It was the allure of warmer weather that drew Mark and Ellen Hazel to Vero Beach. The couple had just built a 5,000-square-foot, custom home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and needed a vacation.
“We took that one-week vacation at a seaside resort in Vero Beach, simply deciding to try here. After all, it was cold in February, and the warm temperatures of Vero were most alluring at that time,” recall the owners, who explored the area during their daily walks.
They were drawn to Silver Shores because of the convenience to the beach, the Village Beach Market, a pharmacy and a gas station.
“We thought, ‘How convenient this area is for beachside supplies,’” they add.
When the couple took a stroll and discovered 727 Shore Dr. in Silver Shores, they fell in love with the idea of living beachside.
“One benefit to living in this area,” notes Lange Sykes, Premier Estate Properties estate agent, “is that you don’t experience the through traffic one would in Central Beach. There’s no reason for people to come back here,” into this neighborhood.
“We became excited at the prospect of remodeling this dated island home,” say the owners, enamored of sunrise views on the beach and the sunset falling “over the river’s edge at our beautiful dock setting.”
Because the house was situated on a large corner lot, the couple “had fun placing tropical plantings as we handcrafted our beach resort. What we enjoy today was a remodel in progress over the years.”
This beach and river hideaway has plenty of natural light filtering through the open floorplan. Plantation shutters, fine millwork and custom epoxy flooring enhance the quaint tropical retreat.
“This is a lovingly maintained property that has been updated,” says Sykes.
The Hazels have added special touches throughout, such as crown molding and a pecky cypress kitchen island. Other updates include a 40-gallon electric hot water heater; STEP sewer system; HVAC; Hardie plank siding; impact windows; standing-seam metal roof; and updated electrical service.
The glass at the front door lets natural light filter through, creating a welcoming environment as you step into the kitchen where people tend to congregate. The custom kitchen island defines the space and serves as a central gathering space, with the dining room and living room easily accessible nearby.
With a prep sink and built-in desk, household matters are easily taken care of; and white cabinets with stainless steel appliances add a level of understated elegance.
A side patio, garage access and secondary laundry are convenient to the communal areas for entertaining and coming and going with groceries. The side patio is a lovely spot to sit and enjoy morning coffee before heading down to the beach via the access at the end of the street.
Three bedrooms, a laundry room and three bathrooms are located on the western side of the house next to the family room, which opens onto the screened lanai, allowing for optimal indoor-outdoor living. Additionally, built-in storage and a desk extend the family room’s use for homework and keeping things organized.
Outside, the screened lanai surrounds the freeform, heated pool. Tucked in among the lush landscaping, it’s exceptionally private, and there’s plenty of space to lounge poolside or sit in the shade.
“The nights are particularly quiet and hushed except for the occasional hoot of an owl or the distant clapping of the gentle evening waves,” according to the Hazels. “We will miss the sound of the onshore breezes that flow to our pool’s edge during sunset as we dine poolside.”
A private dock extends from the yard into the Indian River near Jandrew Cut, with spoil islands providing protection without impeding quick access to the Indian River Lagoon.
The Hazels say they will miss the sun rising over their nearby “secret beach” and cascading over the tops of the mature oak trees.
“These are treasured moments unique to here,” they say.
The neighborhood’s proximity to everything is another boon. “We’ll miss bike riding to the restaurants or through pretty neighborhoods in the evenings. There are few places so beautiful and peaceful,” share the Hazels, who are moving to be closer to their children.
The Silver Shores neighborhood offers everything needed within walking distance. Before crossing A1A and heading down to the beach, you can stop by the Village Beach Market.
Shopping, dining, and cultural activities are a few minutes’ drive in either direction.
Riverside Theatre and the Vero Beach Museum of Art provide cultural offerings nearby.
Riverside Park offers an exercise trail, a USTA tennis facility and a boat launch, with the City Marina and an off-leash dog park nearby.
Photos provided
