When Michael and Janet Chnupa moved back to Vero Beach, they knew exactly where they wanted to live – in the Anchor at The Moorings.
The couple had lived in the Moorings community previously until business interests required their attention elsewhere. When they returned, the Chnupas came across 249 Springline Drive in the gated Anchor subdivision, which they have meticulously renovated and updated.
“This house has been beautifully done,” says Dale Sorensen Real Estate broker-owner Matilde Sorensen.
“It’s a completely restored house with a generator and everything else you could need.”
The house has a new roof, impact windows, plumbing, Hardie-Plank siding, gutters, wall and attic insulation, driveway and dock. Additionally, the flooring, cabinetry, countertops and appliances have been replaced.
High tongue-and-groove ceilings, crown molding, large rooms and fine finishes, including tray ceilings, wainscoting, curved walls and built-ins, are a few of the features that enhance the waterfront home originally built by Helmet House.
“I would stay here forever. Every day, I ask myself, ‘How do I get to live in such a beautiful place?’” says Janet; but their daughter is expecting their first grandchild, and the couple wants to be closer to her.
A circle drive provides a generous car park and dramatic entrance to the house. At the front entry, a small, covered porch leads to the glass and wood double doors, which allow you to see through the house to the water beyond.
With a skylight in the recessed ceiling in the foyer, plenty of natural light flows through.
Wide dark-wood plank flooring contrasts with the predominantly white interior, creating warmth throughout the house.
To the left, a wide hallway leads to the family sleeping area, which includes two guest rooms sharing a Jack-and-Jill bath at the front of the house. The primary suite runs from the front to the rear of the house. The sizable suite opens onto a private patio, so you can watch boats and dolphins in the water or peek at the sunrise from the comfort of your bed.
The luxurious bathroom has heated travertine flooring, a bidet, a walk-in shower, dual sinks, lighted mirrors and a soaking tub. A substantial walk-in closet has built-ins, a changing area and two large separate areas.
A private office, accessed via pocket doors from the primary suite, offers water views, built-ins and a cozy gas fireplace, so you can work without entering the main areas of the house.
Back at the center of the house, the living and dining room opens onto the riverfront lanai through four sets of glass doors, and a gas fireplace creates an intimate environment for guests to gather around while enjoying the view.
“This house is great for entertaining,” says Sorensen, noting the formal living areas and casual spaces that all enjoy water views. The home’s open-plan design exudes waterside elegance. And with the bar and a powder room nearby, you have everything you need when guests visit.
The east wing includes the laundry room, kitchen, family room and access to the two-car garage with a golf cart bay.
Janet notes the convenience of closing off this section of the house for the dogs and hiding the mess in the kitchen when entertaining.
The kitchen, with water views, is fully equipped with new, high-end appliances and has an island where you can prep meals, do homework, grab a snack and lay out a spread for the kids or friends joining you for a meal.
While the large water-view windows across the entire rear of the house create an immersive indoor-outdoor experience, walking out to the screened lanai brings you one step closer to your own little slice of paradise.
The freeform pool is nestled between the main house and the guest house. Mature hedges and lush landscaping ensure complete privacy without obscuring the view along the 132 feet of water frontage.
The Chnupas use the guesthouse as a gym. With a full bath, kitchenette and storage space, the detached, poolside hideaway is perfect as a guest house, office, art studio, mother-in-law suite or space for a live-in caregiver.
Sorensen notes that there’s a 50-foot dock with a lift on deepwater, so the owners enjoy the protection of the cove with easy access to the Indian River Lagoon and Intracoastal Waterway. A floating dock allows for easy kayak, paddleboard, canoe and jet ski access.
As a Moorings Property Owners Association member, residents have private beach access and patrolled security. The Moorings Yacht & Country Club offers a full slate of amenities, including Pete Dye’s signature golf course, Jim Fazio’s Hawk’s Nest championship golf course, tennis, pickleball, and croquet courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center with pool and spa, a yacht club, as well as fine and casual dining and many gala social events throughout the year.
The Moorings is only 10 minutes away from Vero’s Ocean Drive for shopping and dining. Nearby Riverside Theatre and Vero Beach Museum of Art offer world-class cultural outings.
For families with children, Saint Edward’s School conveniently abuts the community.
Photos provided
