Palm trees and hibiscus flowers entice visitors to linger just a moment longer before ringing the bell at the Felten house at 2857 St. Barts Square in the Antilles. Birds sing while nesting in the landscaping and butterflies flit about, tending the vibrant foliage.
Ken and Liz Felten have decided it’s time to say goodbye to their Antilles home and find another house on a larger piece of land – property to accommodate the most recent addition to their family, Tucker, a Hungarian bloodhound who turns 1 on Friday.
The pup is known for having a need for speed – and being fenced in at the Antilles is cramping his ability to stretch his legs.
“This is the heartbeat [of the house],” listing agent Becky Rossway said while standing in the kitchen with the Feltens. The large kitchen opens to the great room and boasts an impressive island as well as an eat-in bar – all topped with granite. Among its other features, the kitchen has a walk-in pantry with floor-to-ceiling shelving and could keep a home well-stocked for months.
The Feltens bought the house in 2016 after having sold their Bent Pine home the second day it went on the market.
Being friends with Rossway, the Feltens learned of the Antilles and were intrigued.
One step inside the home on St. Barts Square, and that was that.
“We fell in love with it,” Ken Felten said. The neighborhood feels like a resort – and the community center certainly reinforces that feeling. And the community is dog friendly.
Ken Felten said he has made a number of friends at the fitness center at the clubhouse.
“We lucked out, finding this place,” Liz Felten said. Her husband noted it’s “the best community” this side of the Indian River Lagoon.
The St. Barts Square house is one of the first built in the community by Ironwood Properties. More recent homes are by DR Horton.
Stepping inside the house, visitors are met with the expansive sitting room – which typically only gets used during holidays when friends and family come to call. On that side of the house sit two guest suites. The guest rooms are appointed with walk-in closets and full bathrooms. One has a shower, the other has a shower/tub combo.
Several sets of double French doors open to either the screened patio or directly into the fenced backyard. Ample sunlight streams into the house, filling it with natural light.
The center of the house features a formal dining room just off the kitchen, providing for intimate dinners or lively family gatherings. The well-appointed kitchen provides more informal dining with its breakfast nook and easy access to the patio.
Through the great room, is the master suite, complete with his and her walk-in closets, in-bath linen closets, and separate vanities. A garden tub with jets sits as if a centerpiece in the bathroom, flanked by a glass-enclosed shower on one side and water closet on the other.
The garage, too, is an attractive feature of the home, according to Ken Felten. He spent a good amount of time installing storage solutions in order to clear enough space to fit both their vehicles inside.
The Grand Cherokee and Mercedes Benz both fit – though it’s snug.
“I’m determined,” Felten said.
Felten also turned his attention to the backyard, planting flowers and shrubs to attract butterflies.
“It’s working,” he said, though they need a bit more time to mature. He already knows that wherever they move to next, he’ll undertake a similar backyard project.
“It’s very peaceful,” Liz Felten said of living in the Antilles. Having impact glass windows, they were able to easily ride out Hurricane Irma and other storms over the last couple years.
“It was amazing,” Ken Felten said of sitting through the storm without having to put up storm shutters.
The Antilles seems to appeal to those who want to downsize or want “exceptionally built, above average” homes without fear of having to evacuate due to storms, according to Rossway. Situated on U.S. 1, the community is a short drive away from the barrier island and equally close to shops and dining in downtown Vero Beach and the Indian River Mall.
Vital Statistics
- Address:2857 St. Barts Square, Vero Beach
- Neighborhood: Antilles • Bedrooms: 3 • Bathrooms: 4
- Year built: 2006 • Size: 2,829 sq. ft. under air
- Additional features: 2-car garage, impact glass windows, 10-foot ceilings, crown moldings, stainless-steel appliances, French doors to large screened patio; new A/C, water heater, dishwasher and microwave; recently repainted interior; annually pressure washed roof and exterior; gated community with clubhouse, pool, fitness center, tennis courts and children’s playground
- Listing agency: Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
- Listing agent: Becky Rossway, 772-633-4190
- Listing price: $469,000
