The home at 170 Anchor Drive will engage you immediately with its captivating blend of southern charm and warm, welcoming, subtly tropical ambiance.

The location itself, a lovely, lightly wooded waterfront lot in The Anchor – the most coveted neighborhood in one of the most sought-after communities on the island – is the creme de la crème.

Sunlight through mature trees dapples the circular drive and well-landscaped lawn leading to a charming porte cochere and a wonderful covered gathering porch, an irresistible outdoor room where you will want to sit and relax, read, chat or check your emails. The exterior walls are soft lemon chiffon, the shutters a perfect blue/green.

Standing in the porte cochere, on a handsome slate walkway leading up to the porch and white French entrance doors, you have a terrific view to the east, straight through to the lanai, pool and Pirate Cove, your deep-water access into the Intracoastal. This eastern exposure is prime: You’ll get morning sun, an almost constant breeze from the east/southeast, and shade in the afternoon into the evening, with no glaring late day sun to deal with.

Step through the glass transom-topped doors into the open foyer and formal living room, the floors of honey-hued ipe wood, the walls pale lemon.

The white millwork is exceptional, from the dramatic vaulted ceiling, to the fireplace surround, to the custom shelving. Here, as throughout the home, well-positioned recessed lighting enhances the design features.

A trio of French doors creates a glass wall opening to the lanai, revealing a panoramic view of pool, cove and green shoreline across the water.

Off the foyer to the right are two bedrooms. One offers a pastoral view across the front lawn and street into a large “park-like” green space, and the tennis courts beyond. The adjacent full bath has a marble vanity and glass walk-in shower.

The second bedroom features French doors opening to the pool deck and lanai, and an en suite bathroom with spacious walk-in shower.

Off the foyer to the left is a flexible room, originally a formal dining room, now a media room, with gorgeous full-wall built-in for large-screen TV, and shelf/cabinet units on either side. There is a 5-panel set of windows to the west and French doors to the front porch. It’s ready for whatever transformation you wish to make.

Just across the small hall is a wet bar, with wine cooler and plenty of storage. Around the corner, a double-door with fan-shaped transom leads into the fully outfitted gourmet kitchen, which flows seamless into the family room and informal dining room. Be sure to look up here: The white beadboard coffered ceiling is one of the most eye-catching examples of millwork artistry you’ll find.

The bright, spacious kitchen comes with crisp white cabinetry, stunning unpolished black granite countertops, double window above the sink, and a big, Carrera marble-topped island with a second sink and lots of storage. The appliances are top shelf, including a Thermador side-by-side fridge/freezer, and 6-burner cooktop and double oven.

Atop the cabinetry, just below the ceiling, is a line of small, square glass-front cabinets, each for displaying a favorite item. And, possibly, coolest of all: There is an enviable walk-in pantry.

Also on this level are a laundry room with stacked washer/dryer, full-size fridge, sink and storage; a powder room just off the foyer; and under-the-stairs storage.

The first-floor master suite is a cool haven in which to enjoy natural light from east, north and south exposures, along with wonderful, expansive river views via the large bay windows. Glass French doors open onto a private patio and the pool deck, and two walk-in closets feature custom built-ins for ample, organized storage.

Creamy gold marble-top twin vanities and Travertine tile afford the master bath a warm glow. Features include decorative tile chair rail and wainscoting, plantation shutters, a large glass walk-in shower with built-in seat and several showerhead options, and an oval soaking tub. Light candles, pour a glass of wine, find a nice mystery novel and step off the planet for an hour or two.

A handsome hardwood staircase with wrought iron bannisters leads from the family/dining room to the second floor: a versatile, spacious loft, and the perfect place for a guest or school age family member to call his or her own. There is a sitting room with window seat; en suite bedroom with walk-in closet; and a big walk-in attic for lots more storage.

This memorable home is very well designed for entertaining, inside and out. From the front gathering porch on, with all doors open, guests can easily ebb and flow. The spacious covered lanai extends to the brand-new summer kitchen and the pool deck. A wide, railed, tile stairway descends to the east lawn and the T-dock, with its boat lift, currently occupied by a sleek, 26-foot Contender Offshore Tournament fishing boat.

From The Moorings Yacht & Country Club, it’s a short ride to Vero’s charming seaside village with its excellent restaurants, shops and pubs, as well as Riverside Park, home to the nationally respected Riverside Theatre (Equity) and the renowned Vero Beach Museum of Art. St. Edward’s School adjoins the club.

Vital Statistics

Address: 170 Anchor Drive
Neighborhood: The Anchor in The Moorings
Year built: 1986; refreshed interior/exterior, 2 years ago
Construction: CBS/stucco • Lot size: .44 acres
Home size: 4,000 square feet • Bedrooms: 4 • Bathrooms: 4.5
View: wide water views of Pirate Cove and Indian River beyond
Additional features: Attached 2-bay garage; lightly wooded lot, with lemon trees; coffered ceilings; first-floor master; custom millwork; gas fireplace; gourmet kitchen; 10 ceiling fans; heated pool/spa; summer kitchen; deepwater dock/lift; beach access; gate staffed/security patrol
Listing agency: One Sotheby’s International Realty
Listing agent: Kim Thorpe, 772-532-0449
Listing price: $2,650,000