There is no shortage of space in the recently listed Indian River Club home at 1136 Carolina Circle SW. The current homeowner was able to host large gatherings for brunch, some numbering as many as 50 guests. And, of course, the extended family routinely came for visits.
“There is plenty room for visitors,” said Karen Nelson. “And they come.”
She and her husband are doing what many loyal Indian River Club residents do – selling their 3-bedroom, 3-bath, 3,039-square foot house and buying a different one in the same development.
“It’s pretty amazing,” Nelson said of the lifestyle she enjoys in the country club community, with its sociable residents, Audubon-certified golf course and many other amenities. “This is unique.”
The Carolina Circle house the Nelsons bought in 2002 overlooks the par-3 second hole of the Indian River Club golf course. The lot is well-screened with flowering shrubs, which provide privacy without blocking the vista. And while the golf cart path isn’t far from the property line, Nelson said they never get golf carts in their backyard and have never had a rogue golf ball bounce into their screened lanai.
“We live out here,” she said of the expansive outdoor space. The lanai encompasses much of the backyard and features brick-colored pavers, ceiling fans and three separate seating areas, as well as a hot tub. An L-shaped pool boasts a customized detail in its depths and an adjustable waterfall provides comfortable background noise for company.
Though Nelson loves to entertain, cooking isn’t her passion – even though her kitchen is well-equipped and designed. The open kitchen is anchored by vivid green granite countertops and backsplashes. The large sink sits in the island overlooking the great room and serves as a central hub for conversing with guests while putting the finishing touches on delectable dishes to be served.
“Cooking is not my most favorite thing to do,” Nelson said – but given the kitchen’s layout and proximity to the action, she said she can cook without sacrificing hosting.
The house was built by Fred DiRocco, one of several builders who constructed the bulk of the houses in Indian River Club. DiRocco built the Carolina Circle SW home on spec and ultimately lived in it for a few years before the Nelsons bought it.
Over time, the Nelsons made upgrades to the kitchen, including the green granite, and replaced the white tile flooring with acacia wood floors, among other special touches.
“It’s an easy house to decorate,” Nelson said. She and her husband had the home’s interior repainted in white to provide a blank canvas for the next homeowner.
The house features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a den with built-in cabinets, and more storage than the Nelsons ever needed. The front porch has been screened in to provide an outdoor office space for Nelson’s husband, she said, adding that the screen could easily be removed if the new owner opted for a more open porch.
The front yard is a dazzling display of color with lush landscaping featuring SunPatiens, a bright, sun-loving flower that makes relaxing on the front porch a visual pleasure.
The home’s open floor plan allows for easy traffic flow during large gatherings. The back wall opposite the front door is a bank of floor-to-ceiling windows flanking the double doors leading to the lanai. The windows allow the light to flood into the home, blanketing it with warmth.
“Being from the north, you crave the light and airiness,” Nelson said. She and her husband split their time between Florida and Wisconsin, where they operate a factory.
Looking back on the decision to purchase this house, Nelson said it really came down to the size of the backyard – which allowed for a bigger pool – and the wrap-around drive, perfect for accommodating numerous guests.
They had considered buying on the barrier island – they had been living in The Moorings prior to relocating to Indian River Club.
“I can go to the beach,” she said. “I don’t have to live at the beach.”
Nelson said she will miss her neighbors on Carolina Circle SW when the couple moves to their new Indian River Club home – which they have already purchased – but she knows she’ll see them out on the golf course and at the clubhouse. N
Vital Statistics
- Address: 1136 Carolina Circle SW, Vero Beach
- Neighborhood: Indian River Club
- Lot size: 1/3-acre • Home size: 3,039 sq. ft. under air
- Construction: Concrete block with Hardieplank siding
- Year built: 1999 • Bedrooms: 3 • Bathrooms: 3
- Additional features: 2-car plus golf cart garage, large lanai, L-shaped pool, hot tub, acacia wood floors, double wall ovens, green granite countertops, volume ceilings with crown molding, gas water heater, irrigation/sprinklers, security system
- Listing agency: Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
- Listing agent: Beth Livers, 772-559-6958
- Listing price: $668,000
