“This is the best house I’ve ever owned,” says Raynor Reavis of the two-bedroom, three-bathroom villa at 5040 Saint Joseph’s Island Lane in the small, private enclave of St. Joseph Island within the Grand Harbor community.
Leading to the villa, a large car park of brick pavers turns into the two-car, side-entry garage. To the right of the garage, pineapples grace a pair of pillars on either side of the courtyard gate, broadcasting a welcome to guests as they step into the cozy courtyard.
Great blue herons etched into the glass front doors adorn the two-story entryway. Just through the entryway, at the center of the house, are the dining room and living room, which overlook the golf course through four sliding-glass doors, providing a verdant view. The den is located just off the entry and easily doubles as a guest bedroom.
“This villa has a nice open floor plan with a modern feel to it,” says Diane DeFrancisci, Alex MacWilliam, Inc. Realtor, noting the expanse of green space she refers to as the “big backyard.” The villa overlooks the 15th hole on one of Grand Harbor’s two championship golf courses.
Noted for his ability to “unite the game of golf with the natural environment,” the Joe Lee-designed course embraces the salt marshes along the Intracoastal Waterway in a layout that respects the natural landscape.
Just down from Grand Harbor’s signature hole – the 14th – the 15th hole is hailed as part of a notable four-hole stretch, according to John Hopkins of the London Financial Times. “A run of four holes – the 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th – are the equal of any four successive holes anywhere in the U.S.,” he wrote.
Reavis uses the first of two living areas in the home to house his pool table, which provided him and his friends with hours and hours of entertainment. “The house is very versatile. You can use the additional living area for entertaining, grandkids or even a piano.”
The guest bedroom with en suite bath is located just off the main living room. The bedroom is the only one room accessed via this hallway, allowing guests to enjoy complete privacy while visiting.
At the rear of the house, the kitchen and family room enjoy golf course views. “It’s laid out so you can maneuver around inside very easily. It’s got it all, and it’s easy to operate and keep clean,” adds Reavis, who enjoyed watching golfers swing away while in the kitchen and eat-in breakfast area of the family room.
Glass sliders open onto the screened lanai, making it easy to traverse back and forth from the kitchen to the patio with coffee in the morning as you watch the sunrise or with drinks and hors d’oeuvres in the early evening when the wildlife comes alive in the estuary on the far side of the green.
The master suite, full guest bathroom, laundry room and garage access are in the northern wing of the house where the owner can enjoy his own privacy. The master suite overlooks the golf course with sliders opening on the screened lanai.
The spacious room opens into a black-and-white tile bathroom with a jetted tub, water closet, his and her sinks, shower and walk-in closet.
Reavis has been visiting Vero Beach for many years. His wife was born here, and the young couple began making yearly trips to the little seaside town after he left the Marine Corps. They purchased their first Vero Beach home in 2000 and moved here full time in 2008 when he retired.
“The Beach Club is what drew us to Grand Harbor. It’s really great for the kids,” recalls Reavis.
Agreeing that the Beach Club is one of the community’s more popular amenities, DeFrancisci says “it’s unique to have a presence on the mainland and then also have a beach club on the ocean.”
While Grand Harbor’s amenities are numerous, Reavis adds that it’s nice to share a community pool with their sister neighborhood – St. Phillips Island – just across the way.
St. Josephs Island at Grand Harbor is just one of the secluded, residential islands within the 900-acre guard-gated enclave, which features the resort-at-home lifestyle to the fullest. Amenities just a golf cart ride away include two championship golf courses, tennis, a marina, bocce and dining, with a members-only barrier island beach club a short drive over the nearby Barber Bridge.
Membership options are available, including golf, tennis, tennis and golf, or social. Within the community, slips at the sheltered harbor and marina are available for lease through Suntex and provide easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean via the Fort Pierce and Sebastian inlets.
Vital Statistics
- Address: 5040 Saint Joseph’s Island LN
- Neighborhood: St. Joseph Island at Grand Harbor
- Year built: 2000
- Construction: Concrete block with stucco
- Architecture: Mediterranean
- Home size: 2,316 square feet
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 3
- Pool: Community pool
- View: Grand Harbor Golf Course
- Additional features: Guard, gated; plantation shutters; den; walk-in closet; jetted tub; granite countertops; stainless steel appliances; wine cooler; screened lanai and a two-car garage
- Listing agency: Alex MacWilliam Real Estate
- Listing agent: Diane DeFrancisci, 772-538-1614
- Listing price: $459,000
