When Laura Walton visited Vero Beach with her son for a goalie lacrosse camp at Historic Dodgertown, now the Jackie Robinson Training Complex, just before Christmas several years ago, she fell in love with the city. It reminded her of her childhood, she says. “Half of my childhood was in Stuart, and that was a magical time in my life.”
She recalls saying to her husband, Michael, as she waited to board the plane and head back to Seattle where they live, “Why am I going back to Seattle right before Christmas, the dreariest time of the year? It’s 80 degrees and beautiful here. We’ve been walking on the beach, and it’s amazing.”
The whole family came back the next year and fell in love, too. Even though Michael was ready to buy a home, Laura insisted he experience a Florida summer before making a final decision.
Summer heat was not a deal-breaker and the Waltons eventually purchased the house at 2273 W Ocean Oaks Circle in Ocean Oaks West.
“We drove into the neighborhood, and I loved it. It was far south enough that we aren’t in the hustle and bustle,” says Laura, sharing that if she wanted to, she could lie in the middle of A1A, and there wouldn’t be a car anywhere most of the day. That may not be exactly true, but she felt that sense of peace and quiet.
“When you drive into our neighborhood, it’s so pretty. It just feels good. There’s not a time there where I don’t see tarpon chasing fish right off the shore, dolphins and turtles.”
A brick-paved driveway leads to the motor court of the Waltons’ West Indies-style home. The three-car garage is to the right and to the left is the guest casita with a private entry. The casita space would be perfect as a mother-in-law suite, a relaxing place for guests, a game room for the kids, an office or a studio. It has a kitchenette and a full bath that also serves as the pool bathroom.
A second doorway opens onto the pool deck where the heated, saltwater pool and spa can be enjoyed in seclusion. The summer kitchen and covered dining area are accessible for year-round soirees.
The formal dining room in the main house is just to the left of the front entry. The spacious room overlooks the pool area with a doorway leading into the kitchen and breakfast nook at the back of the house. Dark cabinets stand out against the stainless-steel appliances.
A quartz-topped island creates a buffer between the kitchen and the great room – a large space that was one of the things that attracted Laura to the two-story house. She wanted a home with places where the family can congregate.
The Waltons decorated the house with hints of colors from the sea, wanting to embrace the locale. The furnishings are negotiable, so a buyer could move right in if they purchase the furniture along with the house, notes Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices agent Chip Landers.
“This is a newer home, so you have less maintenance to be concerned with,” says Landers, pointing out the high ceilings, transoms and open kitchen that make the home feel bigger.
The great room opens onto a patio at the back of the house through sliding glass doors.
Clerestory windows let plenty of light filter into the room.
A powder room, laundry room and access to the garage are located along the hallway to the right of the front entry. Tucked at the end of the hallway is the owner’s suite, where you can enjoy a private patio, two walk-in closets, dual sinks, a shower, water closet and soaking tub.
“Having the owner’s suite downstairs is a big factor for a lot of people,” says Landers. “The kids and grandkids have their own space upstairs and out of the way.”
Upstairs, three en suite bedrooms are situated around the landing, an area large enough to set up a homework space or lounging spot for reading with a sunset balcony where you can sit and enjoy a glass of wine in the evening.
Ocean Oaks West is a small, gated community located on the river side of A1A with granted beach access through Ocean Oaks East. Just a mile south of the Moorings and close to Round Island Park, the neighborhood is close to both Vero Beach and Fort Pierce. You can make your way to Ocean Drive shopping, dining and cultural venues within a few minutes.
Photos provided
