When the Lucas family moved into the house at 43rd Court in Vero Lago a little over two years ago, they knew their time would be limited. Jeff Lucas’ career requires them to relocate frequently. And now that time has come.

But in the few short years they’ve called Vero Lago home, the six-bedroom, four-bath, two-story house has been the place for extended family gatherings.

“It’s great for entertaining,” said Berkshire Hathaway Home Services listing agent Dan Downey. The ground floor is large and open, allowing hosts to work in the kitchen while remaining part of the festivities.

Even when not entertaining, Jeff’s wife, Wren Lucas, said the floor plan allows her to clean up the kitchen and still keep the children in sight.

“We lucked out,” Jeff said, referring to the upgrades the previous owners put into the home. Lovely cream-colored granite tops the kitchen counters. Cabinetry and flooring, too, are a cut above the basic builder grade.

Coming in the front door, you walk into a large space that could easily accommodate both a dining and formal sitting room. Instead, the Lucases have created a large dining room that accommodates their pooch’s bed and their son’s garage – a place for Moose’s dog bed and a spot for their 4-year-old’s electric Lightning McQueen.

Off the front room are a hall closet, full bath, and a bedroom – one of six and the only one on the ground floor. Though the Lucases use it more as an office and fitness space, it would work well as a guest room for those who would rather not climb a flight of stairs.

Being close to the front of the house, guests staying on the ground floor would feel as though they had their own suite, a quiet and private space for their stay.

Down the hall from the dining room is the wide-open kitchen and massive family room that easily accommodates extended family and friends on special occasions.

The kitchen has room for a small dining area next to the sliding glass doors out to the large fenced backyard that overlooks the lake. The kitchen peninsula is equipped with a bar counter that provides another eat-in option.

The garage accommodates two vehicles easily and has overhead shelving along with recessed wall shelves for additional storage. A large, stainless refrigerator in the garage will convey with the property and is a life-saver when the time for entertaining comes along.

The garage also has a transfer switch allowing for the house to run on a generator if electricity goes out in a storm. There is no generator now, but the hookup is in place if a new owner installs one outside.

Up the carpeted stairs are the remaining five bedrooms – one for each child, the master, and two guest rooms. Also at the top of the stairs is a bonus space the Lucases use as the children’s playroom. The previous owners had older children and had outfitted the space with a pool table, Jeff said.

Each of the bedrooms has a ceiling fan as well as a walk-in closet – the master has two. The closets all have an A/C vent to keep storage climate controlled.

There are two hall bathrooms on the second floor – one for the kids and the other meant for guests.

The master suite, which overlooks the backyard and lake, has its own bathroom with a shower/tub combo, sink, and partially enclosed water closet. There is space to install a separate shower and replace the shower/tub with a spa tub. There is also room to extend the vanity and install a second sink.

“There’s plenty of space to make it their own,” Jeff said of changes new owners might want to make to the en suite. Had the family been able to stay longer in Vero Lago before relocating, that was the next project he had in mind to tackle.

“It’s a lot of house,” Jeff said, adding that it was the right size for his family given how much their extended family enjoyed coming to visit.

He liked the location, too, a short drive away from the beach. “You have the joy of the beach without the expense,” he said.

Vero Lago, located at 53rd Street and 58th Avenue, is close to Route 60 with all its shopping and dining options and U.S. 1. “Everything’s an easy drive,” Jeff said.

When they were relocating to the area from the Washington, D.C., area, Jeff and Wren happened upon Vero Lago – which split the difference between his Fort Pierce job and her work in Palm Bay.

The clubhouse and its amenities, the fenced yard and extra bedrooms, as well as the bonus space atop the stairs all spoke to the Lucases. Another bonus? No lawn care. The HOA takes care of the yards in the subdivision.

Moving from a townhome in D.C. where the Lucases didn’t have a yard to take care of, Jeff said it was nice finding a neighborhood in Vero that didn’t require him to buy a lawnmower and battle the heat.

Now, the family is gearing up for a move back north – this time to Pennsylvania – just in time for snow and ice.

“I’m looking forward to the seasons,” Wren said, adding that she’s glad they hadn’t gotten rid of their heavy coats and other cold-weather clothes.

Vital Statistics

Address: 5531 43rd Ct.
Neighborhood: Vero Lago
Lot size: 53 feet by 150 feet
Construction: Concrete block and stucco • Year built: 2007
Size: 3,200 square feet under air
Bedrooms: 6 • Bathrooms: 4
Additional features: Large, open floor plan; tile flooring on ground floor, carpet on second floor; bonus room; fenced yard overlooks lake; upgraded kitchen with stainless steel appliances; 2 new HVAC systems; wired for generator; HOA-provided home security system and lawn maintenance; community center with pool, gym, tennis and pickleball courts; sidewalks and streetlights; gated community; social committee provides numerous community activities, especially around holidays; Trick-or-Treating is big, as are decorating homes for just about every holiday
Listing agency: Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
Listing agent: Dan Downey, 772-713-6314
Listing price: $319,000