The classic old Florida estate at 966 Painted Bunting Lane in Riomar is nestled among live oaks on an oversized lot along one of Vero’s most picturesque sand and shell streets.
Christine Osborne and her late husband discovered Vero Beach while looking for a place for their boat. The couple owned a townhouse in Melbourne Beach, where they spent several weeks a year taking advantage of Florida’s warmer climate when they wanted to get away from Maryland’s frosty winter weather.
“We’d heard about Quail Valley and their marina,” recalls Osborne, adding that is why they drove down to the barrier island.
On that visit, the character and charm of the Riomar neighborhood caught Osborne’s attention.
“I’ll miss the cottage-style charm of the house,” says Osborne. “The old oaks and the setting add to that charm. It’s welcoming and feels like a home where you can put your feet up.”
“I was told that this house originally was one of the “four square houses.” It had four rooms and was used by people visiting Riomar Country Club for dinners and things. I don’t think it even had a kitchen. It was added onto and added onto. That’s part of the charm,” shares Osborne.
Initially built in 1950 with renovations in 1993, the home was updated again in 2006 and 2020, with additional improvements that include new kitchen appliances, a metal roof, air conditioning, a new septic system, impact windows and French doors.
A brick-paved circle driveway with a pathway leads to the welcoming front porch, which is deep enough to sit in a rocker and call out to neighbors taking their daily constitutional.
“When you walk in the front door, you immediately feel its expansiveness,” says Berkshire Hathaway Realtor Mary Frances Driscoll. A gallery foyer connects the shared living spaces.
The dining room at the center of the house opens onto the lanai so that you can take full advantage of the expansive gardens done by Hayslip Landscaping. With the formal living room on one side and the kitchen on the other, everything is easily accessible.
The living room features windows and doors on three sides, built-in bookshelves, a gas fireplace and ceiling features that create a compelling dynamic. Working with interior designer Leah Muller, Osborne achieved the beach cottage feel she wanted, embracing the understated elegance with clean lines and beautiful millwork throughout.
“This elegant property is being sold furnished, so it is move-in ready,” notes Driscoll.
In the east wing of the main house are the kitchen with a casual dining room, a powder room, a family room and a den. The communal living areas open to the outside for optimal flow and entertaining potential.
The kitchen was updated in 2020 with new cabinets and high-end appliances, including a Wolf gas range, microwave and warming drawer, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, and a bar area with a wine cooler, beverage drawers and ice maker.
The family room has an atrium feel, with three large windows opening to pool and garden views. It’s a great spot to chat as dinner is being prepared, watch TV or just enjoy the relaxing view.
“This is where the dog and I hang out. This is our spot,” says Osborne of the family room, which gives the illusion of being outside when you’re actually indoors.
Dark wooden built-ins and a gas fireplace in the den create an inviting environment where you can shut out the rest of the house to get some work done or relax with a good book. Two guest bedrooms and the primary suite complete the east wing.
The spacious primary suite has a seating area overlooking the pool and garden, two walk-in closets, and a bathroom with two toilets, a shower, a soaking tub, and a washer and dryer.
On the west side of the property is a detached guest house with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchenette and laundry.
The guest house offers a flexible space that could be used for multiple purposes. Currently, it’s her grandchildren’s domain, shares Osborne, noting there are two separate bedrooms with private entrances making it a self-sustaining space.
The two-car, detached garage and golf cart shed are accessed via the breezeway just off the living room.
“It’s always quiet here, except for the sound of the ocean,” says Osborne of the fenced, park-like backyard. In 2022, the Osbornes, along with a neighbor, expanded their property by purchasing the lot between them. At .77 acres, there’s plenty of room to run around, take a dip in the heated saltwater pool and enjoy dinner under the gazebo as you grill in the outdoor kitchen.
“The beach is literally just steps away. You can walk to the beach and not worry about the sand.
Riomar is wonderful because you’re minutes from Ocean Drive. You can drive over in your golf cart. It’s very convenient to everything,” says Osborne.
Old Riomar is conveniently located between the bridges, with easy access to beachside and mainland locations. One of the first areas settled along the ocean, the neighborhood is rich in history and known for its live oak trees. It’s just a short walk, bike or golf cart ride to Quail Valley River Club, Riomar Country Club, Riomar beach access, the City Marina, Riverside Park, Riverside Theatre, Vero Beach Museum of Art, Vero Beach Dog Park, and all the shopping and dining on Ocean Drive.
Photos provided
