The substantially remodeled, four-bedroom, three-bath riverfront home at 4601 Sunset Dr. in Bethel Isle is the “essence of Central Beach,” according to listing agent Sally Daley, leader of The Daley Group at Douglas Elliman.
The owners have effectively built a brand new house, Daley says, noting new electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems. They took it down to the studs with the whole house renovation.
Beyond the structural changes, the couple “artfully renovated” a typical Central Beach home to create what Daley describes as mid-century modern with a Palm Beach vibe.
“The owners took everything people dislike about an old house: no foyer, low ceilings and bad closets; and remedied it all without losing any of the charm,” says Daley.
“It’s elegant. It’s exactly the fine line of sophisticated without being pretentious. It’s easy and open, and it doesn’t look like a museum,” the long-time island broker adds.
The couple initially was drawn to the neighborhood because it has the feel of a community without the homeowner’s association, explains one of the owners; and once she stepped inside, she says, “We walked in, and it just had a great feel.”
The courtyard the owners added at the front made the home’s interior more private while softening the façade of the house. This additional outdoor space allows the family to sit outside in the morning and enjoy the sunrise from a sheltered location.
The owner is spot on when she calls the house a “sleeper,” one with hidden virtues.
Stepping through the front door, you immediately realize what she is talking about. The renovation opened up the house in unexpected ways so a spectacular river view greets you as you enter.
“This is a story about the water, and it’s front and center. How often do we look at a house and you open the front door, and you’re looking at a wall?” asks Daley.
The core of the house revolves around the communal living spaces with a recreation space to the right of the front door. The living room, kitchen, family seating area and dining room are smartly laid out with a partial wall creating a sense of separation and space.
On one side of the central wall, you have a television and fire feature, and on the other side plenty of extra storage space in the kitchen. A substantial island provides seating and additional storage in the gourmet kitchen featuring Thermador appliances.
A wine chiller is handily placed just off the family seating area so you can easily offer a glass of vino to guests without missing a second of the glorious sunset through the wall of glass sliders.
Clerestory windows allow even more natural light to flood the space and give you an even broader view of the sky.
The family sleeping area is located in the southern wing of the house. A set of doors, which the owner says are the only things she kept when they renovated the house, allow her to create a visual and sound barrier to separate the two areas.
There’s plenty of room for everyone, with a large bedroom and bathroom at the front of the house and the owner’s suite at the rear.
The owner’s suite is spacious, with the added bonus of a seating area overlooking the pool. It’s the perfect spot for a studio, office, reading nook or fitness room. The expansive bathroom features a soaking tub, dual sinks, honeycomb tile in the walk-in shower and a walk-in closet that doubles as a panic room.
Two guest bedrooms, a full bath, laundry room, pantry, study space and garage access all are in the north wing – creating a sense of separation from the owners bedroom. The two-car garage has an air-conditioned storage space.
“When you step outside, you don’t feel the presence of a neighbor. The view is always changing. You never know what the day is going to bring. It’s so dynamic,” says Daley of the natural, waterside setting.
With 120 feet of river frontage, lots are 30 percent wider in older neighborhoods like Bethel Isle, notes Daley, allowing plenty of room in the backyard for the heated saltwater pool and spa, the deck and the covered dining area without losing green space.
You can enjoy all the benefits of a deep-water dock with direct access to the Gifford Cut. The spoil islands provide a natural wind barrier without hindering easy access to the Intracoastal waterway.
While the owners enjoy watching the dolphins and manatees that pop into the canal regularly, the owner says, “My favorite part is that you see the sunset every night right in your backyard.
Every night it’s a different one. I have my glass of wine, and the sunset comes no matter what the weather is.”
With the Van Busch Park at the end of the street, the kids have a place to play, and the owner says she uses her golf cart more than her car. Everything you need is within walking distance to the Bethel Isle neighborhood.
You can stop by the Village Beach Market before crossing A1A and heading down to the beach. Extensive shopping, dining, and cultural activities are a few minutes’ drive in either direction.
Photos provided
