“Serene” and “tranquil” are the best words to describe the spectacular custom-built riverfront home at 1361 Indian Mound Trail in Castaway Cove.
Built by Palm Coast Development, the British Colonial-style home features everything a family could want in these tropical environs.
The home is set back from the street, adding to the private setting. With a spoil island offshore providing a bit of a buffer from the river traffic, you can enjoy your own personal sanctuary, and the positioning of the house allows for an unexpectedly long, southern view of the coastline.
At the top of the drive, a lovely front porch offers an inviting spot to welcome guests.
When they step over the threshold, the living room at the center of the house is a cozy visiting area with a gas fireplace and views of the pool and river.
“It’s a great, split floorplan,” says Gretchen Hanson, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty realtor, noting that the den, cabana bath and primary suite are in the southern wing, while the guest bedrooms, family room, kitchen, laundry room, three-car garage and dining room are in the northern wing, providing complete privacy for the owners.
The owners were very thoughtful when they built the home, says Hanson, noting the attention to detail – from the 12-foot ceilings to the crown molding and plentiful storage space.
The expansive primary suite is spacious enough for a lovely seating area overlooking the pool and river. His and her walk-in closets, dual sinks, a water closet, a soaking tub and a shower in the bathroom add to the size and ambiance.
On the other side of the house, guests can gather in what Hanson calls the “river” family room where you feel almost as if you’re sitting in the river.
The lanai is screened, so you can open all the doors and leave them open. “You end up with about 8 feet of open outdoor space, so when you are entertaining, people can come in and out seamlessly,” says Hanson of the covered portion of the lanai just off the family room.
“You’ve got a deep river view looking south at the coastline, but you’re not looking at neighboring houses because we’re set out a bit further. They pushed it out a little bit so that they would have the privacy,” says Hanson.
Wanting to make the most of the view without giving up their privacy, explains Hanson, the owners windowed the mangroves. “It breaks the sun in the afternoon and provides a nice beautiful shade.”
To accommodate guests, the kitchen is very functional, notes Hanson. Entertaining is a breeze with a six-burner, gas cooktop, a double oven and a wet bar with a wine cooler.
The owners needed flexibility for different types of entertaining, from small intimate gatherings to large parties and family get-togethers. The generously sized dining room is more than adequate for any size dinner party, and the sliding glass doors at the rear of the house can be opened to incorporate the outdoors and pool area, says the owner.
“It allows for total flow,” agrees Hanson, noting multiple areas in the screened lanai where guests can gather to enjoy the sunset, lounge by the pool or soak in the hot tub.
The backyard is lush with vegetation, creating a secluded spot where you can enjoy sitting along the 110 feet of river frontage or on the dock if you don’t want to head out to the Intracoastal Waterway for a day on the river. If you do want to head out, the boat lift makes river adventures an easy choice.
Sitting on the dock listening to the calls of screech owls and watching white herons and egrets settle in for the night as the sun begins to set is just one of the many fond memories that the owner says she won’t soon forget.
The animals are drawn to the lush vegetation. You never know who might come for a visit: cardinals, great horned owls or blue jays, dolphins or manatees. “It’s a wonderful paradise,” she says.
The mature vegetation – especially the live oaks – that has taken centuries to create is a significant part of the neighborhood’s charm. It’s a haven for wildlife and a wonderful place to raise a family and for grandchildren to visit.
With both river and beach access, notes Hanson, you get the best of both worlds. “It’s an active, friendly neighborhood with all ages. People are friendly but observe your privacy.”
Castaway Cove is located just south of the Alma Lee Loy Bridge. The family-oriented neighborhood encompasses six “waves” or phases, with more than 400 homes situated between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean. The guard-gated community includes deeded beach access. It is convenient to mainland shopping and just a short drive to Vero’s island village for shopping and dining, with Riverside Theatre and the Vero Beach Museum of Art equally close at hand for cultural outings.
For families with children, Saint Edward’s School is just a few miles to the south along a scenic stretch of A1A.
Photos provided
