“The view speaks for itself,” says Moorings Realty Sales Co. sales associate Judy Hargarten, standing in the lanai of the 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home at 154 Anchor Dr. in the gated Anchor subdivision, pointing out the vista that takes in beautiful blue Porpoise Bay and the country club community’s riverside golf course on the far side.
Francine Reed, the owner, recalls her first visit to Vero Beach with her husband in the 1970s for a winter reunion of Princeton alum. “We stayed at Driftwood Inn on Ocean Drive. It was then that we got to know Vero Beach. We liked that there weren’t any high-rises.”
Reed says until that time they wintered in Mexico but, after their visit, decided Florida was the place for them. More than 20 years ago, the couple purchased the substantial two-story home and landscaped grounds on Anchor Drive.
“I love the quietness that we have on the Anchor,” says Reed. “The view is beautiful and cannot be spoiled. The life of the birds and the manatees and the dolphins is constant. It’s a peaceful spot, and the sunsets are absolutely incredible.”
She adds that the architect’s design was perfect; and the only changes they’ve made were to update the pool, patio and driveway.
As you approach the impressive façade with mature foliage on both sides, a circle drive provides ample parking for guests, with a side-entry garage that does not detract from the symmetry of the architectural design.
Entering the home through double doors with etched glass inserts and a fanlight above, you step into a charming foyer with Mexican tile floor and an elegant main staircase that curves up to the left. The foyer opens to the formal living room and dining area with custom built-in shelves and tray ceilings. Exceptional finishes and custom millwork accentuate the traditional design of the richly appointed home.
The great room at the rear of the house hosts a wall of half-round transoms atop a trio of ternate windows that open onto the patio, offering a sweeping view of Porpoise Bay, the Indian River Lagoon and the peninsula that carries the back nine of the The Moorings Golf Course.
The emerald green of the Audubon-certified course – designed to enhance wildlife habitats and protect natural resources – provides a distinctive contrast to the water view, whether the day is bright and sunny or one with moody weather that changes the Cerulean blue to a more somber slate color.
The northern wing of the house includes two guest rooms with a shared bath and a library at the rear of the house. On the north side of the house, are the kitchen and breakfast room, which offer sunset views of the river, along with the laundry room, cabana bath and access to the two-car garage.
Tucked away at the back of the oversize garage is an air-conditioned spandrel – a room under the stairs – that the owner used as a craft room.
On the upper level, at the top of the elegant staircase, his-and-her master suites await. The landing at the top of the stairway offers a loft-like space connecting the mirror-image bedrooms, each with a full bathroom and walk-in closet. River views from both suites and skylights in the bathrooms allow for sunshine all day long and a spectacular sunset each evening. The second floor can also be accessed via the home’s elevator.
Stepping out onto the recently-updated raised deck, you can take in the lovely views, lounge in the sun by the freeform pool or under the retractable awning that offers shade as needed. If you’re so inclined, you can ease into the spa to relax sore muscles after a day on the golf course or tennis courts. Or you might pop down the steps to the deep-water dock for a sunset boat ride.
Privacy is enhanced by a mature hedge that runs the length of the property along the seawall.
“It’s a beautiful house, and I’m missing it already. I hope somebody will enjoy and love it as much as we did,” says Reed.
The Moorings Property Owners Association offers private beach access and security patrols. Members of The Moorings Yacht & Country Club enjoy access to Pete Dye’s signature course located in the deep-water boating community, a 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.
From the Moorings, it’s 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. In a big plus for families with children, Saint Edward’s School conveniently abuts the community. n
Vital Statistics
- Address: 154 Anchor Dr.
- Neighborhood: The Anchor at the Moorings
- Year built: 1984
- Construction: Concrete block
- Lot size: 109 feet by 145 feet
- Home size: 4,500 square feet
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 4 and 1-half
- Pool: Freeform swimming pool and spa
- View: 180-degree view of Porpoise Bay, the Moorings Golf Course and the Indian River Lagoon
- Additional features: Gated, security-patrolled community; hardwood and Mexican tile flooring throughout; fireplace; elevator; laundry room; craft room; side-entry two-car garage; skylights; cabana bath; waterfront with deep-water dock; seawall; granted beach and waterway access.
- Listing agency: The Moorings Realty Sales Co., 772-231-5131
- Listing agent: Judy Hargarten
- Listing price: $1,950,000
