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Tranquil West Indies lifestyle awaits in Riomar Bay home

  • Samantha Baita

    • The gorgeous riverfront estate at 502 Bay Drive in the coveted Riomar Bay neighborhood bespeaks West Indies in its every aspect, from the lofty, light-filled interior to the breezy balconies and lush outdoor living spaces. The soul of the West Indies in the heart of Florida’s Treasure Coast.

    Picture this: a tranquil, utterly private retreat beneath an azure sky, nestled waterside amidst verdant tropical foliage and swaying coconut palms; a sparkling infinity pool, soft tropical breezes and panoramic views of the natural treasure that is the Indian River Lagoon.

    The home offers a warm welcome, with a creamy facade, handsome cedar shake roof, gleaming copper gutters and a broad walkway to the impressive entry porch.

    Transom-topped mahogany double doors with sidelights lead to a foyer “gallery” that leads to the vast 28-foot by 29-foot great room with a soaring, coffered ceiling.

    There is a dramatic fireplace with stone mantle and surround, and a handsome bank of dark wood-framed, transom-topped windows and doors that provide elegant contrast to the pale walls and Travertine marble floors.

    From here, one enters another significant space that houses kitchen, dining and family areas, all configured for maximum flow, making it a favorite family gathering place. This space also offers access to the gorgeous gazebo and pool area.

    The kitchen is big and beautiful, with plentiful storage in custom cherry cabinetry and a huge L-shaped island lighted by a sleek, 3-pendant chandelier that offers additional storage and plenty of snack bar seating.

    Other “wow” factors include white quartz countertops and a stone stove-top hood with stunning basket-weave marble splash. Premium appliances include a Thermador professional 6-burner gas cooktop, warming drawer and two professional convection ovens; a Sub-Zero side-by-side fridge/freezer and undercounter wine cooler; a Bosch dishwasher; and, in the adjacent laundry room, heavy-duty washer and gas drier. Entrance to the 3-bay garage is just past the laundry room.

    From the kitchen, a generous dining area merges seamlessly into the family room, with myriad seating possibilities, a flat screen TV and the room’s focal point, a 4-window wall looking west to the pool deck and river, offering fabulous sunset views.

    Beyond this gathering hub is the 2-bedroom south wing and access to the second floor. Both first-floor bedrooms have double folding-door closets and full baths. The bedroom on the west side enjoys a pleasant bay window wide enough to accommodate a window seat bookworms will love, a couple of comfy armchairs, or even a desk.

    North off the foyer gallery is the first-floor master suite, with a show-stopping walk-in closet that has specially built shoe shelves even Imelda Marcos would swoon over. It’s centered with a storage “island,” and large enough to hold a small party. Really. It even has its own window.

    The master bath is a soothing dream in peaches-and-cream, with a long double-sink vanity, wall-to-wall mirror and plentiful storage. A soaking tub is situated beneath a trio of large white plantation-shuttered windows and a spacious glass shower comes equipped with rainforest shower head.

    The mood-setting centerpiece of the master bedroom is a romantic corner fireplace with beautiful carved stone mantle, summoning thoughts of flickering firelight, music, a glass of wine and perhaps, a midnight dip in the pool. The charming bay window configuration in the west guest bedroom is repeated here, with the same glorious view, and there is a private door exiting to the pool deck.

    Ascend the staircase to the second floor to find the home’s second master suite, perhaps the most blissful hideaway in the house. You will not need to do more than lift your head off the pillow to enjoy a wide view of the sparkling river where dolphins play, and handsome boats pass, cruising the Intracoastal waterway. Ease yourself into the day with a cup of coffee on the private balcony, as the river comes alive.

    A flex room is accessed from the master bath as well as the upstairs hallway. It can be used as a den, office or extra bedroom. Further along the hallway, past the stairway to the first floor, is a “secret” passageway, leading to a large hidden “under-the-eaves” attic room.   With two skylights, a flat screen wall TV, built-in shelving across the far wall and space for table, chairs and comfy seating, it constitutes a space kids and grandkids of all ages will want to call dibs on. This cool “bonus room” can also be reached via a stairway in the garage.

    Located on the north side of the property, overlooking the shimmering infinity pool and the river, is the 2-level guest house – another breezy retreat where you’ll feel as if you’re in Barbados. Just add rum. The ground floor houses cabana, bar, full bath and grill, and opens to the coconut palm-shaded pool deck.

    Up the stone exterior staircase is a large versatile room which can be employed for sleeping or lounging with an icy beverage and enjoying the soft island breezes and the river view. There is also a full bath and wrap-around balcony. The west and south sides of both levels have wide banks of glass-and-mahogany folding doors. An emerald strip of grass and low foliage leads to the seawall and the private dock, which offers water, electricity and a 10,000-pound capacity boat lift.

    Across the pool from the guest house is a large gazebo with plenty of room for seating and a stylish two-sided fireplace.

    This splendid estate is only moments from Vero’s quaint beach village with its many boutiques, pubs, restaurants and resorts and just a few blocks from Riverside Park, home to numerous events and festivals, the renowned Riverside Theatre (Equity) and the nationally recognized Vero Beach Museum of Art. Also nearby are Quail Valley country club, the Vero Beach Yacht Club, the city marina, a municipal tennis center and a 5-acre riverside dog park.

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