Joe Tucci has captured a lifetime’s worth of happy memories during the 22 years he and his wife Patricia lived in the oceanfront condo at 4800 Highway A1A #211 in Seaquay.
Joe’s parents retired to Vero Beach in 1974, so he and Patricia were already familiar with the area.
When the couple was ready to retire, they first went to the panhandle and the West Coast but were drawn back to our little seaside town.
“Patricia wanted to live on the beach,” recalls Joe. “It made her happy.”
Seaquay is a six-tower, multistory condominium offering the only oceanside pier in the area. The iconic spot draws as many photographers looking to catch waves as they splash against the pilings as it does Seaquay residents casting a line in the surf hoping to hook a fish.
“It was nice being in a condo. We traveled a lot, and you could just take off. But it was always nice to come back, too,” says Joe, noting the oceanside impact glass sliders, shutters and building security that gave him an added sense of safety when they were away.
After parking your car in one of your two reserved spots in the underground parking garage, you can access your condo via the secured elevators with a keycard. Guests can call up from the telephone adjacent to the elevator when they arrive, and you can buzz them up.
At the front door, a sliding screen tucks out of the way when you’re not using it but when in use allows for a beautiful east-west cross breeze, especially enjoyable during the temperate winter months.
The guest bedroom and bathroom that doubles as a powder room when you have visitors can be found just off the foyer, allowing for a bit of privacy and a beautiful atrium view where guests can take in Florida’s spectacular sunsets.
Stepping further into the condo, the kitchen is to the left, with the dining area and living room straight ahead. The open plan creates an inviting and spacious environment with the ocean views seeming to extend the condo out over the water. The tile flooring in the main living areas even resembles beach sand, further cementing the illusion.
The breakfast bar provides a definitive barrier between the spaces without inhibiting the views. The Tuccis made the most of the kitchen space with a corner kitchen table where they could enjoy a cozy breakfast. The laundry cupboard is also in the kitchen.
The owner’s suite can be accessed just off the living room. Its generous size allows for a seating area and desk so that you can soak up the views through the sliders any time of the day. The bathroom has a jetted tub, dual sinks, a shower and plenty of closet space.
The covered balcony offers spectacular, direct ocean views up and down the coastline.
Running the width of the condo, the balcony provides plenty of room for a dining area and a sitting area so you can enjoy a cup of coffee in the mornings while watching the brilliant sunrise, bask in the breeze as you have a midday snack or take in the peace of the ocean at night while sipping wine.
“I love that the view is always changing, depending on sunlight,” says Alex MacWilliam Real Estate realtor Stephanie Knapp. “And the mirrored wall in the living room doubles your view.”
The Tuccis installed blackout rolldown shades for those mornings when they didn’t want to get up with the sun and to prevent condo lights from misdirecting just-hatched baby sea turtles trying to find their way back to sea. Artificial lights along the shoreline can resemble moonlight over the ocean, confusing the tiny turtles.
Seaquay’s resort-like amenities help residents make the most of beachfront living and include an oceanside swimming pool, sun deck, outdoor shower, grill area, club room with catering kitchen, library, card rooms, meeting rooms, private fishing pier, ocean access and seawall.
The three-room fitness center has separate cardio, weights, and yoga or Pilates spaces. Joe appreciated having access to the fitness center whenever he wanted to use it. “I utilized that exercise room every day. It helped me work out, lose some weight and get off some medicines,” he says.
“And they recently redid our common area. We have a really good board,” Joe continues.
Knapp adds that the building is very well maintained with a good mix of people living there. “There’s a mix of seasonal residents, families and retirees, so there’s a little bit of everything. It’s a really solid community.”
“It’s a good building with good people,” says Joe, recalling a recent poolside gathering where everyone came to socialize.
“There’s not much on the ocean at this price,” say Knapp. “And it’s in a fabulous location in the center of town. You’re near everything.”
Seaquay enjoys direct Atlantic Ocean frontage and is within walking distance of the guarded public beach at Jaycee Park, the Village Beach Market, and shopping and dining at Pelican Plaza. Vero’s Village by the Sea, Riverside Park, the municipal marina, Vero Beach Dog Park, Riverside Theatre and Vero Beach Museum of Art are a short drive away.
Photos provided
