When George and Diane Pushner decided to purchase 1807 Pelican Way in Seagrove, they had a vision. While the home was structurally sound, in 2021 the couple undertook a series of carefully curated upgrades, including filling in the sunken living room, and removing one non-structural wall, creating an atmosphere of modern contemporary elegance with clean lines and fine details.
“There’s nothing they didn’t do to the house,” says Realtor Sherry Goff, with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty. “You can walk in, and everything is done. You don’t have to do anything.”
Additional upgrades include impact windows and doors, new door and window casings, new flooring, updated baths, hurricane garage door, renovated kitchen with Caesarstone countertops and custom appliances, new pool screening, along with a new pool pump and heater and marcite plaster finish.
Diane notes that they brought not just consistency, but also comfort and functionality to the house with changes ranging from trim and molding to flooring and paint color. “It’s a house that feels really good to just be inside. It’s an easy palette to work with.”
“My husband has wanted to have a place on the East Coast of Florida for a long time and ultimately to retire to Florida,” says Diane.
When the Pushners were looking for a place, Diane recalls that they had visited other areas, but when they came to Vero Beach, she announced, “If you want to do the Florida thing, I’m all in with Vero.”
“We liked Vero because it feels very residential. It has a sense of community and charm,” says Diane.
They were drawn to Seagrove for the “mix of people in all stages of life – a really nice blend,” she explains.
At the center of the house, the vaulted cedar ceiling and wood-burning, coral-stone fireplace are inviting features in the living room, where doors open onto the pool deck.
“This is a great house for entertaining. You overflow to the outside. Glass doors with transoms further expand the open floorplan,” says Goff.
Diane agrees, noting the “quality of light is good,” the result of the overhang of the roof, which prevents direct sunlight from overwhelming the interior.
Barn doors with black hardware, porcelain flooring and shiplap elevate the space and create a cozy atmosphere.
Varying ceiling heights help define the open dining room and kitchen. The pantry is cleverly tucked behind a slate blue barn door matching the kitchen island, which provides storage and seating and breaks up the space.
Having a family of more than average height, Diane notes, “The ceiling and the volume of the house are really nice. We’re a tall family, so the ceiling height is important.”
The large island, wine cooler, and stainless-steel appliances, including a KitchenAid refrigerator, Thermador induction cooktop and wall oven, ensure you have everything needed to prepare daily meals and host formal and casual gatherings with friends and family.
Adjacent to the dining room is a casual seating area that overlooks the pool. This versatile space can function as a family room or a breakfast nook where you can enjoy your morning coffee.
The owners currently use a bedroom located down the hallway from the kitchen as a study. A full bath accessible from the hallway or the bedroom along with the laundry room, and access to the two-car garage complete this side of the house.
Two guest bedrooms and the primary suite occupy the other side of the house. The guest bedrooms with a shared bath are located to the right of the front entry. The primary suite has a spacious bedroom that opens onto the pool deck, two cedar-lined walk-in closets, and a bathroom with a shower, dual console sinks and a water closet.
Outside, pavers surround the screen-enclosed saltwater pool and both covered dining and poolside lounging spaces.
One of the best things about Seagrove, says Goff, are the two private beach accesses. Located between them, it’s an easy walk or bike ride to the dune crossover with built-in benches and a staircase down to the beach.
“There’s a beautiful gazebo that sits on top of the beach. People go there in the morning with their coffee and talk to their neighbors. If they have dogs, the dogs go down in the sand and play with each other. It’s just such a nice lifestyle,” says Goff.
Noting that due to work demands, they are unable to fully use the home as they had planned, Diane says, “We do know that we are walking away from something we don’t think we can ever get back.”
Seagrove is a guard-gated, seaside community located between Castaway Cove and The Moorings with private deeded beaches. Goff explains that Seagrove is “nice and quiet, and everyone is so friendly.”
With the Moorings Golf and Country Club and Quail country club both nearby, you can easily access either club.
Seagrove East was developed by a single developer who maintained a sense of continuity.
Winding lanes weave through streets canopied by live oaks, creating a tropical setting for this family-centric neighborhood, just minutes from Saint Edward’s School and beachside shopping and dining along Ocean Drive.
Photos provided
