The oceanfront estate at 658 Ocean Road in John’s Island is the culmination of an ocean-centric architectural vision of love for Tom and Darlene Ryder.
The couple found Vero Beach simply by driving the perimeter of Florida until they “fell in love.”
When the Ryders purchased the home, they meticulously redesigned it with the objective of capturing the Atlantic Ocean from every principal room.
“My wife and I had a real vision for what we wanted to do,” says Tom, a prominent businessman and Amazon board member who owns and operates Ryder’s Gourmet Market on Cardinal Drive, along with his son, Robert Ryder.
To execute their vision, the couple enlisted Moulton Layne Architect and Croom Construction, explains Tom, “We said to them, when we walk up to the door, we want to look through and see the ocean from every room.”
“Having that view immediately upon entry really sets this house apart,” says Rennie Gibb, John’s Island Real Estate Company broker associate.
“Looking at the ocean and the way it changes every minute of every day from any room in the house is simply something that you can’t replicate. It’s extraordinary,” says Tom.
While the main floor was renovated, there’s still plenty of room for customization and personalization beyond that, says Gibb noting the space in the front yard near the pool where there’s room for a cabana.
Access to this elegant, two-level residence evokes a clear moment of architectural intention, beginning with a long, private driveway that winds through lush vegetation, ensuring a sense of seclusion. The approach allows for access to a broad expanse of stairs ascending to the main level, or the side-entry two-car garage at ground level.
At the top of the stairs, the dark-wood entry door stands out dramatically against the home’s lighter façade, a focal point enhanced by architectural symmetry. This elevated configuration places the home’s communal areas – the great room, dining area and gourmet kitchen – on the upper floor, ensuring that the spectacular, panoramic ocean views are enjoyed from the front entry right through to the rear terrace.
High ceilings, custom millwork and walls of windows on the east side allow the mesmerizing, ever-changing blues and greens of the sea to permeate the space.
The great room exudes a light and airy appeal with a gas fireplace and adjoining dining area that create an inviting setting for entertaining, seamlessly connecting to the outdoors via French doors that open to the oceanfront terrace.
The gourmet kitchen is a culinary dream, appointed with high-end appliances, including a gas cooktop, bar, and beverage cooler. The expansive center island, capable of seating six, serves as the perfect spot for casual meals, a place to lay out hors d’oeuvres when entertaining, or for meal prep.
The kitchen opens onto the terrace for al fresco dining. On the west side of the kitchen, you will find a powder room and a 1,500-bottle wine cellar and tasting room, which could be converted to an office.
On the north side of the house, the primary suite enjoys wide vistas of the Atlantic. French doors open to a private seating area on the terrace that is defined by a charming trellis.
From the bedroom, one hallway leads to a private sitting room and the laundry room, while the other goes between two walk-in closets to the spa-inspired bathroom with dual sides. Each side has a toilet and sink connected via a walk-thru shower.
The home’s layout was thoughtfully designed with hospitality in mind, creating a private, self-contained guest wing on the ground level. This inviting haven features three spacious guest bedrooms, each with a private porch, a flexible space for an office or additional guest suite, a spacious family room, ample storage and direct access to the two-car garage.
“A husband and wife can live very simply with that beautiful view without having to deal with an expansive home,” says Bibb. “They have the ability to live larger when kids come or to live simply when it’s just the couple. The home expands and contracts rather easily.”
Outside, the expansive oceanfront terrace, which Tom jokingly called the “Great Wall of Vero Beach” due to the extensive foundation work, is designed for entertaining and contemplation.
The terrace has ample room for guests to enjoy a mimosa as they watch the sunrise or a glass of wine in the evening.
A private dune walkover leads to a secluded stretch of sand – a playground for family and the perfect spot to hunt for the gold coins said to be scattered along the reef line. The kidney-shaped pool is thoughtfully sited at the front of the home, protected from ocean winds and surrounded by lush landscaping.
“It was awfully nice to have grandchildren who could roll out of their first-floor bedrooms, go down to the beach and fish and surf, and just make it their playground,” says Tom.
While they’re just moving down the road a bit, Darlene says she’ll miss the constant kaleidoscope of the ocean, the perfect kitchen, and the home’s blend of privacy and effortless coastal style. But most of all, she’ll miss the people.
“John’s Island is about the people. It’s a fabulous place,” says Darlene.
John’s Island Club is a nationally renowned, private, member-owned country club community between the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon. It encompasses 3,200 acres, including wetlands. Homes are situated with preservation in mind. With three miles of private beach access and nine miles of Intra-coastal Waterway access, the elite community is a playground for every type of water sport imaginable. Additional amenities include dining and a wide range of social and educational events, three 18-hole golf courses designed, respectively, by Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Fazio, tennis, pickleball, croquet, squash, along with classic beach and golf clubhouses. Residences in this established neighborhood are highly sought after because of the quality of the lifestyle.
Vital Statistics
658 Ocean Road
Neighborhood: John’s Island • Year built: 1986
Construction: Concrete block
Lot size: 1.41 acres • Home size: 6,178 square feet
Bedrooms: 5 • Bathrooms: 5 full baths and 1 half-bath
Pool: Kidney shaped swimming pool • View: Panoramic ocean vistas
Additional features: Custom millwork; wood and terracotta tile flooring; is-land kitchen; high-end appliances; beverage cooler; bar; 1,500 bottle wine cel-lar; gas fireplace; walk-thru shower; soaking tub; sitting room; two-car garage; oceanfront and poolside terraces; and private dune walkover.
Listing agency: John’s Island Real Estate Company, 772-231-0900
Listing price: $12,995,000
Photos provided
