Since purchasing the two-story house at 1460 Club Dr., Greg and Sherri Knapp have turned it into a resort-like oasis in the oft-overlooked South Central Beach neighborhood a few blocks south of the 17th Street Causeway that is filled with old-growth live oak trees.
The couple first came to Vero Beach on vacation. “We fell in love with Vero. Both of us grew up on the beach, but on opposite coasts, and we love the beaches here,” says Sherri, noting the “small-town feel and the cozy warmth of the oak-lined streets” and a “casual refinement that you don’t often find in beach towns,” she explains.
The couple originally lived on the mainland but started looking for something on the barrier island after spending much of their time at the beach. They immediately fell in love with this house even though they knew it would take a great deal of work to reflect their vision.
“It’s in a great neighborhood – we easily walk to the beach and excellent restaurants; it’s very friendly, safe and beautiful. Our neighbors were very supportive in our efforts to turn this corner-lot home in need of some TLC into a showplace,” says Sherri of the extensive renovation orchestrated by a team of local vendors.
“This home’s Old Florida-style architecture is defined by its sleek, yet traditional lines, new standing-seam metal roof, shutters, dormers and a charming balcony,” says Lange Sykes, Premier Estate Properties estate agent. “While its romantic Old Florida-style architecture charms, its interiors convey a ‘Now’ sensibility and modern vibe geared for today’s style of living.”
A circular drive at the front of the house creates a pathway to tranquility through the lushly landscaped property. The Knapps even created a private seating area for folks passing by and needing a spot to sit and rest.
A pair of double glass doors open into a welcoming “light, bright ambiance,” says Sykes, pointing out the pleasing neutral color scheme, cerused wood floors and pitched ceilings that add volume to many of the rooms.
“I wanted to create modern interiors with clean, refined lines coupled with amazing outdoor spaces for a ‘beach’ style of living,” says Sherri. “In essence, I wanted our home to reflect Vero Beach’s casual elegance and to uniquely fit our neighborhood and surroundings.”
“The end product resulted in a home we are proud of and that our friends from out of town now call ‘Sherri’s Bed and Breakfast.’ Everybody wants to come to Vero for vacations, and we can’t blame them,” she continues.
To the left of the front entry, the formal dining room is perfectly positioned between the formal living area and kitchen for seamless entertaining. The room opens into a kitchen that would tempt even the most jaded chef with gleaming new appliances, granite countertops, bar counter seating and a built-in desk.
The laundry room, garage access and family room offer efficiency and a casual environment for family and friends to gather while you prepare light bites and serve drinks before heading out to the private outdoor dining area at the rear of the house.
To the right of the front entry, a two-story vaulted ceiling sets the stage for the elegant living room, which enjoys views of the pool and makes the most of the southern exposure. Guests can mingle here or head out to the covered, partially screened area that extends the indoor-outdoor living space exponentially.
You’ll find a powder room and tons of storage space along the hallway, transecting the house. The far end of the hallway opens into the luxurious primary suite. With glass doors on two sides of the room, you get plenty of natural light and can slip out to the pool or spa on a whim.
The bathroom has been completely updated, and a walk-in closet, dual glass bowl sinks and rain showerhead are sumptuous additions.
At the center of the house, an open stairway ascends to the loft. It’s the perfect spot for a secondary living room for guests, a playroom for the little ones or a game room for teens.
Three bedrooms and a bathroom provide ample room for guests to enjoy their own space, with the owners heading upstairs only when they want to sit on the sunset balcony off the bedroom at the front of the house.
Outside, the pool is equipped with a heater and chiller so you can enjoy a swim no matter the weather. A spa, fire feature, grill space, extensive lighting and landscaping upgrades all hidden behind the privacy fence provide that tropical resort vibe.
“I will miss the open floor plan, the high ceilings and the outdoor areas with the remarkable pool,” says Sherri. “Renovating this home gave me a great feeling of accomplishment. The journey of transforming a home by adding my personal touches and design – that’s where the joy lies for me.”
Ocean Corporation subdivision is located near the Alma Lee Loy Bridge. The neighborhood is convenient to Saint Edward’s School and Beachland Elementary School, mainland shopping, and close to the beach and the Ocean Drive shopping and dining district.
Cultural offerings are readily available at Riverside Theatre or the Vero Beach Museum of Art, with Riverside Park offering a tennis facility and boat launch with the City Marina and an off-leash dog park nearby.
Photos provided
