“We fell in love with the simplicity and uncrowdedness of Vero Beach,” recalls the owner of Unit A1 at 1150 Reef Road in Sabal Reef of his first trip to the seaside town several decades ago while visiting friends.
Having traveled extensively in Florida for work and vacation, he says he and wife knew The Moorings was where they wanted to settle. After two years of renting in the Billows, just next door to Sabal Reef, he says “we came across this place. I walked in the front door and looked out at the ocean, and that was it.”
He later purchased a house – still in The Moorings – and has been using the three-bedroom, three-bathroom oceanfront condominium for guests. “We started as seasonal residents and now split our time between Massachusetts and the Jersey Shore when we aren’t in Florida. But this is our home now. We leave here, and we can’t wait to get back,” he says of Vero and The Moorings.
The condo is a corner unit with views from virtually every room with the exception of the kitchen, according to listing agent Judy Hargarten, a Realtor with The Moorings Realty Sales Co., who points out the spectacular ocean vistas.
With only two units in each of the buildings, owners enjoy privacy and security in this select condominium. The unit’s front entry opens to breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean through sliding glass doors leading to the glassed-in sun porch.
A short hallway spills into the dining room and living room off to the right, with light flooding into the space. A bay window offers a comprehensive southern view from the living room seating area.
The open floorplan creates a light and airy space, notes Hargarten, pointing out the number of windows in this corner unit.
“Of course, the most interesting feature is the ocean view. The layout works quite well, and you have an ocean view from every room,” shares the owner.
To the left, a pass-through with a bar countertop and seating area opens the kitchen to the dining room. The kitchen is done in a classic black and white palette, creating a timeless elegance. Black countertops contrast with the bright, white cabinets.
Just off the living room, an interior hallway leads to the sleeping areas. The first room you come to is the study, which opens onto the sun porch. This area is perfect for overflow guests or as a private workspace if you can manage not to let the rolling waves, beachcombers and soaring pelicans distract you.
Opposite the den are a bathroom, strategically situated to serve as a powder room for dinner guests or as the bath for the den/bedroom, and the second guest bedroom with an en suite bath.
The owner’s suite is located at the end of the hallway and enjoys spectacular ocean views, walk-in closets and a private bath.
At ground level, each unit has an enclosed two-car garage with a private storage room directly accessible via the elevator from each unit, along with tandem exterior parking for guests.
The buildings are arranged in a U-shape with a heated community pool and recreation room located at the property’s head. Tropical foliage lines the pathway to the dune crossover and private beach, where you can dip your toes in the sand and surf.
Sabal Reef condominiums’ distinctive Bahamian Colonial architecture seamlessly blends with The Moorings’ tropical environment. With only 28 units, the luxury condominium offers vast seascape panoramas in a private community. Amenities include a secure entry, elevator and stair access, a heated pool, recreation room, a dune crossover with private beach access, onsite management and pets up to 20 pounds with approval.
“The property is well-managed. Our board is comprised of owners, and they take it seriously,” says the owner. “But we’re also part of The Moorings. We like the club and the activities at the club. In a lot of ways, it’s our favorite place.”
Designed as a boating community, The Moorings Yacht & Country Club offers all the amenities residents desire, including Pete Dye’s signature golf course, Jim Fazio’s Hawk’s Nest championship golf course, tennis, croquet and pickleball courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center with pool and spa, a yacht club, as well as fine and casual dining.
The Moorings is just a short drive away from Vero’s beachside shopping and dining district. The nearby Riverside Theatre and Vero Beach Museum of Art offer world-class cultural outings. For families with children, Saint Edward’s School conveniently abuts the community.