Charleston Square, an exclusive enclave of just six custom residences nestled among mature live oaks in Old Riomar, combines historic elegance with low-maintenance living. For the late owner, Leonor Lobo de Gonzalez, the home at 625 Riomar Dr. was the ideal sanctuary.
The architectural charm is deeply rooted in Southern tradition. The intimate community sits between the bridges, with Quail Valley River Club, Riomar Country Club and Holy Cross Church as its neighbors. Finding a home here was the perfect solution for Leonor, wife of the original developer of The Moorings.
As you turn into Charleston Square, you are transported to a secluded, southern-flavored neighborhood that once was part of a grand Riomar estate. Today, the charming community seamlessly blends historic elegance with gracious, low-maintenance living.
The home’s private driveway leads to the lattice-like, concrete-grass walkway at the front of the house. The walkway, bounded on each side by low tropical plants and palms, previews the home’s pleasingly symmetrical façade.
Brick steps with black ironwork railings lead to the covered porch and the black, double doors bracketed by elliptical fanlights. Two matching windows with shutters grace either side of the porch. The symmetry draws you in with the inherent beauty of balanced elements that create a harmonious visual experience.
The Charleston-inspired residence with a two-car, air-conditioned garage, features classic architecture, and the expansive south-facing porch is a key feature of the home’s design. Its orientation makes it a comfortable spot to sit and relax. At the same time, it serves as a gracious foyer, guiding you into the home’s elegant, light-filled entry.
The split-plan layout ensures privacy for all in residence, with bedrooms in opposite corners of the home. The main gathering spaces are bright and airy, with generous ceiling heights in the living areas.
A vintage marble fireplace is the focal point in the formal living room at the center of the house. AMAC Alex MacWilliam associate broker Charlotte Terry says the fireplace surround is from the original estate home. Detailed trim and built-in bookcases complement the custom installation.
Louvered plantation door dividers between the kitchen and dining room allow the homeowner to close off the kitchen for formal entertaining or keep it open for a more casual flow of family and guests. The updated kitchen features an island counter and a breakfast area that leads out to one of the lovely courtyards.
“You have light on both sides. It’s a nice layout,” says Terry.
The spacious primary suite offers a private retreat. The expansive bedroom provides ample space for seating, while the ensuite bath is designed for luxury and comfort, featuring a built-in vanity, a soaking tub and dual walk-in closets that provide abundant storage.
The home embraces the outdoors, seamlessly integrating the interior with three beautifully landscaped courtyards with pierced brick walls. The most expansive courtyard features a dipping pool and covered lanai, offering a shaded enclave for relaxation and entertaining.
The intimate interior courtyard is defined by the soothing sound of a small fountain; the space is accessible through three separate sets of French doors from the main living areas, making it feel like an extension of the formal living space.
The courtyard just off the kitchen and breakfast area provides natural light and a serene view while cooking or having breakfast. It is an ideal setting for a small herb garden or a morning coffee spot.
“You have so many pretty outdoor areas,” notes Terry.
Leonor cherished these intimate outdoor spaces, recalls her son, Boris Gonzalez. “She loved the patios with flowers.”
This harmonious integration of indoor and outdoor spaces augments the overall tranquility of the Charleston Square neighborhood.
Leonor’s father, Cuban sugar baron Julio Lobo, originally purchased the acreage that would later become The Moorings in the late 1950s. Leonor and her husband, Jorge Gonzalez, came to Vero Beach to oversee the development.
Charleston Square is an exclusive enclave of six custom-built residences in the historic Old Riomar neighborhood, conveniently located between the bridges for easy access to beachside and mainland locations.
The community is nestled between Holy Cross Catholic Church and Quail Valley River Club, with everything in Central Beach just a short walk, bike or golf-cart ride away. Nearby amenities include Riverside Park, Riomar Country Club, Riomar Beach access, the City Marina, Riverside Theatre, Vero Beach Museum of Art, and upscale shopping and dining on Ocean Drive.
Vital Statistics
625 Riomar Dr.
Neighborhood: Charleston Square
Year built: 1984
Construction: Brick, block and concrete
Lot size: 75 feet by 235 feet
Home size: 3,271 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3
View: Garden
Pool: Dipping pool
Additional features: Multi-courtyard; split-ensuite plan; crown molding; vintage, marble fireplace; walk-in closets; jetted tub; built-in vanity; impact glass; two-car, air-conditioned garage with vertical platform lift.
Listing agency: AMAC Alex MacWilliam, Inc.
Listing agents: Broker associates Charlotte Terry and Maria Caldarone; 772-538-2388 or 772-713-7139
Listing price: $2,980,000
Photos provided
