Jim and Carol Lewin have created a tropical haven – and their own secret garden – on their property in Ocean Ridge. For years, they loved their Summerplace home on the island’s northern end but decided they were ready for a new challenge.
That’s when the Lewins stumbled across the Ocean Ridge subdivision across A1A from St. Edward’s School, and saw the potential for a home at 133 Devonwood Way that was recently completed by GHO homes.
The 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house is a rare find, sitting on a half-acre lot east of A1A.
“The original owners never really moved in,” shares Jim, so he and Carol moved into a virtually untouched space that they then made their own, installing frosted glass interior doors and adding exterior doors that open onto the lanai from the owner’s suite, along with other changes.
Carol notes that Jim is quite astute when it comes to home design, pointing out the spectacular mosaic installation just inside the foyer featuring a pair of sea turtles in shades of ocean blues and greens. Hints of his attention to detail can also be seen throughout, with everything from the epoxy flooring in the garage to the Japanese-inspired garden.
Opposite the mosaic in the foyer, a pair of frosted doors open into the formal dining room with a butler’s pantry, which serves as a conduit to the chef’s kitchen. With conveniences like an induction cooktop and a Smart touchscreen refrigerator, food prep and entertaining are a snap.
At the rear of the kitchen, there’s a small dining area overlooking the pool and an impressive granite island separating the kitchen from the formal living room, giving the open plan a bit of definition. Transoms allow plenty of natural light to flow through this communal area, and a wall of stacked stone adds pleasing texture. Pocket sliders across the back can be opened up to make the most of the indoor/outdoor living areas.
A powder room and den at the beginning of the hallway just off the foyer lead into the northeastern wing of the house. Heading deeper into this space, you’ll find access to the three-car garage, laundry room, two guest bedrooms that share a Jack and Jill bathroom, and the owner’s suite at the rear of the house.
Tucked away at the back of the house, the owner’s suite is spacious and filled with light. Windows and doors allow for lovely views of the pool and greenery. Two walk-in closets, dual sinks, a soaking tub, a walk-in shower and a water closet complete this private sanctuary.
Outside, the Lewins installed new lanai screens to keep those uninvited guests at bay while friends and family enjoy dining undercover or taking a dip in the saltwater pool. After a day of gardening or walking along the beach, the hot tub beckons with the promise of a warm soak.
Generous side yards offer space where children and grandchildren can play with the family pets just outside the roomy screened lanai.
The couple took full advantage of the lushly landscaped space, which they added to substantially, creating a Zen-like haven. By relocating the existing fence, they were able to take full advantage of the diamond-shaped property.
“The outside really is the most unique thing about the house,” says Jim. “This was all live oaks; it was thick like a forest. We tried to maximize this mature foliage all the way around to give the sense of privacy and seclusion.”
A path of brick pavers leads toward the back of the property, and once you pass under an arch, you enter another world, resplendent with trickling fountains, seating areas, a waterfall and a bridge. It’s the perfect spot for yoga, early morning coffee, a secret place to read a book or enjoy a glass of wine amid the intimately lit flora.
All this will be hard for the Lewins to leave behind as they endeavor to spend more time with family and friends in Indiana. But what the couple says they will miss the most are their neighbors. With just 60 homes, Ocean Ridge is a tight knit community of friendly families and retired couples from all walks of life. What they have in common, says Jim of the dynamic demographic, “everybody is successful, but they’re laid back and comfortable in their own skin.”
Ocean Ridge is a small, gated oceanfront community with deeded beach access. The neighborhood is conveniently located across from Saint Edward’s School and just two miles south of the 17th Street Bridge.
The proximity of the quiet neighborhood to beachside venues and easy access to the mainland make it convenient to Ocean Drive shipping and dining and Vero proper.
