When Rick and Carla Masterson tackled the renovation of the three-bedroom, three-bath home at 726 Riomar Dr., they took great care to maintain the Old Florida feel of Riomar, the island’s original subdivision.
“This Historic Riomar estate presents as a brand-new home; nothing went untouched in the well-conceived 2022 renovation,” says Lange Sykes, Premier Estate Properties estate agent. “All the major home systems have been updated, including the under-slab plumbing and conversion [from septic] to the S.T.E.P. system.”
Having moved to Vero Beach from Atlanta, with all its history, the Mastersons were drawn to the vintage neighborhood. “Historic Riomar is one of, if not the most beautiful areas in Vero Beach. Its tree-canopied roads, close proximity to the beach, local shops, restaurants and Quail Valley River Club make it an ideal lifestyle for us,” they share.
The couple notes that they love the “close-knit community where neighbors take a vested interest in each other.”
The house is set back from the roadway, with an expansive lawn and circle drive allowing a broader view of the old-growth oak trees surrounding the backyard and showcasing the new metal roof.
Travertine pavers along the front porch add to the allure of the glass-enclosed, wooden double-entry doors. Stepping inside, a swath of dark hickory wood flooring is a rich contrast with the home’s clean mid-century lines.
Custom millwork throughout the house adds elegant undertones, from lattice-patterned wainscoting to the crown molding; and custom carpentry complements the ornate HVAC air returns that are original to the house.
The foyer opens directly into the formal living room at the center of the house. Cased openings and ceiling details define the space without closing it off.
“I personally appreciate the property’s elegant floorplan. It affords a wonderful flow and use of space. It is open, yet affords privacy for its owners,” says Sykes.
A formal office is just off the front entry with two guest bedrooms, two bathrooms – one with an exterior door so it can function as a pool bath – and the owner’s suite completing the western wing of the house. A short hallway ensures guests enjoy a bit of seclusion from the common areas.
At the rear of the house, the owner’s suite features a private seating area so you can sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or read a book without leaving the homeowner’s chambers. This flexible space would work well as an office, studio or nursery.
The updated bathroom features dual sinks and Carrara white marble floors with a basket weave mosaic in the shower. A walk-in closet and spacious bedroom complete the suite, which enjoys a sunny, southern exposure as light streams through windows set into three sides of the room.
The kitchen is situated just off the foyer in the eastern wing, along with all of the communal living spaces. Barstools along the breakfast bar create a sense of division between the kitchen and formal living area, giving it the feel of a great room without losing the intimacy of separate spaces.
The cook’s kitchen is both elegant and functional. With high-end appliances – a SubZero refrigerator, KitchenAid oven, Wolf induction cooktop and Miele dishwasher – and sophisticated touches like marble countertops and custom cabinetry, you can prepare a gourmet meal with ease.
Garage access, the dining room, and the laundry room are conveniently located adjacent to the kitchen. An exterior door in the laundry room opens onto a private courtyard with an outdoor shower so you can rinse off after coming up from the beach, which is the ultimate amenity of this oceanside community.
The family room is at the rear of this wing with a wood-burning fireplace flanked by a wet bar and built-ins. The bar refrigerator is original to the house. The Mastersons had it refurbished to add a hint of authenticity.
“The home is very spacious with plenty of areas for our family to enjoy, but it still maintains a very cozy feel,” note the Mastersons.
The outdoor area is the core of the home, easily accessible from any of the significant rooms, and increases the overall living space. There’s room for everyone to enjoy lounging poolside or playing in the fenced backyard. Lush landscaping creates a private space where you can relax and enjoy a variety of entertainments from separate dining and seating areas.
“I am particularly fond of the pool and spa heater-chiller, which allows one to tailor water temperatures to their personal preference and enjoy these beautiful home features year-round,” notes Sykes.
“It’s easy to live well in Riomar. The lifestyle is one of a kind, as is this estate,” Sykes adds.
“Historic Riomar is Vero Beach’s oldest and most sought-after beachside community. It captures yesteryear’s charm with canopies of live oak trees shading quaint shell-stone lanes.
“Home to the 1919-era private Riomar Country Club, this prestigious neighborhood is walking distance to Ocean Drive, its wonderful restaurants, quaint boutique shops, Quail Valley River Club and one of the town’s most beautiful beaches,” continues Sykes.
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
