When Tim and Emily Essaye moved back to Vero Beach to raise their family, they wanted to recapture the essence of their childhood years, growing up along the water.
The Essayes found the perfect coastal-living home for their family at 815 Starboard Dr. at The Moorings, a house built for family fun that they upgraded in substantial ways.
“The sellers spent close to $1 million on a top-notch renovation lead by local interior designer, Leah Muller – and it shows. This home is 100 percent move-in-ready,” says Dale Sorensen Real Estate Sales Associate Cathy Curley. The improvements include everything from a completely renovated kitchen with custom ceiling details to updated bathrooms and many fine finishes.
Technology upgrades included the Control4 Home Automation system that provides remote control of the lighting, TV, surround sound, automated shades and security system from your phone.
The brick-paved circle drive leading to the house loops around a lush, tropical island that creates a green shield from the road, amplifying privacy. There’s plenty of room for guests to park before heading into the house through the covered entryway into the formal living room.
“I love that this home opens into a beautiful formal entry and living room, so you are always welcoming guests into the most fabulous part of the home,” says Curley.
A cozy gas fireplace and the expansive view of Compass Cove create lovely gathering spots, with a dining room and wet bar easily accessible to guests.
“If you were having a formal party or event, you could open all three sets of French doors in the living room to allow guests to spill onto the riverfront veranda,” says Curley.
The primary suite occupies the northern wing of the house, offering increased privacy with a spacious bedroom that enjoys water views and access to the pool and a private seating area. Two walk-in closets and a luxurious bath complete the suite with a water closet, shower with rain shower head, soaking tub and dual sinks.
Two ensuite bedrooms, a two-car garage, a laundry room, a kitchen, a family room, a sitting room, a powder room, a dining room and a wet bar with a wine refrigerator comprise the core living area on the opposite side of the house, a convenient layout for a busy family with children or a couple wanting space for out-of-town visitors.
“The kitchen/family room/breakfast area is the showstopper of the house,” says Curley of the open floorplan allowing everyone to gather comfortably.
The kitchen was completely renovated with Wood-Mode cabinets, quartz countertops, a SubZero refrigerator and beverage drawers, two Asko dishwashers and a Wolf dual fuel range. A large island defines the spaces, and design features include contrasting colors to complement the watery view.
“For daily life and casual gatherings, the chef’s gourmet kitchen and elegant, yet cozy family room are perfect. With big views, you feel like you are outside when you are inside,” says Curley.
The adjacent family room and breakfast nook make it easy to host small and large crowds with ease. There’s plenty of room for the kids to hunker down here while the adults enjoy a more sophisticated gathering in the dining room.
The sitting room is a flexible space that can be used as a media room, den or office, depending on your needs.
“The views are just spectacular. The water is so close you can see the dolphins jumping from indoors,” says Curley.
Those marine views are what drew the Essayes to the property initially, agrees Emily, noting the constant visits from birds, manatees and dolphins. “I love watching the boats go by,” she adds. “I also love the sunsets. That’s another thing that’s really nice about being on this open space. You get some really beautiful sunsets.”
The transition from indoor to outdoor living is seamless, with multiple access points to the pool area throughout the house. Covered seating areas ensure there’s always a shady spot to get out of the sun, along with plenty of room around the heated saltwater pool to lounge in the sunshine while watching the little ones splash about.
“The custom dock would impress any boater with room for several boats and jet skis,” says Curley. “There is also a fabulous built-in grill and outdoor eating area. The lucky buyer can literally catch, clean and cook their fish alfresco. This is what Florida’s dreams are made of. This is a lifestyle property.”
When the Essayes renovated the property, they added a new seawall cap, dock and jet ski lift, raising the seawall 20 inches.
Direct Intracoastal access is one of the boons of living in The Moorings. It’s a quick ride out of Compass Cove to the Intracoastal for a day of fishing or a sunset cruise. Atlantic Ocean access is nearby at the wide Fort Pierce Inlet. When you return from the water, the outdoor shower is readily available to rinse off before heading in to dinner or hopping into the pool for a relaxing float.
“Not only can you boat, fish or relax on the sundeck – the beach and The Moorings Club are just a short walk, bike or golf cart ride away. It is not a requirement to join The Moorings Club; however, the club is highly sought after and offers lifestyle amenities such as fitness classes, golf, tennis, pickleball, pool, spa and dining,” says Curley.
Photos provided
