A wall of glass greets guests as they cross the threshold at 145 Anchor Drive in the Anchor at the Moorings, giving way to a dramatic view of the Indian River. The expansive property is the ideal retreat for a family. Add the bonus of a guest house for frequent visitors and you have a perfect place for friends from far and wide.
The beauty of the house, initially designed by architect Gregory Anderson in the Mediterranean style, complements the dramatic vistas that stretch far up the Intracoastal Waterway at one of the widest parts of the river.
“We believe this lot has the most spectacular views in the Anchor,” said the owners, Ellen and Michael Fifer. “And we are honored to have had the privilege of completing a major top-to-bottom renovation to bring the house up to the very latest in fine finishes and building standards. This home has great character and is eminently livable.”
The striking Mediterranean-inspired exterior is resplendent with beautiful, ornate architecture indicative of this classic style, including a traditional red tile roof, arched doorways and rough stucco exteriors. Inside, carved doors, decorative railings and stonework combined with the updates blend the original design with modern conveniences and create an ambiance of elegance and sophistication.
At the front of the house, a wooden gate offers a touch of the old world, adding to the seclusion of the private courtyard surrounding the pool. Large, ornate, wooden doors open into an octagon-shaped room with 30-foot ceilings. The open floor plan provides optimal views through the expanse of windows, with the interiors opening to the courtyard patio, creating a relaxed indoor and outdoor living experience.
The large gas fireplace is the focal point of this dramatic room with a backdrop of floor-to-ceiling windows and a sweeping, wooden staircase accented with wrought-iron railings. Wood flooring throughout adds warmth to the room and accords well with the architectural style.
The east side of the house is dedicated to the practical, with a two-car garage, golf cart bay, laundry room, powder room, bedroom with en-suite bathroom, dining room and generous pantry. From there, a short hallway leads to the kitchen area and family room.
The two-story riverfront estate home was renovated in 2017 by Matherne Construction. “We basically rebuilt the interior of the house,” explains company president Dennis Matherne. “It was a total reconstruct and redesign of the floor plan.”
“You don’t see a lot of work that was done to the house; it’s all behind the walls. It’s a very solid house with new, impact-resistant doors and windows. The house is updated to 2017 standards. We added a generator and gas and updated the electrical, air conditioning and plumbing. It’s basically a new house with the character of its old exterior,” Matherne said.
The gourmet kitchen is a work of art with light-grey stone countertops, new cabinets, appliances, custom molding and a splash of blue on the island. A small nook overlooking the pool delineates the kitchen and family room.
The redesign features private, family and guest spaces, according to Matherne. “The master bedroom was originally downstairs at the back of the house overlooking the best view in the Moorings. We opened that room up and made it a living area and moved the master bedroom upstairs, which greatly improved the functionality and livability of the house.”
On the upper level of the house, reached via stairs or elevator, the private family sleeping quarters have no shortage of river views, giving one the feeling of cruising down the Intracoastal on the deck of a sailboat.
Dramatic views of the river add to the serenity of the spacious master bedroom. His and her walk-in closets provide plenty of room for anything you could ever want to store with space to spare. Double doors open into the master bath with the garden tub sitting center stage. Dual sinks, a water closet and rain shower head in the generous walk-in shower finish off the room. Just down the hall from the master suite, the spare bedroom with en-suite bath overlooks the pool and river beyond.
A large wraparound pool deck surrounds the freeform pool. The fountain, summer kitchen and hot tub are hidden among lush tropical foliage in the secluded private haven. Endless views can be enjoyed while dining alfresco or lounging by the pool. The dock with dual boat lifts is just a few steps away and provides easy access to the river.
The guest cabana is the perfect place for guests to hide away. The custom Murphy bed allows for two bedrooms, and a full bath and kitchenette finish off this private sanctuary. This area would make an excellent mother-in-law suite, a haven for long-term guests or a family-oriented studio. The possibilities are endless.
“This home offers the best of riverfront living. Not only is it privately situated with wide open river views but the layout affords plenty of room to entertain guests,” said Matilde Sorensen, Dale Sorensen Real Estate broker-owner who has the home listed for sale.
Besides its own inherent virtues, the home has the added benefit of being located in one of the finest country club communities on the barrier island.
The Moorings Property Owners Association offers private beach access and patrolled security. The area was originally designed as a boating community and offers more deep-water dockage for homeowners than any other 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 to Vero’s Ocean Drive for shopping and dining or to the Riverside Theatre and the Vero Beach Museum of Art for cultural outings. It is also close to downtown Vero Beach’s thriving art gallery and dining district. For families with children, Saint Edward’s School conveniently abuts the community.
Vital Statistics
- Address: 145 Anchor Drive
- Neighborhood: Anchor at the Moorings
- Original construction: 1992
- Effective year built: 2017
- Lot size: 0.44 acre
- Home size: 5,107 sq. ft.
- Construction: Concrete block and frame with stucco
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 4 full baths, 1 half-bath
- Additional features: Gates, security patrolled community, waterfront property, circular drive, gas fireplace, central vacuum, elevator, impact windows and storm shutters, summer kitchen, heated pool, hot tub, generator, dock, boat lift, seawall, granted beach and waterway access.
- Listing agency: Dale Sorensen Real Estate
- Listing agent: Broker-Owner Matilde Sorensen, 772-532-0010
- Listing price: $3,250,000
