Carol Cvercko got an email from her husband, Michael, while he was away on business telling her, “This is the last winter you will spend in Connecticut.”
The couple had looked at homes in the area, and Carol had fallen in love with 111 Ocean Estates Dr. in Ocean Estates on North Hutchinson Island just south of 32963 the moment that she walked in.
Ocean Estates is a private ocean-to-river enclave tucked between Round Island Riverside Park and Avalon State Park.
With only 32 lots in the western, riverside portion of the community, you feel like you’re living among the wilds of old Florida, says Carol, noting there’s even a wooded buffer that runs the length of the single loop road, “so you don’t even know that anybody is over there. It’s very quiet and peaceful, nature-oriented.”
The couple weren’t newcomers to the area; they had previously owned a unit at the Atrium condominium but hadn’t been able to spend as much time visiting extended family members in Vero Beach as often as they liked when their sons were in school.
So, what began as a winter residence for the Cverckos quickly turned into a year-round residence. “The ocean looks different every day. It’s great to be in paradise all the time,” says Carol.
“This is one of the lowest-priced, newer homes with impact glass on the island,” says Realtor Debbie Bell, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Florida Realty. “It’s a good value for the square footage.”
Lush tropical foliage, dark, IPE wooden flooring, rafter tails, spaces defined by columns, plantation shutters, covered porches, an abundance of windows and inviting outdoor living combine to evoke the British West Indies architectural style, perfect for island living.
“There’s great attention to detail with fine finishes, including marble, wainscoting and extensive millwork on walls and ceilings throughout,” notes Bell.
The home really begins when you step into the courtyard located on the left side of the house.
This is where the Cverckos spend much of their time.
“This is a ‘room’ that we live in. We’re here more than anywhere,” says Carol, noting the pool is the perfect size for cooling off before cooking up lunch in the outdoor kitchen or enjoying cocktails in the shade when they entertain.
The two-car garage opens into the courtyard beneath a bridge that connects the garage to the main house and provides shelter for the front door during a storm.
Along the hallway that runs from the front entry to the rear of the house, you pass the stairs and an elevator leading to the second floor as well as a powder room that is convenient to the pool, living room and dining room.
“Being older, we wanted a house that has one floor,” says Carol, pointing out that the elevator meant they can easily come and go. “It’s great for the dog, guests and sending up furniture.”
The living room runs along the end of the courtyard with French doors on both the north and south sides of the room, letting plenty of natural light filter through. A gas fireplace draws attention at one end of the room and the dining area separates this space from the gourmet kitchen.
“My husband was a professional chef, and he just loves the kitchen,” says Carol, pointing out the SubZero refrigerator and Wolf stove. As an interior designer, she’s fond of the marble countertop, noting the movement of the design.
Upstairs, the owner’s suite is in the southern wing, separated by a bridge from the two guest rooms that share a Jack and Jill bathroom in the northern wing. Along that hallway, a washer, dryer and sink have been hidden away for convenience.
The expansive owner’s suite takes in ocean and pool views from the balcony, where you can enjoy a quiet cup of coffee in the morning while watching the sunrise.
The suite also has plenty of space for a seating area, two walk-in closets and a large bathroom with a water closet, jetted tub, walk-in closet and dual vanities. Windows the bathroom allow for plenty of sunshine to brighten the day.
Carol loves living in such close proximity to the river and ocean, recalling long walks she took with her dog. “The river and ocean are very close so that you can walk back and forth. It’s the best beach on the whole island. No one is ever there.
“This place is untouched, yet it’s got everything. It’s so peaceful and quiet. It’s so nature-oriented. I live outside,” says Carol.
Ocean Estates is just a few miles south of Saint Edward’s School and a short drive from Vero’s Ocean Drive shopping to the north or the lively Fort Pierce waterfront to the south. Round, Jack and Queen Island parks are just a stone’s throw away, with a gazebo near the river and a day-dock perfect for putting in kayaks and paddleboards. There’s also a dune walkover making it a quick trip to dip your toes in the ocean.
Photos provided
