The owner of the two-story home at 11699 Hwy. A1A in Ambersand Beach found quite a treasure along this beautiful and serene roadway not far from where the famed 1715 Treasure Fleet ships went down in a hurricane, giving this stretch of the coast its romantic name.
Lush landscaping hides the spacious home from prying eyes and adds to the peaceful tropical setting where palm trees rustle in the ocean breeze as you go up the brick paved driveway.
A portico at the entrance to the home provides protection from the elements with enough space for a cozy seating area where you can take in the sunrise or watch storms roll in off the Atlantic Ocean.
The etched-glass front door with sidelights hints at the fine finishes hidden inside, including tray ceilings, crown molding and granite countertops that add hints of elegance throughout, enhancing what ONE Sotheby’s International Realty broker associate Janyne Kenworthy calls the “happy feel” of the home.
From the moment you step through the front door, it is apparent that this house was built for entertaining. An intimate conversation area is at the center of the home, where built-in niches provide the perfect backdrop for a freestanding bar. At the rear of the room, a recreation area allows for various amusements before stepping out onto the pool deck.
Two en suite guest bedrooms are located in opposing corners of the first floor. That way, everyone has their own private space, and guests don’t interfere with the owner’s daily activities on the upper level of the house.
A laundry room and office finish off the first floor, with garage access reached via the office space, which works perfectly if you want to work from home and have business visitors pop in through a private entrance accessed through the two-car garage.
The family living area is reached by an exquisite spiral staircase near the front door.
Standing at the top of the stairs looking down, you feel like you’re looking inside a nautilus shell – a nod to the surrounding ocean environs.
Upstairs, the communal living areas share an open space, allowing natural light to flow through. Guests can cozy up to the living room fireplace or sit outside on the rear balcony as dinner preparations are underway. An exterior staircase leads down to the pool deck and lanai area.
An L-shaped island countertop with seating separates the kitchen from the dining area, allowing for efficient use of the space and a sense of inclusion.
The owner’s suite is situated at the front of the house on the second floor, providing peeks of the ocean from the sunrise balcony.
A luxurious bathroom with a jetted tub, walk-in shower, dual sinks and a water closet provide a spa-like setting. A hidden treasure awaits near the second-floor landing, where you can sneak up to the lookout tower at the top of the house. The covered space is the perfect place to catch shuttle launches, stargaze or watch the migratory birds that call the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge home.
“It’s really a special little spot up there,” says Kenworthy.
The property backs up to the refuge, affording all the benefits of having a nature preserve in your own backyard.
As you lounge in the pool or soak in the hot tub, you can watch a myriad of wildlife as it meanders through. The only noises you’ll hear are birds calling to one another.
For those days when the owners didn’t want to leave the house, they really upped their game. At one end of the pool deck, there is a tiki hut where you can sit and take in Mother Nature in all her glory, while at the other end of the deck, the backyard has yet one more treasure to enjoy – a small putting green where you can work on your game in private or challenge guests to a Hole-In-One contest.
The site makes it easy to immerse yourself in the larger natural world. The refuge has 7 miles of hiking trails if you feel like exploring the Indian River Lagoon side of the island.
When you want to spend a day in the surf, there is beach access about 200 feet south of the house, or you can visit one of several nearby public parks with lifeguards. This is a very happy house,” says Kenworthy.
“It’s fun. You feel like you’re in a little resort area. If you’re looking for privacy and tranquility and quality of life away from the crowds, this can be your own little piece of heaven.” The immaculately kept home is “move-in ready.”
Ambersand Beach, McLarty Treasure Museum and the Sebastian Inlet are nearby when you want to get out of the house. Sebastian’s riverside restaurants are easily reached. And it’s just a short, scenic trip down A1A to Vero’s charming Village by the Sea with shopping, dining and cultural activities the Vero Beach Museum of Art and Riverside Theatre.