A fine example of gracious, casually elegant British West Indies style, the spacious, Gregory Anderson-designed home at 526 Feather Palm Dr. in the quiet, friendly ocean-to-river community of Palm Island Plantation is well suited to retirees, working couples or young families.
The current owners, Luke and Molly Webb, are among the latter. They love everything about their beautiful home – the ocean-to-river lifestyle, the sunsets, the amazing architecture, the plentiful storage space, and the many entertainment opportunities, inside and out. It will be hard to leave, says Luke Webb, but work and school obligations make it necessary.
The broad, brick-paver motor court leads to the main entrance and accesses a 2-bay garage on the south side and the single-bay garage to the north.
A row of tall windows across both levels, the long, covered second floor balcony and dark French entry doors and shutters against the pale exterior walls create an impressive front façade.
Defined by six round columns, the open, white-tiled entrance gallery stretches between the north and south wings. This foyer opens into a light-filled living room/dining room, its soaring coffered ceilings in the palest of sky blue. Beautiful white millwork and golden engineered wood flooring assure a smooth flow throughout and define the home’s elegantly understated character.
Anchored by a gas fireplace flanked by designer built-ins, the living room opens to the lanai through a glass wall of double French doors topped with transom windows, revealing a breathtaking view of the verdant grounds, swaying palms and, just across historic Jungle Trail, the scenic Indian River.
The Webbs love to entertain and emphasize how perfectly suited the home is for all sorts of gatherings, large and small. Luke Webb especially appreciates the new Mistaway automated mosquito and no-seeum control system, which uses a compound derived from environmentally friendly chrysanthemums.
The kitchen is a chef’s dream and a visual stunner, with high-end appliances, including a cabinet-front fridge/freezer and dishwasher, a 6-burner gas cooktop, disposal and microwave; striking mahogany cabinetry; vaulted, tongue-in-groove ceiling; and gorgeous green quartzite countertops and splashes.
There are two large islands, each with plenty of storage, one with sink and butcherblock top, the other with lunch counter and wine cooler. Each is lit with a trio of glass pendants. A built-in, storage bench breakfast nook beckons from a sunny corner and looks out onto the lanai.
A charming powder room accessed from the front gallery and the kitchen, a large laundry/utility room, and the 2-bay garage also occupy the south wing.
Next to the kitchen, French doors and windows with glass transoms provide ambient light and lanai access for the family room with its lofty, vaulted ceiling. A handsome wood built-in cabinet unit features a 55-inch TV on a (totally cool) lift, allowing it to rise for viewing or completely vanish.
Across the south lanai is the cabana/office, complete with full bath, walk-in closet and a wide comfy bay with peaceful river view.
The luxurious master suite occupies the entire north wing, stretching the full length of the house. You may never want to leave this resort-like space: the spacious master bedroom boasts its own, very private lanai, two large walk-in closets, and one of the home’s most beautiful ceiling designs, in an airy, whisper blue.
Possibly the piece de resistance in this fabulous suite is the master bath, which possesses an almost Versailles-like ambiance. A quartet of crystal chandeliers illuminates a hallway leading to a rotunda-esque ceiling design and the etched glass shower, from which, as you are washing away the cares of the day, you can see (dramatic pause) the river! There is a large soaking tub, and his-and-her water closets and spacious vanities.
With soothing green walls, the second floor is home to a pair of large, light-filled corner bedrooms. Between them is the wonderful, high-ceilinged River Room: an exceedingly versatile space, it features a handy wet-bar, and can serve as, among other things, game room, office, studio or study. All three second-level rooms access a deep, covered full-length balcony – the best seats in the house for enjoying a relaxing beverage with friends or family as you share the incomparable Florida sunset.
Palm Island Plantation residents enjoy access to the beautiful Beach Club, which offers all sorts of gathering possibilities, a huge lanai, bathrooms, showers, a grill, fireplace and self-catered full kitchen.
You will be only a few minutes from Vero’s charming seaside village, with its many shops, boutiques, pubs and restaurants. Also on the island are: Riverside Park, with tennis courts, boat launch, jogging trail, and myriad “under-the-oaks” shows and festivals throughout the year; the excellent Vero Beach Museum of Art; and the renowned Riverside Theatre (Equity) and Riverside Children’s Theatre.
Vital Statistics
- Address: 526 Feather Palm Dr.
- Neighborhood: Palm Island Plantation
- Year built: 2007
- Architect: Greg Anderson
- Construction: Concrete block/stucco
- Lot size: 120 feet by 222 feet
- Home size: 5,092 square feet under air
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 4.5
- Additional features: Indian River views; whole-house audio system; gas fireplace; crown molding; custom closets; central vac; island kitchen; first-floor master suite; impact resistant windows, storm panels; covered balcony; 3-bay garage; kidney pool with sun shelf; separate guest/cabana suite; summer kitchen; 8000-pound, remote-control boat lift (available separately); metal roof; 4 Trane a/c units; whole-home alarm system; video doorbell system; gate-staffed community; management fee includes lawn care, pest control, pool service, recreational facilities, security, trash removal; beach cabana (available separately); granted beach access
- Listing agency: Premier Estate Properties
- Listing agents: Luke Webb, Kay Brown and Jeanine Harris: 772-234-5116
- Listing price: $2,495,000
