Behind Rock City Gardens on U.S. 1 half a mile north of the Wabasso Causeway is a secluded yet convenient 6-acre estate named Rive Gauche, which translates to Left Bank, a phrase and locale traditionally associated with the art and culture of Paris, France.
Approaching the property on 44th Avenue, you find yourself in what feels like a verdant cathedral, as the narrow, unpaved road passes between soaring rows of Australian pines whose branches meet high above, creating an arched, green passageway.
Past handsome homes, the road ends at the private estate. Between two rows of tall oaks, a paved, oak-lined alley leads across an expanse of lawn to a circular drive and the amazing residence.
Though set in a secluded, tropical, waterside location the home is light and bright and perfectly maintained with an open, manicured lawn and landscaping around it.
Painted a gentle yellow with white trim, each of the home’s four levels features its own attractive architectural features, including spacious balconies on the three upper levels.
The elegant, Florida vernacular home was designed, built, occupied and loved for years by Tom and Rhonda Lowe, longtime owners of Rock City Gardens. The home’s artistic architectural qualities resonate with the estate’s historically evocative name.
With the roomy, three-car garage occupying the ground floor, the main entrance is on the second floor, facing the river-access canal and Indian River Lagoon to the east. You ascend the front stairs to a long, broad porch and arched main entry door, solid wood with etched glass.
The view from here is pleasant and tropical, taking in the canal, the smaller homes that line the narrow opposite bank, and the river, with a glimpse of the far horizon, and a promise of views to come. As you continue to explore and ascend, you’ll see the river and island views widen and expand.
Beyond the spectacular front door, the second floor contains living room to the right, kitchen to the left, and between the two, the staircase that leads to the third floor, straight ahead from the entrance. The home is shown completely furnished, with wonderful, artistic touches throughout, and some of the furnishing are negotiable.
The island kitchen glows with stretches of white cabinetry, deep warm green countertops, stainless steel double-basin sink, and stainless-steel appliances. The angled island includes lunch counter, prep sink, RO water filter and gas cooktop. There’s also a walk-in pantry, sunny breakfast nook within a windowed bay, laundry room with utility sink and cabinetry, and convenient powder room.
On the opposite side of the second floor are the dining room and a living room with wood-burning fireplace, which is also piped for gas. You’ll also enjoy a wet bar with icemaker.
The home’s three bedrooms are on the third floor.
With a wealth of windows providing natural light and a wide balcony offering one of the most beautiful views you’ll ever see, the primary suite is a beautiful, restful retreat. Here, the bathroom provides a walk-in shower, large garden tub, dual vanities and a private WC.
This floor also houses the two guest bedrooms, which share a full bathroom, along with is a spacious secondary living area.
A handsome spiral staircase leads up to the fourth floor where you can let your imagination run wild. Will it become a private office perhaps? A studio? A workout room? There’s also a pair of walk-in attic storage rooms, and, as with every other room, a balcony here at the very top, with breathtaking water views.
“When we first built our home, we had no idea how much we would love the location,” says Rhonda Lowe. “It is so private and serene. The tranquility from the rest of the busy world is only interrupted by the sounds and sights of nature.”“The view to the east from the upper floors of the house is breathtaking,” says Tom Lowe. “You can see boaters, kayakers on the river and both dolphins and manatees appear periodically in the canal. Fish, including tarpon, can be caught and otters often frolic across the driveway from one side to the other. The ability to enjoy fresh air and views from each of the nine balconies is another highlight.”
An elevator shaft that goes from top to bottom was designed into the home, ready for an elevator to be installed.
As private and tucked away as it is, Rive Gauche is just a couple of minutes from U.S. 1, midway between the historic fishing village of Sebastian with its many riverside parks and restaurants and Vero Beach’s vibrant downtown art gallery, restaurant and pub district.
Vero’s famous Village by the Sea is a scenic 20-minute drive away, east across the Wabasso Causeway and then south on the barrier island along Jimmy Buffet Memorial. The upscale seaside enclave offers fine and casual dining, beach shops and elite boutiques, live theater, an outstanding fine art museum, a USTA-run municipal tennis center, resorts, country clubs, parks, marinas and miles of clean, uncrowded Atlantic Ocean beaches with lifeguards stationed at popular swimming spots.
Photos provided
