A feeling of serenity washes over you as you pull through the gate at 315 Estuary Drive in The Estuary. Set on a point where John’s Island Creek and Cleve Hinton Creek merge to flow into the Indian River Lagoon, the two-story, waterfront home – surrounded by water – offers a wonderful sense of seclusion.
In this secluded, natural setting, an endless stream of birds provides a delightful soundtrack as dolphins, otters and manatees cruise along the waterway. With Bee Gum Point to the north and a private trail that weaves through the wetlands surrounding the house, this little spot of paradise is a nature lover’s dream.
A path of brick pavers leads to a set of impressive mahogany doors. Inside, mosaic tile in the front entry gives a hint of the attention to detail and high level of design to come. Custom millwork, arched doorways, stone and hardwood flooring, and transoms are just a few of the features adding to the timeless design of the home.
“The attention to detail in this house is phenomenal,” says Realtor Michelle Clarke, with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty. “The owner is a contractor so everything he’s done is 10 times what was code.”
Straight ahead from the entry, the formal living room opens to an arresting river view through floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize the feeling of being integrated with nature. The gas fireplace creates a welcoming ambiance and adds to the already homey feel of the décor.
At nearly 6,000 square feet, Clarke says, “this house is big and has a lot of great, useful space. It’s big, but it’s a comfortable big. The way the rooms are laid out with hallways and transition spaces creates a quaint and cozy feeling. This home is spacious, but there’s no wasted space. It’s all used effectively.”
The main floor encompasses three distinct, communal living areas at the center of the house: dining, family room and living room. The placement of these spaces at the heart of the home creates an enticing space for guests to gather. The kitchen is equipped with Thermador appliances, refrigerator drawers in the island and a breakfast bar for intimate family gatherings and large parties. The kitchen opens onto the family room to maximize the flow of integrated living.
Blue-pearl, granite countertops, cherry-wood cabinets and under-cabinet lighting make the kitchen a functional showcase, but the view out the windows running along the front of the house is the real showstopper with birds roosting among the forest of trees rimming the private wetland area.
A built-in desk and pantry sit adjacent to the kitchen with access to the three-car garage, making party planning a breeze. A dramatic pine ceiling defines the family room in addition to floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the pool and water beyond. The breakfast nook and butler’s pantry with ice machine and wine cooler finish off the space.
Off the family room, a hall leads to a generous mother-in-law suite with a kitchenette and en-suite bath that also serves as the cabana bath. A laundry room and garage ingress are conveniently located for easy access and optimal privacy for guests with a separate entrance.
At the opposite side of the house, a private den with a gas fireplace and a powder room are located in the hallway outside the master suite. Double doors open into a vestibule that leads to the master suite with three walk-in closets. In the master bathroom, a jetted tub sits at the center of the room with a wraparound shower, a bidet, his and her water closets, dual sinks and a view of the river.
Bay windows give the generous master bedroom more depth and provide a private space to enjoy the beautiful view of the river.
At the center of the house, stairs lead to a loft, the perfect place for an office, game room or studio. With a refrigerator and sink, the space is ideal for out-of-town guests to claim as their own. Two en-suite bedrooms finish off the second floor.
French doors and large windows in the loft line the wall overlooking the pool and river with a private balcony from which to gaze at the extraordinary view. A spiral staircase leads to a rooftop perch which provides a broader, more panoramic view and a peek of the Intracoastal Waterway and Gifford Island.
The outdoor areas of this home are as engaging as those inside. Two lovely, covered patios and a summer kitchen provide an inviting spot to get out of the sun. Gas tiki torches line the patio with two gas fire pits adding to the dramatic view.
The saltwater pool is designed for a variety of activities with an oval wading platform for the little ones, a seating ledge for those who want to lounge in the cool water and steps at both ends for easy access to the spillover spa.
Beyond the pool area, mangroves provide a barrier between the backyard and the waterway, adding to the feeling of seclusion. The private dock with water, electricity and a 12,000-pound boat lift make it easy to reach the Intracoastal Waterway in minutes.
Because of its location, the home is very private and feels like you are on your own island. Its location on a cul-de-sac and the wide-open green spaces around it add to the estate-like feel.
“This is a one-of-a-kind property,” notes Clark.
The Estuary is a guard-gated community located in Indian River Shores. With only 89 home sites, the genteel neighborhood is reminiscent of old Florida. Streets lined with mature oak trees wind through tropical foliage buffered by lakes and canals. Just outside the gates of The Estuary, the Indian River Shores Public Safety Department offers police, fire and emergency medical services. The Village Shops and beach are a short walk away with Ocean Drive shopping and dining, Riverside Park, Riverside Theatre and the Vero Beach Museum of Art just a few minutes’ drive.
If you would like to take a closer look at this beautiful home, stop by the Open House from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 28.
Vital Statistics
- Address: 315 Estuary Drive
- Neighborhood: The Estuary
- Year built: 2006
- Lot Size: 0.71 acre
- Home size: Approximately 5,787 square feet
- Construction: Concrete block
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 4 full baths and 1 half-bath
- Additional features: Waterfront, central vacuum, saltwater pool, jetted tub, two gas fireplaces, impact glass, butler’s pantry, summer kitchen, hardwood floors, granite countertops, dock with 12,000-pound boat lift, partial house generator, 1,000-gallon propane tank and 3-car garage.
- Listing agency: Berkshire Hathaway, HomeServices Florida Realty
- Listing agent: Michelle Clarke, 772-263-0386
- Listing price: $ 3,250,000
