Nestled within one of Vero’s most iconic, “old Florida” neighborhoods – serene, oak-canopied Old Riomar – the beautifully renovated home at 986 Sea Grape Lane is a spacious haven. Even though it is only steps from ocean access and minutes from Ocean Drive’s wealth of restaurants, boutiques, pubs and resorts, the neighborhood offers the tranquility of a quieter, slower-paced time.
The five-bedroom, four-bath, 3,445-square-foot home sits amidst mature oaks, palms and other tropical vegetation, and generous expanses of emerald lawn, its broad paved drive leading to the recessed covered entry, the 2-bay garage and ample parking space.
From the covered entry, pass through the handsome, reeded glass front doors into a beautiful and spacious living room, its pale dove gray walls, sand-colored tile floor and volume ceiling enhancing the airy flow. An exceptional feature in the design of this lovely home is how generously it allows pure ambient light to fill virtually all the interior spaces.
Open from the living room is the expansive dining area/sitting room/breakfast area, a glorious space which exquisitely melds the indoors with the outdoors. This impressive space offers five glass French doors – four on the south side, one to the east – opening to the home’s piece de resistance, the 2016-renovated outdoor living area.
Homeowners will absolutely be spending as much time as possible in this gorgeous oasis. On the oak-shaded patio off the dining room is the perfect spot for a grill. Around the corner is a built-in table and benches; bar with fridge and wine cooler; hook-up for large wall TV; and a stylish 3-blade ceiling fan.
The spacious Travertine paver pool deck offers plenty of room for entertaining, seating and dining, with a cozy extension featuring a gas firepit. The pool itself is large – 24 feet by 15 feet – and includes a tanning ledge and spa. The back lawn curves gently, buffered by high, privacy greenscape.
And then, tucked neatly in around the corner along the west bedroom wing, is a delightful surprise: a palm-lined putting green! Seriously.
The stylish, tidy kitchen opens to the breakfast area across the lunch bar side of the U-shaped counter, with handsome mottled, cocoa, cream and brown polished granite top and crisp white cabinetry. A wide window above the sink makes KP chores much more pleasant via soft natural light and a pleasant green view.
Off the kitchen, a hallway provides a pair of shuttered double-door closets illuminated with motion-sensor lighting, across from a powder room and a laundry/utility room, as well access to the pristine two-car garage, with its no-nonsense hurricane door.
Another long hallway accesses two more shuttered closets and the master bath, as it leads into the secluded master suite. The master bath vanity features a full wall mirror, double white basins and the same glowing granite countertop and white cabinetry as the kitchen. A large oval tub with tile surround invites a lovely, long soak with a current magazine, candles and a glass of wine. Adjacent to the tub is a handsome and roomy glass shower with handheld or stationary head option for times when you are in more of a hurry. A clever feature of this bathroom is a pocket door that opens into the powder room, for maximum flexibility.
The master bedroom is a large, cool sweep of wood-look flooring in stylish gray tones; elegant tray ceiling with recessed mood lighting; wonderful ambient light from north, south and east; and pool patio access via a double French door.
Due to a smart layout design, the home’s long west wing offers a great deal of flexibility. Entered from the dining area as well as the living room, it contains three bathrooms, three bedrooms, a den/family room (which could become another bedroom); and an office with walk-in closet.
This rare Old Riomar property is just a short drive to island destinations including Riverside Park, with its boat launch, tennis, racquetball and pickleball courts, and jogging trail; Vero Dog Park; Memorial Island; Riverside Theatre; and the Vero Beach Museum of Art. And it is just as close to the resorts, shopping and dining in Vero’s charming Village by the Sea.
Vital statistics
- Address:986 Sea Grape Lane
- Neighborhood: Old Riomar
- Year built: 1968
- Renovated: 2001
- Construction: Concrete block and stucco
- Lot size: .43-acre
- Home size: 3,445 square feet
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 4
- Pool: Heated, tanning ledge, spa, all new equipment
- Additional features: Volume ceilings; split plan; ceiling fans; extensively renovated outdoor area; new impact doors; clear storm panels; newer a/c, water heater and STEP septic system; 2-bay garage w/ impact door; large parking area; 3 central heat-a/c units; just across the street from the ocean with nearby access on Ladybug Lane
- Listing agency: Alex MacWilliam Real Estate
- Listing agents: Charlotte Terry, 772-538-2388, and Kate Weeks, 772-538-5193
- Listing price: $1,750,000
