The house at 790 Lake Drive “is an ultra-unique property in Vero Beach,” says Melissa Talley, Premier Estate Properties estate agent. “It’s located between the two bridges in the coveted community of Riomar Bay II and is a blend of sophistication and European modern design. The owners hand-selected the finishes, accessories and cabinetry from around the globe to create a contemporary masterpiece.”
Turning onto the driveway lined with lush vegetation, you don’t quite know what to expect as you round the bend. What awaits is a refreshing surprise. The owners built a modern European sanctuary that blends contemporary design features around outdoor living, starting with the grass strip driveway.
A substantial car park at the top of the drive allows guest parking alongside the two-car, climate-controlled garage. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, the permeable grass strips enable rainwater to drain into the sandy soil, preventing runoff and erosion.
Several angled steps lead to a pair of black glass-paned doors that open into the foyer, setting the stage for the elegant interior. The foyer opens into the great room, which is a pivotal space in the house and the perfect stopping point for guests to take in their surroundings.
Clean lines create an atmosphere of sophisticated elegance, a timeless aesthetic. The classic black and white palette draws the bounty of vibrant color from outside into the home through large rectangular windows beneath 14-foot ceilings.
The seamless flow between interior spaces maximizes natural light, which further enhances the balance between indoor and outdoor living with a covered porch that connects interior and exterior spaces – a key factor in the design of the house.
The communal living and entertaining areas are located in the central wing along a gallery hallway. The two-car garage and laundry room provide easy access to unload groceries and store supplies, with a powder room, the dining room, kitchen and breakfast area all strategically placed for convenience.
Form and function are apparent in equal measures with high-quality craftsmanship, custom millwork and European finishes throughout.
The brilliant-white gourmet kitchen features Lavido automated cabinets, a coffee bar, a wine cooler and high-end appliances, all contrasting with the black, gray and tan waterfall island highlighted with an ultramodern, rectangular chandelier.
The marble on the island is repeated on the kitchen countertops and the backsplash. The kitchen also houses a breakfast nook. Large windows and sliding glass doors in the kitchen seamlessly blend the indoor and outdoor spaces.
The black and white dining room is surrounded by windows with transoms allowing for natural light to fill the room.
Other modern amenities include a whole-house generator and smart-home technology that allow you to control the lights, music and blinds with the touch of a finger. Everything was well thought out and designed for efficiency, from the custom hanger system to the lighted nightstands.
Two guest suites and the primary suite run along the western side of the house, with a family room as the central gathering area. The primary suite enjoys a great deal of autonomy at the rear of this wing. This spacious room has a seating area overlooking the pool and two walk-in closets with an enviable bath.
The contrast of black granite floors and bowl sinks atop a multilevel gray vanity against the backdrop of greenery through large windows is striking alongside the enticing walk-in shower.
The exercise room, cabana bath and sauna from Finland, constructed from Cypress and Red Randa eucalyptus, are accessible from the primary suite or the pool area.
“The crown jewel of the property is the outdoor living space tucked behind layers of landscaping, which includes the 25-meter, saltwater-heated lap pool, covered marble lanai, summer kitchen, croquet lawn, kayak launch and access to a luxurious custom sauna,” says Talley. “I don’t know of any other property that affords all of these amenities.”
A covered porch runs along the perimeter of the pool, allowing for access and unrestricted views of the backyard. The summer kitchen and seating areas in the elevated, covered areas allow for respite from the weather on sunny and stormy days, while the generous honed marble surrounding the pool has plenty of room for lounging after you’ve gotten in a few laps.
The croquet lawn adds an interesting dynamic to the tropically landscaped space as you head toward the waterway for a day on the river from the dock’s kayak launch. A canopy of black mangroves creates a timeless sanctuary where you can paddle in the silent stillness, watching the birds, manatees and dolphins.
Riomar Bay II is a gated, riverfront community conveniently located between the bridges with easy access to beachside and mainland locations. 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 shopping and dining on Ocean Drive.
Photos provided
