A wall of glass greets guests as they cross the threshold at 153 Anchor Drive in the Anchor at the Moorings, giving way to a dramatic view of the Indian River and The Moorings’ famous Pete Dye Golf Course.
Located at the tip of the anchor-shaped peninsula that gives the neighborhood its name, the clean, crisp lines and refined elegance of this house enhance the river-view experience. “Everything is geared toward the view,” says listing agent Judy Hargarten, Realtor with The Moorings Realty Sales Co.
The owners lived on a boat when they discovered The Moorings. “We were just opening these lots up, and he couldn’t believe he could have the view and a boat all in one spot. He was one of the first buyers out here,” recalls Hargarten.
Vero Beach architect George Bollis and interior designer Michael Brosché teamed up to create a contemporary design that would embrace the river, making it easy for the owners to drop anchor and settle down or set sail at the drop of a hat. And the couple definitely put down roots, calling their riverside haven home for 30 years.
“It’s one of the best views in the Anchor. It’s a premier site to begin with, and we did everything we could to capture that. Even the angles we used in the house were meant to capture that view,” shares Bollis. “We customized everything in the house from the moldings to the fireplace mantle.”
“The owner was very direct in expressing his desire for a clean, timeless, contemporary home. We worked closely as we fine-tuned the floor plans. Then I started the design of the spaces within, aiming to create a contemporary home the owners would enjoy, yet with warmth that fit the island style,” says Brosché.
The clients wanted a neutral palette, yet inviting and warm, according to Brosché. To accomplish that the crown molding was designed with a bullnose at the ceiling and a recessed reveal on the flat wood. “This set a tone of blending the traditional with a contemporary twist. Selecting the white for the walls and slightly creamier white for the trim, as well as the natural stone floors, gives the home its timeless gallery look. In all my designs, I stay away from ‘trends of the moment’ and keep with a solution that will last,” explains Brosché,
A unique feature is the arbor-like den recalls Brosché. “With a very spacious and open great room planned, it was important to create more intimate spaces where the couple would feel comfortable enjoying an evening alone. So I created the ‘hidden’ media area, with its step up and then a dropped ‘open trellis’ ceiling, all within the great room. This cozy area, spacious in its own right, is a great place to watch a movie or to curl up with a good book and enjoy the expansive water views that the great room faced.”
A few steps away, the wet bar was designed to be convenient but not on display. With the touch of a button, a wooden, tambour-paneled wall hides the area when it’s not in use.
The sleeping areas are located at the north end of the house with his and her bedrooms joined by an extensive bathroom. The master and mistress of the house can enjoy their own space with his and her dressing areas, showers and water closets or meet in the middle where a garden tub delineates the space. Pocket doors at both ends of the room close off the bathing area from the bedrooms for privacy.
The elegant design carries over into the bedrooms complete with built-in beds and desks. From the bed, at the back of the house, you can watch the sunset over the river as the sound of water splashing against the seawall lull you to sleep.
This wing of the house also includes a guest bedroom with private bath, powder room and EuroCave wine cooler.
On the south side of the house, it might be difficult to focus on cooking in the kitchen without being distracted by the view from the breakfast nook – even though the fully-equipped kitchen has everything needed to whip up gourmet meals, including two wall ovens, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, built-in toaster and can opener, KitchenAid appliances, a cooktop stove and grill.
A wide hallway separates the dining room from the private courtyard where a metal sculpture highlights the art studio. Special lighting, a sink and shelving were installed in the studio so the owner, an artist, could create masterpieces at home. With the full bath down the hall, this space can double as a bedroom or office.
The laundry room and two-car garage are conveniently located in this area for easy cleanup and grocery delivery. A Generac generator provides an added measure of convenience and peace of mind in case of power outages during summer storms.
Outside, landscape architect Elizabeth Gillick matched the contemporary house design with lush landscaping. Sit in complete privacy on the covered patio while watching boats motor past or take a dip in the 50-foot, heated lap pool.
The dock and a 10,000-pound boat lift make the prospect of spending the day on the river a breeze. The location couldn’t be more perfect with The Moorings Pete Dye Golf Course jutting out into the river, providing a measure of protection from inclement weather.
The Moorings Property Owners Association offers private beach access and patrolled security. The area was designed as a boating community. The Moorings Yacht & Country Club provides access to Pete Dye’s signature course, Jim Fazio’s Hawk’s Nest championship course on the mainland, tennis and croquet courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center with pool and spa, a yacht club, as well as fine and casual dining.
The Moorings is a short drive from Vero’s Ocean Drive for shopping and dining or to the Riverside Theatre and the Vero Beach Museum of Art for cultural outings. For families with children, Saint Edward’s School conveniently abuts the community.
Vital Statistics
Address: 153 Anchor Drive
Neighborhood: Anchor at the Moorings
Year built: 1987
Lot size: 115’x161’
Home size: 5,131 sq. ft.
Construction: frame, with siding
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 4 full baths and 1 half-bath
Additional features: Gated, security patrolled community, waterfront, disposal, circle drive, plantation shutters, fireplace, wet bar, central vacuum, wine cooler, storm shutters, heated pool, generator, dock with 10,000-pound lift, seawall, granted beach and waterway access.
Listing agency: The Moorings Realty Sales Co., 772-231-5131
Listing price: $2,750,000
