Architecturally distinguished design, quality construction, attention to detail, and a high level of craftsmanship, with custom millwork and finishes throughout, are hallmarks of the homes in Palm Island Plantation built by Vero Beach luxury builder Westmark Construction Company. But that’s not what drew Karen and Greg Wilson to purchase their home at 406 N. Palm Island Circle – that was just the icing on the tropical island cake.
Karen says that, after visiting Greg’s father and brother here, “we absolutely fell in love with Vero Beach. The environment, the beach and the weather. We decided when we retired, we were going to try to join them down there, and that’s what we did.”
Having moved around a lot with Greg’s work, the couple had seen a lot of places. “We chose Vero Beach to retire,” continues Karen.
What sold them on Palm Island, specifically, was the ocean-to-river access. “Palm Island is such a wonderful community. We can do sunrises and sunsets within our own community,” Karen says, noting the Beach Clubhouse with full beach access, the docks on the river and a gate leading to the scenic Jungle Trail.
The Wilsons are avid bikers, so the Jungle Trail access is a boon. “We really do have the best of both worlds there. And it’s all walkable. You don’t have to get in a golf cart or a car to access the beach club or the river.”
And the house they picked offered much charm of its own. A brick paver drive bordered by a lushly landscaped yard leads to the covered front entry. Stepping through the mahogany front door, you enter the screened portion of the courtyard, an option the Wilsons chose so they could open the house year-round.
“This is a really livable house,” says Patty Valdes, a realtor with AMAC Alex MacWilliam Real Estate, of the L-shaped floorplan “You can have guests and be comfortable, but you can just be a couple and have your space too.”
“I love the layout of the house. It’s perfect for Greg and me when we’re alone,” agrees Karen. “The main house has the primary suite, the family room and the kitchen all on one wing; and then we have this huge great room for entertaining when we have guests over, plus an extra guest room.”
Valdes notes the extensive millwork and variety of ceiling detail in each room.
Between the quality and how well the home has been maintained, she says. “It’s hard to believe it was built in 2007.”
The foyer is located to the right of the courtyard entry, with the en-suite guest bedroom located just off the front entry, along with the laundry room, powder room and access to the two-car garage, making it easy for guests to come and go.
The living room/dining room is graced with a cozy and elegant gas fireplace and offers ample open space with French doors that look out onto the screened lanai.
The kitchen, family room and owner’s suite complete the bottom portion of the L-shaped floorplan, allowing the owners to isolate should they desire. The chef’s kitchen is fully equipped with high-end appliances, a large pantry and an island with seating.
The family room wet bar is handy to the screened lanai and the dining room, so no matter what level of entertaining you enjoy, you have plenty of options. And the Wilsons have an adjacent patio where they do their grilling near the kitchen – a smart move, indeed.
The spacious owner’s suite has a lovely pool view with French doors that open so you can walk out for a morning swim. On the opposite side of the room, doors open to a private patio where Karen says they hang a hammock.
“It’s on the east side, so you feel the ocean breeze. You can nap and listen to the birds,” she adds.
Two walk-in closets, a soaking tub, a walk-in shower, a water closet and dual sinks finish the suite nicely.
Outside, you can enjoy dining in the covered, screened area or swimming in the seclusion of the courtyard. Meanwhile, the casita is perfect for guests.
“When you enter our front door [to the courtyard], you’re really entering the perfect Florida living space. It’s an in-out area. You’re still outside in our screened-in lanai. The courtyard pool gives you such privacy. It’s your own little perfect world within Palm Island,” says Karen.
Palm Island is a guard-gated, ocean-to-river community that offers resort-like amenities.
Within the 58-acre British West Indies development, the oceanfront Beach Club offers a heated pool, spa, private cabanas and a bar. You can work out at the fitness center, swim in the community pool, relax in the steam rooms or swing a racquet on the Har-Tru tennis court. Boat slips are available at the River Cabana with deep-water docking and a river deck on the Indian River Lagoon.
The historic Jungle Trail and Environmental Learning Center are just around the corner, and it’s a short drive to shopping and dining in Vero’s lovely beachside village where you can also enjoy cultural events at Riverside Theatre or the Vero Beach Museum of Art, located among the moss-draped oaks in Riverside Park.
Photos provided
