscape, with palms and native plants of varying sizes and hues as content in the salty sea air as are the natural grasses and seagrapes along the dune line to the east. A short driveway leads to the 2-bay garage and the angled stairway to the front entrance.
Born of unfettered imagination and solid architectural artistry, the home, with its various engaging angles and shapes (most rooms have more than four walls), soaring cathedral ceilings, lofty windows and shaded balconies, imparts a feeling of space and light. From the wealth of decks and balconies, the sound of the surf is the background music to life in this enchanting residence.
Joanna Dunlap, with her late husband, Robert, have been the home’s only owners, filling it, since 1984, with family and friends, children and grandchildren. The couple, avid boaters, came up from Miami, seeking the perfect home and, says Joanna, “This place captured our hearts.”
As repairs were required over the years, the Dunlaps, accustomed to maintaining boats, replaced original materials with marine grade materials that could better stand up to wind, water and salt air – from siding (now HardiePlank) to the smallest nails and screws. While maintaining its original design, the entire house, age notwithstanding, is “seaworthy.”
Joanna, a naturally gifted artist, has selected interior colors that mimic the elusive, subtle hues of sand, sky and sea, in their many iterations, the walls’ watery blues, greens and grays, the soaring white ceilings, neutral carpeting, natural stone, and golden oak flooring evoking the sandy beach only steps away. The beautiful oak floors are laid on the diagonal to sync with the exterior deck planks, enhancing the feel of length and allowing the eye to flow smoothly from inside to out.
The foyer/landing leads to the air conditioned garage on the ground floor, and up to the second level main floor. The ground level elevation, says Joanna, is “nice and high. It’s never been flooded.” This level includes powder room, laundry room, storage for “outdoor stuff,” and a versatile bonus room Joanna currently uses as her art studio. She pointed out that anyone tromping up the sandy path from the beach must take the ground floor route, passing through the outdoor shower (men love this, she says), half-bath and laundry room, instead of tracking sand into the house. Clever.
A stairway from the foyer leads up into the breathtaking great room on the second level, a living/dining space in which the vaulted white, wood ceiling soars two stories, and a wrap-around window wall showcases a panoramic ocean view. An organically designed coral stone corner fireplace is a striking element between window walls.
The kitchen includes a breakfast bar that encourages conversation with folks in the great room. The oak cabinetry is as functional as it is beautiful. For alfresco dining, there is access from the kitchen to the deck, which wraps around the main floor living spaces much like the bow of a yacht.
One of the two guest bedrooms on this level opens onto an oceanfront deck, suggesting a morning cup of coffee as you greet the sunrise; the second has a balcony facing the river, a lovely spot to share sunset, perhaps with a pleasant sauv blanc. Both guest rooms are served by a full bath. The versatile den opens to the deck.
At the end of a short hallway, with windows along the west and north sides, is a window seat, where Joanna likes to curl up and watch storms roll in across the river.
The top level is given over entirely to the spacious, vaulted master suite, a serene retreat filled with light and designed for perfect privacy. There is a roomy walk-in closet and a dressing table alcove with a stylish, frosted 5-LED fixture that is make-up-application friendly, and which is duplicated over the bathroom sink.
At this lofty level, the ocean views are nothing short of magnificent, and a deck off the bathroom affords a river view. Joanna designed the renovation of the master bath, a work of art in itself, with natural stone and marble the color of the beach and a sumptuous corner tub and a glass walk-in shower accented by rich, deep blue tiles. Joanna used the extra tiles to accent a painting she created for the opposite wall.
After so many years in the home she loves, Joanna says it’s time to downsize. The children and grandchildren are grown and busy with their own lives, and the wonderful house is no small task to maintain single-handedly. Joanna plans to move to a smaller place nearby, where she can just lock up – and head off to see the world.
Listed for $1,650,000, the home is “the absolute best buy on the ocean in Vero Beach!” according to Premier Estate Properties broker/associate and listing agent Cindy O’ Dare. “Joanna’s home has been lovingly maintained, and in addition to the magnificent ocean views, you get extensive river views and have the ability to build a dock and bring your boat!”
