The home at 95 Strand Dr. in The Strand in Indian River Shores offers a rare combination of custom-built luxury and a low-maintenance, “lock-and-leave” lifestyle, all within steps of the Atlantic Ocean. Nestled in a small enclave of modern Key West-style cottages with metal roofs, blue shutters and white picket fences, this property is a private, serene retreat that lives much larger than its 2,297 square feet.
“This is a great property for someone who wants a totally move-in ready, barely used home,” says AMAC Alex MacWilliam realtor Phil Sunkel. “Because all the windows and doors are impact glass and the HOA handles all exterior maintenance, you can just lock the door and go.”
Originally slated to be a model home for builder Phoenix Custom Homes, the residence was purchased just before completion by MLB player Carlos Carrasco who needed a local base for grapefruit league spring training. As a result, the home includes nearly every available high-end option and custom feature.
“All of the interiors in this neighborhood are completely custom designed, so no two are exactly alike,” notes Sunkel.
An overwhelming sense of calm washes over you as you approach the cottage. The architecture evokes visions of walking along Key West’s Duval Street as the warm, salty breeze fills the air, evoking an easy, sun-drenched rhythm.
A cerulean-blue door beckons with an invitation for you to enter the courtyard, a beautifully designed outdoor living room at the heart of the home. Anchored by a summer kitchen perfect for grilling, the space is ideal for everything from quiet morning coffee to al fresco dinners.
This spacious outdoor living room effortlessly accommodates both relaxation and entertaining. A retractable electronic awning extends over the patio, allowing you to enjoy sunshine or shade alongside the heated, saltwater pool, which is perfectly sized for cooling off after a walk along the beach.
Near the courtyard door, you can access the detached casita, an independent one-room space with a full bath that can be used for guests or as an office, studio or workout space.
“The directive was to use the same quality finishes in the guest house as inside the main house,” Sunkel says.
The casita delivers on that promise, with custom touches like shiplap accent walls, a wallpapered ceiling, a designer chandelier, and wood-look tile floors.
“The problem with the casita is that you might never get your guests to leave,” adds Sunkel.
Upon entering the main house, the high ceilings and shellstone tile floors that flow throughout the living areas, paired with the open-concept space connecting the living room, dining area and kitchen, make it immediately apparent that the cottage was designed for effortless socializing.
Custom millwork – including wainscoting and beams across the tongue-and-groove tray ceiling – adds architectural interest and warmth to the coastal aesthetic.
The gourmet kitchen features clean lines, ample cabinetry, and Miele appliances with an island providing space for casual meals.
The cottage emphasizes the indoor-outdoor lifestyle. A wall of glass doors in the living room slides back and disappears, seamlessly merging the interior with the courtyard.
“That’s a huge difference in this courtyard home compared to others in the area, where you might have a long, narrow room. Here, it’s all together. It flows so much better,” says Sunkel.
The L-shaped floorplan has a two-car garage, laundry room and a guest suite situated near the front entry, with the primary suite on the opposite side of the cottage, ensuring privacy for the owner.
The primary suite features access to the pool; the ensuite bath includes a water closet, dual vanities, walk-in closet, soaking tub, and large, ADA-accessible roll-in shower.
The home is also equipped with a host of modern conveniences, including an Aroma360 scenting system connected to the HVAC, electronic blinds in the bedrooms, a surround-sound system, CCTV security cameras, and a mosquito-fogging system for the courtyard.
But it is the atmospheric Key West charm more than anything else that makes this home so special and desirable, evoking a paradisical, sub-tropical lifestyle.
The community has one of the lowest HOA fees on the island at just $333 per month, shares Sunkel, noting that the HOA takes care of everything outside of the courtyard. Residents enjoy private, gated, deeded beach access just across A1A, with parking for a golf cart and a storage area for beach chairs at the boardwalk. There is also private access to the scenic Historic Jungle Trail.
The Strand at Indian River Shores is a quiet, beautifully landscaped neighborhood nestled between the lagoon and the ocean. The subdivision is conveniently located near the 510 bridge for access to mainland shopping, and Vero’s famous Village by the Sea is just a short drive to the south, with delightful shopping and dining options and outstanding cultural venues, along with resorts, country clubs, parks, marinas, a USTA-run city tennis center and, of course, miles of clean, uncrowded beaches.
Vital Statistics
95 Strand Dr.
Neighborhood: The Strand at Indian River Shores
Year built: 2020 • Construction: Concrete block
Builder: Phoenix Custom Homes • Home size: 2,297 square feet
Bedrooms: 3 • Bathrooms: 3 • Pool: Heated, saltwater pool
Additional features: Courtyard; guest casita; furniture negotiable; quartz kitchen counters; Miele appliances; tray ceilings; remote retractable blinds; soaking tub; walk-in closet; Aroma360 scent system; interior and exterior surround sound; CCTV video system; exterior mosquito fogging system; impact windows and doors; two-car garage with epoxy floor; retractable awning; metal roof; blown Icynene insulation; deeded beach access; and gate to Jungle Trail
Listing agency: AMAC Alex MacWilliam, Inc.
Listing agent: Phil Sunkel, 772-538-2339
Listing price: $1,450,000
Photos provided
