Nestled on tranquil Manatee Cove along the Indian River Lagoon, the home at 30 Waxmyrtle Way in John’s Island offers a delightful family oasis – a secluded, 1.36-acre waterfront sanctuary with direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway.
Designed by renowned Vero Beach architect Jim Gibson in his signature Georgian Revival style, this riverfront estate home features Gibson’s well-known H-plan layout – with two wings connected by a central access, which somehow feels warm and cozy while also offering the scale needed for large gatherings of friends and family.
The driveway meanders through lush, mature landscaping that provides a natural shield from the street, creating a sense of intimacy. The gracious foyer welcomes guests and sets a distinctly elegant tone.
Directly ahead from the foyer are the formal living room and dining room. Carefully spaced floor-to-ceiling columns delineate the space between the foyer and the dining room and between the dining room and living room.
The living room is anchored by a fireplace and defined by a tray ceiling and custom millwork.
French doors open directly onto the covered terrace, blur-ring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The dining area with access to the kitchen is perfectly positioned for entertaining, with dinner parties spilling out onto the pool deck for cocktails.
“All the room sizes are really generous,” says Jeannette Mahaney, a broker associate at John’s Island Real Estate Company. “It’s really a family-style house because of the way it’s set up.”
The home’s orientation maximizes the serene setting. “One of the property’s greatest assets is that it has water views from all the major rooms, the living room, the family room and the primary bedroom,” Mahaney notes.
The kitchen, designed for function and flow, features a large island with seating, complemented by light wood cabinetry, dark stone countertops, generous storage, a built-in wine rack and ample appliances to support large gatherings.
The kitchen opens seamlessly into the breakfast area and family room, a light-filled space that enjoys riverfront views through a floor-to-ceiling bay window. This open concept allows anyone working in the kitchen to easily join conversations with family or guests relaxing nearby.
Close by, practical necessities are readily accessible, including a laundry room and access to the two-car garage with climate-controlled storage.
Also in this wing is a guest suite with an attached office. This flexible space can be used as a dedicated office or library, as overflow for guests who have work to do, as a private sitting room, an art studio, a gym or a media room.
Social spaces in the home have been separated from private rooms with intentionality. On the opposite side of the house, a guest suite and the primary suite are situated to maximize privacy.
The primary suite enjoys access to the terrace, where you can enjoy a quiet morning coffee while watching the river. The luxurious bath and dressing area features two walk-in closets, a shower, dual sinks, a vanity and a soaking tub.
Outside, an expansive covered terrace and pool area, surrounded by lush landscaping, creates an inviting oasis for lounging. Covered spaces and sunny spots abound, with bench seating in the custom, curvilinear pool.
To the side, a covered breezeway connects the main house to the separate cabana, which features two large bedrooms with ensuite baths, a kitchenette and a living room. It is a perfect space for adult children, long-term guests, in-laws or a live-in caretaker, offering complete independence.
Signature built-ins and fine details are carried over from the main house, and warm terra cotta tile flooring runs throughout the cabana, grounding the space in a relaxed, vacation-style aesthetic. This design choice makes cleanup effort-less – perfect for guests with sandy feet fresh from the boat, beach or pool.
“The guest house has two full bedrooms that can really fit a lot of family and kids,” says Rachel Hickman, sales associate assistant.
Mahaney agrees, noting the unit includes a small kitchen and living space.
“It’s like your own personal oasis. The way the house was designed, it really is the ultimate family gathering space,” says Hickman.
The property is framed by lush, mature landscaping, leading down to the mangrove-lined water’s edge where a new dock features an observation deck over-looking Manatee Cove.
“We don’t have a whole lot of waterfront inventory,” explains Mahaney. She notes that the water in Manatee Cove is ideal for canoes, paddleboards and jet skis and provides direct access to the river.
For Hickman, the allure of the backyard is the tranquility. “It’s just gorgeous and so peaceful out there,” she says, noting that sea birds, dolphins and other wildlife are seen frequently from the viewing platform. It also provides a front-row seat for spectacular sunsets.
John’s Island Club, where Gibson was the original resident architect, is a private, member-owned, country-club community between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. The community encompasses 3,200 acres, including wetlands. Homes are situated with preservation in mind. With 3 miles of private ocean beach access and nine miles of Intracoastal Waterway access, John’s Island is a world-class playground for every type of water sport imaginable.
Additional amenities include dining, golf, tennis, pickleball, croquet, squash and multiple grand clubhouses.
Vital Statistics
30 Waxmyrtle Way
Neighborhood: John’s Island
Year built: 1991
Construction: Stucco on concrete block
Lot size: 1.36 acres
Home size: 6,752 square feet
Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 6 full baths and 1 half-bath
Pool: Custom curvilinear swimming pool
View: Serene river vistas
Additional features: Custom woodwork; office; ceiling treatments; fireplace; tile and carpet flooring; covered terrace; island kitchen; two-bedroom guest cabana with kitchenette; two-car garage; air-conditioned storage; observation deck and dock.
Listing agency: John’s Island Real Estate Company 772-231-0900
Listing price: $6,900,000
Photos provided
