Walking along the beach, you might stop and ponder the lifetime of beautiful memories that must have been created in the idyllic oceanfront bungalow at 985 Beachcomber Lane in Sunny Sands.
Nestled among sea grape trees at the end of a quiet street with only 18 lots, the original owners, George and Millie Bunnell, left their mark on Indian River County.
“The history of the citrus families that used to have their houses on the west side of town is fascinating,” says Matilde Sorensen, broker-owner, Dale Sorensen Real Estate. “They would have these cottages on the ocean. There are only about three of them left. The rest have been torn down.”
George is fondly remembered for his preservation efforts and as the founder of the Environmental Learning Center. As for Millie, she was the driving force behind saving the Heritage Center when it was slated for demolition. Both are legacies residents benefit from today that add to the cultural and historical ambiance of Vero.
And the couple’s granddaughter, Debra Frasier, a well-known children’s book author born and raised in Vero Beach, mentions whiling away “weekends and summers swimming in the ocean and collecting treasures on the beach” on these very shores in her biography.
“The owners are from John’s Island and use the oceanfront bungalow as a guest house and rental property,” says Sorensen, noting that the house has been updated without losing its old Florida charm.
You’ll enjoy complete privacy, a benefit of the unspoiled natural vegetation surrounding the gravel drive. A two-car, covered carport at the back of the house allows plenty of room to park cars and store beach equipment.
A covered walkway keeps you out of the sun and rain as you head onto the wraparound porch to enter the house. French doors open from the driveway and the oceanside into the house, bringing light and views into the interior.
The wraparound porch is a lovely spot to relax and enjoy the sounds, smells and sights of the beach and Atlantic waters beyond. You’ve got a front-row seat for spectacular sunrises 365 days of the year along 115 feet of pristine ocean front.
The porch provides a transition between the indoor open living area and outdoor spaces, and embraces the surrounding tropical environment. The deep porch overhang keeps the sun from heating things inside the house without losing any of the light.
Inside, the dining room with a wood-burning fireplace is at the center of the house. The mantle is a long weather-beaten piece of wood one can only imagine was salvaged from the wreck of a pirate ship or has some equally adventurous origin story.
On the northern side of the house, the island kitchen overlooks the ocean, which is admittedly a bit distracting. The space has everything you need to prepare a lovely dinner after a long day on the beach.
Adjacent to the kitchen is the living room, tucked in at the rear of the house, along with a small porch so you can head out the back if you’re looking for a place to read or nap.
A stained glass window, the original wood flooring and beadboard are charming features.
The house is being sold furnished, so you can move right in without doing more than packing your swimsuit and sunscreen.
A family room with closets runs the width of the southern side of the house in case you need to use this flexible space for overflow guests. It would be perfect as a game room, bunk room for the grandchildren or a first-floor primary suite, too, since there’s a full bathroom and laundry room near the staircase to the upper level.
The primary suite and two guest bedrooms with a shared bath are located on the second floor, providing separation between sleeping and gathering spaces. The guest bath has a charming clawfoot tub, and two of the upstairs bedrooms enjoy sweeping views of the ocean.
At night you can fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean; and in the morning, you won’t even have to get out of bed to watch the sunrise.
While the ambiance might be nostalgic, the home has been updated with air conditioning in 2017 and a new metal roof in 2021. All electrical components have been replaced as well.
Outside, there’s plenty of green space between the house and the beach, and the broad, deep lot provides room for the kids to play or to expand the house’s footprint should you need more living space.
With granted beach access at the end of the street, you can walk down to the ocean for a stroll at any time of the day or night, and the outdoor shower means you won’t be tracking in sand from your adventures.
Conveniently located east of A1A in Indian River Shores near the Village Shops and the Village Beach Market, this home is not far from anything. The neighborhood is just a few minutes from Ocean Drive for shopping and dining, and Riverside Park, home of Riverside Theatre, Vero Beach Museum of Art, the city tennis center, a boat ramp and exercise track.
Photos provided
