Located on what might be considered the best street within Vero Isles sits an elegant, expansive home that is a true “boater’s delight,” according Lucy Hendricks.
Hendricks and her real estate partner, Jane Schwiering, are busy showing the four-bedroom, 3,500-square-foot waterfront property at 15 Sailfish Road on behalf of the homeowner, Joanie Williams and her husband.
The home, which has four full bathrooms and one half-bath, is positioned well away from Indian River Boulevard and enjoys a southern exposure along with views of the Indian River, the 17th Street bridge, and even Youngs Park located on the tip of the “finger” to the south.
Vero Isles is often referred to as “The Fingers” because it was developed as long, narrow residential peninsulas separated by canals connected to the lagoon. From the air, the strips of land look like fingers of a hand – if all the fingers were about the same length.
Williams had been house-hunting 11 years ago when she toured 15 Sailfish Road. Just two years old at that time, new in 2007, the house was built to current hurricane standards.
“It’s built like a fortress,” Williams said. The house ticked all the boxes she had in mind – but what sealed the deal was the second-floor master suite’s view of the water.
Williams recalled the moment, saying she phoned her husband while standing in the master suite. “I’m standing in our bedroom. I’ve found our house,” she said. They placed an offer on it immediately.
To get a better view of the lagoon, the Williamses installed a large balcony off the upper master suite and an electric remote-controlled awning to provide shade while taking in the view.
Located on a canal that can accommodate big boats and provides quick access to the Intracoastal Waterway, the home is equipped with a large dock with a boatlift built to handle boats as large as 16,000 pounds – about 8 tons. The Williams’ boat still sits at the dock and could be conveyed with the property if the price were right, Williams said.
The couple decided it was time to downsize from the Sailfish Road home and has since bought a townhome in Royal Palm Point – six blocks away. She’s not interested in owning two homes and is ready to say goodbye to Vero Isles.
But it wasn’t easy. “I love The Fingers,” Williams said. She said she’ll miss her neighbors and the view of the lagoon from her second-floor balcony.
The house features a formal dining room and living room off the entry and an open concept kitchen and family room.
Oversized windows of impact glass let in cascades of natural light and high ceilings add to the home’s overall breezy and effortless feel.
The house features two guest rooms, both of which include their own en suite bathrooms, as well as two master suites – one on the ground floor, one on the second.
The first-floor master includes a bonus area that could be used for a reading or exercise space – or any other purpose the next homeowner might have in mind. The second-floor master has a spot for a coffee bar – so no need to run downstairs for that first cup of coffee. There is also a laundry hook-up for convenience.
A traditional laundry room is located on the first floor, just off the garage. The garage itself is equipped with a plug-in for an electric car and has a workshop space away from the vehicles.
Another feature of the house is the luxe home theater complete with stadium-style seating. The theater room was converted from a den/office space and could, if the new homeowner so chooses, be converted back.
“It’s just fun,” Hendricks said of the theater, noting that it would be great for those who like to entertain.
The property has a large, heated pool perfect for laps, Williams noted. And, while the pool is heated and the house expansive, she pointed out that her utility bill is about $10 monthly. That’s due to the 26kw solar energy system that warms the pool and powers the house. A new 22kw Generac built-in generator also provides power when needed and is hooked into the Florida City Gas system – no need to buy propane tanks.
Williams said that whoever does buy the house must agree to allow her to come back from time to time to pick mangos from the tree in the front yard. “I want to cut a deal” with the buyer, she said, claiming that the fruit “is to die for!”
Vital Statistics
- Address: 15 Sailfish Rd.
- Neighborhood: Vero Isles
- Lot size: 0.29 acres
- Construction: Concrete block, frame, with stucco
- Year built: 2007
- Size: Appx. 3,500 square feet under air
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 4.5
- Additional features: 2 master suites; guest rooms have private bathroom; home theatre; dock with 16,000-pound lift; garage includes workshop, plug for electric car; solar power; built-in generator; impact glass windows; security system wired; whole-house audio system wired; heated towel bar in master bath, remote controlled awning over balcony.
- Listing agency: Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
- Listing agents: Realtors Jane Schwiering, 772-473-6048, and Lucy Hendricks, 772-559-8812
- Listing price: $1,295,000
