The allure of Vero Beach’s coastline takes center stage at 1916 Ocean Dr., an oceanfront estate nestled along the shore in Riomar. Sited on nearly 2.5 acres with 150 feet of direct oceanfront on an accreting beach – the shoreline is naturally gaining sand rather than eroding – this property offers a “rare opportunity,” says Matilde Sorensen, Dale Sorensen Real Estate broker-owner.
“The history of the house is remarkable. To see how it has evolved over the decades into this expansive oceanfront retreat is incredible, but the underlying worth will always remain in this extraordinary piece of land, this pristine and serene location,” continues Sorensen.
Gates open onto a sweeping circle drive, establishing an immediate sense of privacy. The grounds are framed by lush tropical landscaping, with palms positioned to mirror the symmetry of the home’s architecture.
The approach leads to the front motor court, highlighted by a garage configuration in which a single-car garage sits on the south side with a two-car garage on the north, giving owners and guests separate points of entry, depending on which wing of the house they are using.
The home exudes a timeless architectural character as you step through the arched, double front doors. A wide, welcoming foyer defined by elegant columns, archways, fine finishes and a white palette sets the tone for the rest of the home.
The foyer opens into the formal living room, which is anchored by a wood-burning fireplace framed by built-in shelves. This gathering space serves as a central hub, striking a balance between formal entertaining and comfortable everyday coastal living. A powder room is nearby, convenient for family and guests alike.
A trio of French doors – mirroring the foyer archways – open from the living room into a bright sunroom with arched ceilings, skylights and a wall of sliding glass doors that look out over the expansive pool deck and the ocean beyond. The sunroom functions as an indoor-outdoor sanctuary, flooding the house with morning light.
The home’s southern wing is devoted guest rooms, with a trio of suites that each have a private patio, ensuring guests can enjoy independent sanctuaries, complete with direct outdoor access.
The one-car garage is accessible from this side of the residence, allowing guests to come and go without disrupting the main flow of the household.
The primary suite features an ocean-view patio, where owners can enjoy late-night stargazing or watch the sun rise over the Atlantic in complete seclusion. The suite features two separate bathrooms for privacy and convenience.
The first bathroom includes a walk-in closet, a soaking tub, a shower and a dedicated patio space. The second bathroom offers a shower and a walk-in closet.
On the opposite side of the house, the northern wing features a self-contained suite with a large bedroom, a full bath and a walk-in closet, as well as direct access via the garage and a private back door. It offers an ideal setup for extended family, long-term visitors or live-in help.
The dining room has a solarium window that floods the space with natural light and provides immersive views, creating an elegant backdrop for entertaining. The adjacent updated island kitchen features a wine room, quartz countertops and a window that frames a lovely view of the grounds.
The kitchen flows into the breakfast nook with a wood-burning fireplace and intriguing ceiling details. Sliding glass doors open onto the pool patio and reveal sweeping ocean views that provide a lovely backdrop for morning coffee. With high-end finishes and a highly functional workflow, it is a chef’s space designed to handle everything from intimate family breakfasts to large, formal gatherings.
The sliding glass doors on the ocean-facing side of the home feature full-impact glass, and a whole-home generator provides peace of mind. There’s also a detached one-bedroom, one-bath guest cottage, which Sorensen notes is a rare legacy feature.
The cottage is an intimate space for guests who prefer an extra measure of privacy. Alternatively, it’s the perfect spot for an art studio, fitness room or office where you can work undisturbed.
With a deep lot and 150 feet of ocean frontage, the backyard is vast. An expansive patio surrounds the pool, where you can sunbathe or take a dip. A private dune walkover meanders through the sea oats, opening onto a sandy swath of shoreline bordering the blue Atlantic.
Situated not far from South Beach Park, a guarded beach, it’s just a short stroll for a supervised swim.
One of the island’s most treasured neighborhoods, Riomar is conveniently located between the bridges, with easy access to beachside and mainland locations. One of the first areas settled along the ocean, the neighborhood is rich in history and known for its canopy of live oak trees. 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.
“It’s a beautiful piece of property, and you can never replace being within walking distance to the golf course and dining. The value is not only in this interesting house, but it’s also the property,” says Sorensen.
Vital Statistics
1916 Ocean Dr.
Neighborhood: Riomar • Year built: 1982
Construction: Concrete block • Home size: 5,219 square feet
Bedrooms: 6 • Bathrooms: 7 full baths and 1 half-bath
Pool: Classic Roman • View: Sweeping Atlantic Ocean vistas
Additional features: Island kitchen with quartz counters; wine room; two wood-burning fireplaces; marble, tile and wood flooring; skylights; sunroom; guest cottage; backup generator; impact glass and storm panels; outdoor shower; private beach access; and three-car garage
Listing broker: Dale Sorensen Real Estate
Listing agent: Matilde Sorensen, 772-532-0010
Listing price: $15,000,000
Photos provided
