There’s a lot that sets Palm Island Plantation apart from other beachside communities: Especially the stylish West Indies architecture with solid mahogany entry doors, mature landscaping, and quality construction by resident luxury homebuilder, Westmark Construction Company.
“Each home is unique, whether it’s a cottage or estate home,” explains Steve Owen, Palm Island Plantation vice president and broker. “But we’ve maintained a sense of continuity throughout the community with the West Indies-inspired design.”
“We try to keep two or three spec homes in inventory at all times. We started three houses at one time and sold two before we even had them blocked out,” says Owen.
Palm Island Plantation is a relatively new community. The first house was completed at the end of 2003. When the community is built out, it will include 131 homes.
Quality construction with fully cased, impact-insulated windows and doors keep both natural and human threats at bay along with impact shutters for another level of protection against wind-driven rain.
Stepping over the threshold of the only available spec house in the community – the 3-bedroom, 4,881-square-foot home tucked away at 313 Lady Palm Terrace at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac – the attention to detail and high level of craftsmanship is apparent with custom millwork and finishes throughout.
Wainscoting and two-piece crown molding in the foyer, dining room and hallway add warmth to the classic lines of the design. Entertaining in the dining room will be an elegant affair with coffered ceilings and pickled, oak wood flooring.
A striking colonnade creates an aesthetic boundary in the home. The hallway of arches delineates the master wing from the informal living area and guest wing.
French doors open onto the loggia with the tongue and groove cypress exterior ceilings, paddle fans and pool deck with a kidney-shaped pool.
To the east of the foyer, the gourmet kitchen boasts an abundance of space with a double island that houses extra storage with rollouts. There’s also an 8-foot by 8-foot hidden, walk-in pantry. The décor is embellished with porcelain flooring and Carrara marble countertops.
The double convection ovens, gas cooktop, Dacor microwave drawer, KitchenAid double wide refrigerator and Bosch dishwasher will please the most discerning chef.
The wet bar with a wine cooler is centrally located between the formal and casual living areas, so guests don’t get underfoot in the kitchen. A subway-tile backsplash adds contrast to the elegant marble countertop.
The open floor plan allows a smooth transition between the breakfast area and family room, where an inverted hip ceiling with wood splines adds style and opens up the space. The gas-burning fireplace is inviting while watching television or enjoying a glass of wine and listening to surround sound music when winding down at the end of the day.
Double, pocket sliding doors open to the pool, offering a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living. A summer kitchen can be added for those summertime barbecues just a few steps from the pool.
The guest wing sits off the kitchen with two bedrooms with en suite baths. On the opposite side of the kitchen, a powder room, laundry room, storage space and access to the two-car garage finish off the eastern aspect of the house.
Down the arched hallway, the library beckons. With a coffered ceiling, wood flooring and pocket, French glass doors, it’s a tossup whether to curl up with a book or enjoy the beautiful view of the pool and wooded area beyond.
Double doors lead into the luxurious master suite, a sanctuary for the homeowners. The spa-like bathroom with his and her water closets, split vanities, a deep tub and walk-in shower with rain showerhead make it hard to leave the relaxing luxury of this private space.
An inverted hip ceiling with wood splines give the master bedroom a bright and airy feel, and his and her walk-in closets provide the master and mistress of the house with their own space.
The amenities at Palm Island Plantation include something for everyone. At the Beach Club, you can take a dip in the heated pool or spa, enjoy the private cabanas or have a drink at the bar. At the fitness center, you can work out and then take a swim in a second community pool, relax in the steam rooms or swing a racquet on the Har-Tru tennis court. The River Cabana offers 12 boat slips, deep-water docking and a river deck to watch the sunset over the Indian River Lagoon.
Palm Island Plantation lies in the sleepy town of Indian River Shores. The historic Jungle Trail and Environmental Learning Center are just around the corner, and it’s a short drive to shopping and dining in Vero Beach. Enjoy cultural events at Riverside Theatre or the Vero Beach Museum of Art, both located among the oaks of Riverside Park.
