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Grand West Indies style evident in John’s Island estate

  • Samantha Baita

    • The grand West Indies-style estate on a peninsula-like property at 165 Sago Palm Drive in John’s Island will take your breath away, time after time, as you wander through its gorgeous rooms and gaze out at the sparkling Indian River Lagoon.

    This architecturally impressive residence was built to have an impact and it does, offering the utmost in privacy, luxury, comfort and beauty – a retreat where you can escape the frantic, frazzling world to renew and re-energize in your own tropical paradise. The sunsets are yours; the denizens of the river – bottlenose dolphins, manatees, exotic birds – are your neighbors.

    The 6-bedroom, 7.5-bath, 8,872-square-foot home is also absolutely perfect for entertaining, inside and/or out, so you can choose to escape the world, or invite it in.

    Inside and out, the palest of peach walls and white trim enhance, and allow the eye to focus on, the architecture and glorious river views. The dark wood of the three garage doors and the deep sea blue-green of the shutters provide contrast.

    Between the parking courtyard and the elevated entrance is a classically landscaped garden courtyard with a fountain, one of several spaces ideal for entertaining. A loggia edges this lovely space on three sides. From the portico, you can gaze right through to the river. A gated belvedere entrance at the north wing opens to the long loggia, leading around to the main entrance.

    Five coquina-columned archways stretching across the broad stone portico frame five arched double entry doors of dramatic dark wood. The portico ceiling is sea-blue stained wood with white contrast, the first of the home’s many beautiful, beamed ceiling designs. Here, too, are the first of the home’s elegant chandeliers.

    The Jerusalem shellstone flooring continues inside, the expansive foyer gallery reaching from the north wing to the south. Two marble steps lead down into the magnificent living room, radiant with light pouring in through banks of glass doors on the east and west sides.

    Two gorgeous crystal and candle-light chandeliers extend from the 20-foot cathedral ceiling, which is a fine example of the architectural art that informs this home, with dramatic, dark wood cross beams and a pecky cypress, tongue-in-groove ceiling in a contrasting, lighter hue. The floors here are a glowing wood, as are the five tall, double French doors leading to the lanai and spacious outdoor living area.

    Columns flank the wide entry to the formal dining room, with yet another elegant beamed ceiling; handsome soft blue, wide-striped wall covering; and dark wood French doors to the lanai, ideal for al fresco dining.

    The gourmet kitchen features recessed lighting; sleek and simple white cabinetry – some glass-front – and white crown molding. The deep, rectangular sink, with a dishwasher on each side, sits in a sunny bay with river view; the spacious island houses the Thermador 6-burner gas cook top with griddle, double oven, microwave and plenty of storage. All appliances, including the side-by-side Sub-Zero fridge, are top-of-the-line. Countertops are polished gray and white marble.

    Off the kitchen, and also opening to the dining room, you’ll find a convenient wet bar/butler’s pantry with striking red marble countertop; soft reddish walls; copper sink and Italian mosaic splash; lots more glass front dish/ glassware storage; under-counter fridge, wine cooler and icemaker.

    The open kitchen flows into the large family room: on the north wall, between comfy window seats, is a white, custom-made piece accommodating a wide-screen TV and open display shelving against a sky-blue background, with cabinets below; and soaring white-beamed, tongue-in-groove ceiling.

    A lemony yellow breakfast room with west-facing window wall opens to the lanai, west porch and garden, inviting you to ease yourself into the day with morning coffee (scones and raspberry jam, perhaps?). A hallway from the kitchen provides more storage and access to the well-equipped laundry room.

    Off the living room to the south is a dramatic, pecky cypress paneled “Gentleman’s Library” boasting a handsome fireplace with stone-like surround; exquisite millwork details; and French doors to patio and garden.

    Completing the north wing are three en suite guest bedrooms, each a gem of design and style, with impeccable attention to detail and color, and a few delightful pops of whimsy.

    A garden breezeway leads to the garage, which houses a couple of classy special features: a large, custom wine “cellar” and, upstairs, an exercise room – with sauna.

    The south wing houses the ultimate retreat within a retreat: the luxurious master suite. Here you have everything you’ll need to efficiently prepare for your day, or to rest, relax and recharge in beautiful surroundings.

    In the spacious master bedroom the walls are lemon chiffon, the floors a dark wood, the soaring ceiling pale blue tongue-in-groove, with white crown molding, dark wood beams and a beautiful crystal and candle-light chandelier. In the adjacent sitting room, French doors open to the emerald lawn and peaceful river.

    Accessed from the bedroom are her spacious dressing room, walk-in custom closet and bathroom, another architectural beauty and the epitome of luxury. The floor is glowing dark wood with inlaid squares of pale tile; the vast Jacuzzi tub sits invitingly atop stone stairs in a bump-out beneath a row of windows. The wall covering is a subtle, soft green palm leaf design; the spacious Jack-and-Jill shower (opening to both bathrooms) has a high window and a variety of spray options, including a rain forest head.

    Down the hallway is his bathroom, a bit smaller but quite stylish. The hallway ends in a light-filled office with soaring ceiling, bay window and access to the front loggia.

    The outdoor living spaces are no less elegant, with ample space around the pool for relaxing and entertaining. A large guest house/cabana is a comfy charmer, with two en suite bedrooms, sitting room and kitchenette.

    Should you ever want to leave this tropical paradise, Vero’s charming island village, with its wealth of restaurants, pubs, resorts, shops and boutiques, is but a short drive south. Also nearby on the island is Riverside Park, home to the nationally known Riverside Theatre (Equity) and the highly respected Vero Beach Museum of Art, as well as numerous events and festivals throughout the year.

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