Ray and Beth Smith may be selling their home at 649 Lake Drive, but they will take with them the lifetime of wonderful memories they have of living there. Among the first to build in Riomar Bay II, the Smith family grew along with the neighborhood.
Beth says there really isn’t a comparable neighborhood in Vero Beach as far as she’s concerned. “It’s a very people- and animal-friendly spot. When people drive into the entrance, they slow down. It speaks to mutual respect and care.”
The Smiths chose their lot after falling in love with its wide, sweeping views of the Indian River Lagoon. With 132 feet of sea-walled riverfront and a deep-water dock, it was perfect for their boat, says Beth, recalling days spent cruising the Indian River.
“This is a gorgeous home on the water built with a lot of detail. It’s a family home where they have made so many wonderful memories,” says Dale Sorensen Real Estate Broker-Owner Matilde Sorensen of the home, which was designed by architect George Bollis and built by Smith & Sons. “It’s the only house available right now in this great neighborhood.”
The front entry informs what lies inside. From brick steps to an ivy-covered archway and through the impressive, dark wooden doorway, the richness and contrast of textures emit a warm welcome. Inside, extensive millwork, including double crown molding, and tray and wood beam ceilings continue the homey elegance that permeates the house.
The entry foyer invites you to stop and take in the breathtaking views of the Intracoastal Waterway through stunning floor-to-ceiling windows at the back of the house. Crossing over the hallway that runs the length of the house, you step into the elegant, formal living room with a wood-burning fireplace and built-ins. At the rear of the house is a sunny sitting room.
The formal dining room is situated to the right of the front entry and there is a powder room to the left, convenient for guests stopping by for dinner and drinks. Further down the hallway are the laundry room and a wine closet. The two-car garage is located near the front of the house.
There is an office with built-ins, a bathroom and a closet, which would allow this space to be used as a fourth bedroom if needed.
At the end of this wing, a family room overlooks the river through five, floor-to-ceiling windows that create a triptych featuring an ever-changing look at nature. “Wildlife shows up as though on purpose,” says Beth.
You can sit by the cozy, wood-burning fireplace, mix a drink at the wet bar or pick a book from the built-in shelves as you enjoy the nature views.
The kitchen and breakfast room are a cook’s dream. Miles of cabinets, an endless granite island countertop and high-end appliances ensure that every meal is an affair to be celebrated.
Sunlight streams through windows so you can sit and enjoy coffee in the morning; and after school, the kids can do homework at the island while nibbling on a snack.
The owner’s suite and two en suite guest bedrooms flesh out the southern wing. The owner enjoys spectacular river views through a bay of windows, keeping an eye out for the manatees and dolphins playing. His and her walk-in closets and a bathroom resplendent in luxury with a soaking tub, dual sinks, shower, water closet and a vanity finish up the suite.
A covered lanai extends the living area of the home for indoor-outdoor living at its best. A full cabana bath is easily accessible so swimmers frolicking in the electric-heated pool don’t have to make extra trips into the house.
At the north end of the pool, a wood-burning fireplace heats things up next to the al fresco dining area with a summer kitchen nearby. Whether you’re enjoying a glass of wine at sunset or lounging on the sun shelf in the pool, the peaceful setting provides views of both bridges and river islands.
The dock can handle a large boat and has electricity and water, making it easier to clean up after a day of fishing, skiing or floating down the river. You can hop into your boat, enjoying early-morning fishing, birdwatching or a sunset cruise at a moment’s notice.
Beyond the fantastic location, the home has a new roof and impact windows. “It’s been well cared for, and it’s ready to move in,” says Sorensen. “The fabulous view with a deep-water dock in the middle of town is attractive to boat owners; you can put a 50-foot boat in there.”
“What an amazing thing to look out over that river,” says Beth. “It’s beautiful, whether it’s pretty outside or storming. You never know what you’re going to see when you look out there, but it’s always pretty.”
Riomar Bay II is a gated, riverfront community conveniently located between the bridges with easy access to beachside and mainland locations. It’s just a short walk, bike or golf cart ride to Quail Valley River Club, Riomar Country Club, Riomar Beach access, the City Marina, Riverside Park, Riverside Theatre, Vero Beach Museum of Art, Vero Beach Dog Park, and shopping and dining on Ocean Drive.
