The vacation never ends in the Mediterranean masterpiece located at 3620 Ocean Drive. The two-story, oceanfront villa reflects the traditional architecture of Italy, from the low-pitched barrel tile roof to the extensive outdoor living areas.
Columns, arched windows and openings, brick pavers and wrought-iron balconies are among the distinctive characteristics of this Mediterranean-style 4-bedroom, which has 7 full baths and 1 half-bath. Add the ideal location right in Vero’s charming village by the sea, overlooking an unspoiled beach and this fully-furnished turnkey estate becomes a perfect primary residence or second home.
“It’s a unique villa in a walk-to-everything location,” says Michael Thorpe, Treasure Coast Sotheby’s International Realty co-broker-owner. “It’s private and secure, but the kids and grandkids can go get an ice cream or walk to a restaurant. You could be here on vacation and never have to get in your car.”
Villa di Splendore, as the home is called, represents the cumulative talents and professional expertise of Helmet House Construction, Randall Stofft Architects and Marc-Michaels Interior Design.
“There was no expense spared on this house,” shares Kimberly Thorpe, Treasure Coast Sotheby’s International Realty other broker-owner.
The old world feel of the estate may not match the cottage-style house that originally sat on the property for 60 years, but some of the history of the former Elabree home was preserved. Pecky Cypress was salvaged during demolition and repurposed for balcony and patio ceilings. A shadow box pays homage to days gone by with pre-World War II newspaper clippings found in the walls, brick from the original fireplace, hinges from the well, doorknobs and more.
A detached two-car garage and guesthouse provide a buffer between Ocean Drive and the house proper. Guests can enjoy complete privacy in the second-floor retreat with separate entrance, bath, kitchenette and breezeway access to the main house.
From the moment you pull up the brick-paved, circular drive you can feel the Tuscan sun beating down as if you were on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Up a stone terrace and through the grand mahogany doors it’s hard to decide where to look first.
Entertaining is a snap in the media room with leopard print floor covering and a full bar. The built-in entertainment center and horn-shaped sconces add a touch of warmth making the room cozy and inviting for a movie screening, game time or casual drinks.
Venture to the right of the foyer into the formal dining room with faux painted ceiling and double chandelier. Two vault-like wooden doors open into the wine room, where the combination of wood flooring and antique terra cotta stone gives the room an authentic feel. The sub-zero climate controlled wine storage, marble vessel tasting sink and rustic seating area create a wine connoisseur’s haven.
“These doors are reclaimed and repurposed. It takes extraordinary planning and craftsmanship to take a door like that and build around it,” says Michael Thorpe.
Further down the hall a powder room, guest suite and laundry room with access to an attached two-car garage discretely await. Back at the heart of the house, the warmth of a Macedonia lime gas burning fireplace opposite the hand painted Tuscan mural sets the tone for the formal living area.
The butcher block, natural wood and faux finish cabinets complement the Casablanca granite countertops in the chef-grade kitchen. A travertine backsplash, hammered bronze farmhouse sink and rustic beam ceiling are the embodiment of a family gathering place. The breakfast bar, nook and family room offer plenty of space for entertaining and flow out onto the back terrace with summer kitchen and cabana bath.
At the center of the house, antique bronze travertine steps lead to the second-floor master suite, library and grandchildren’s suite, all centered around a communal lounging area with breakfast bar.
A pair of corbel lion heads stand sentinel over the wood-paneled library. With built-in desk and shelves, private bathroom and ocean view from a private balcony, it is the perfect spot for discerning bibliophiles.
Double doors provide an extra layer of privacy for the master suite. An oval foyer gives way to his and her custom closets and bathing areas. The lady of the house can indulge herself in the Roman shower, and large soaking Jacuzzi tub while enjoying views of the ocean. The vanity, lounging area and water closet with bidet add to the spa-like atmosphere. The gentlemen’s washroom has a masculine air with rough cut Alabastrino granite and Roman shower. Snuggle in bed in front of the marble gas fireplace or watch the waves roll in from the master suite office or covered balcony.
A few steps away, the grandchildren’s room sleeps four with bunk beds. A tree grows from the grassy-green floor, and clouds billow overhead in the bathroom with clawfoot tub and bi-level sinks.
Attention to detail abound, from the natural stone and hardwood flooring to the intricate accents and extras throughout the house with wainscoting, columns, architectural ceilings – with beamed, barrel-and-groin vaulted, tray, coffered and cathedral ceilings in various rooms. Discreet touches add to the luxurious design with an old-fashioned telephone nook, elevator, first and second-floor laundry rooms and smart home technology.
Virtually every room in the house offers ocean views from terraces and patios. Play in the heated pool, soak in the spa or run down to the beach for some fun in the sand. The walled compound has gated, private beach access, a fenced dog walk and outdoor shower, creating your own private resort.
“This is the perfect home for a turnkey buyer. All you need to move in are clothes and toothbrush,” says Kimberly. “Everything else you need is here.” Take a virtual walk through this ready to move in home anytime with the video and 3D virtual reality tour at TCSIR.com.
Villa di Splendore is located on the barrier island in a quiet Central Beach neighborhood between the boardwalk at Jaycee Beach and Vero’s seaside village. Ocean Drive shopping and dining are a quick stroll away with the City Marina, off-leash dog park, Riverside Park, Vero Beach Museum of Art and Riverside Theatre nearby. The bridge to the mainland is a 5-minute drive.