The oceanfront condominium at 600 Beachview Dr., #PHN is the epitome of the distinctive luxury and unrivaled elegance the Carlton Vero Beach is known for, according to Dale Sorensen Real Estate Broker-Owner Matilde Sorensen. It’s also the only penthouse currently available at the Carlton.
Gurgling fountains at the building’s entrance set the tone for the elegantly appointed lobby and architectural features leaning toward colonial West Indies design in the 15-acre luxury community.
The penthouse is accessed via a private elevator. With only six units in the three-story building – one of six condominium buildings overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in the community – and with concrete floors and sound-insulated masonry walls between residences, this home is supremely private and quiet – except for the sound of waves breaking on the beach below.
The elevator opens into the foyer at the unit’s center, where ocean views instantly capture your attention. Ten-foot ceilings create a sense of openness and transparency.
Wanting to capitalize on the sea views when they purchased the penthouse, Alan and Kathy Leahey brought in interior designer Leah Muller – known for her modern coastal aesthetics – to adjust and enhance the Carlton’s fine architecture.
Mueller made changes that allowed the ocean to permeate the living space through the wall of windows and sliders facing the expansive wraparound veranda, capturing an abundance of natural light alongside the sounds and textures of the ocean.
“We took down walls and opened everything up; so, when you walk into our condo, you just have this wonderful feeling of openness,” says Kathy Leahey of the wide sea views that capture one’s attention immediately.
“It’s a very bright, happy unit filled with sunlight. Leah designed the spaces where we congregate to maximize the openness and togetherness,” explains Leahey, which is a departure from traditional compartmentalized condo design.
Leahey notes that “it’s a really nice flow for socializing.” Having the common areas completely opened up allows for everyone to co-exist comfortably. That way, whoever is stuck in the kitchen preparing a meal can feel like they’re part of what’s going on out on the veranda.
The grand salon is the centerpiece of the communal areas with a gas fireplace surrounded by shiplap, adding to the oceanic vibe. The adjacent dining room and gourmet kitchen allow for intimate dinner gatherings or grand affairs that can flow out onto the expansive balcony area
A powder room is located nearby, so dinner guests don’t have to access family living spaces.
The owner’s suite enjoys the glorious oceanfront view with access to the wraparound veranda and an elegantly appointed bathroom complete with a walk-in closet, dual sinks, a jetted tub, walk-in shower, built-in vanity and water closet.
Guests can enjoy complete privacy in their suite of rooms in the western wing of the condo.
A separate family room includes a built-in desk and shares a small balcony with one of the en suite guestrooms. A second guestroom with a private balcony sits adjacent.
In this unit, the sky really is the limit with the rooftop patio accessed through the laundry room, a feature the Leaheys didn’t fully appreciate when they purchased the unit. On the rooftop, they can sunbathe in privacy, sit and drink a glass of wine in the afternoon while watching the sunset, and enjoy the blowup hot tub and hammock they’ve added for extra open-air enjoyment.
The main oceanfront, wraparound balcony is reminiscent of Brazilian verandas or aleros, which connect independent spaces in the condo. The balcony is a room in and of itself and creates an interconnectedness throughout.
Outside, on the covered veranda, you can enjoy sweeping ocean views no matter the weather. A summer kitchen and television make it easy to while the days away basking in sea breezes.
A computer-generated ProxKey system with electronic keys provides easy access to the owners’ building, elevator, condominium, garage, community areas and dune crossover.
“The Carlton is a wonderful community with unparalleled amenities,” says Sorensen, noting the complex is coveted for its custom concierge service for each homeowner and the availability of three guest rooms on the second floor of the clubhouse that property owners can reserve for a nominal fee to house overflow company.
Other enviable amenities include the gated dune crossover leading to 1,200 feet of deeded beachfront, the clubhouse and catering kitchen for entertaining, a swimming pool, fitness center, tennis court, putting green, basketball hoop, Jacuzzi and sauna.
The Leaheys’ unit includes a private, poolside cabana where guests can hang out between laps in the pool. When the couple’s children visit, the cabana functions as an office so they can work remotely. Equipped with a bathroom, shower and kitchenette, the cabana can also be used for overnight guests when the owner is in residence.
The Leaheys don’t make this move lightly and are going to miss their oceanside condo. “Our family has literally exploded,” says Kathy, explaining they need more space for their growing family that went from the couple and their three daughters to include three spouses, three dogs and three grandchildren, with a fourth on the way.
Carlton Vero Beach is only a short drive from oceanside dining and shopping, as well as cultural opportunities at the Riverside Theatre and Vero Beach Museum of Art.
Vital Statistics
- Address: 600 Beachview Dr., #PHN
- Neighborhood: Carlton Vero Beach
- Year built: 2000 • Construction: Concrete block with stucco
- Architecture: Colonial West Indies
- Home size: 3,510 square feet
- Bedrooms: 3 • Bathrooms: 3 full baths, 1 half-bath
- Pool: Freeform community pool and Jacuzzi
- View: 270-degree ocean view
- Additional features: Private elevator; gas fireplace; two wall ovens; induction cooktop; bar refrigerator; ice maker; 96 bottle wine cooler; marble and Cambria quartz countertops; wraparound veranda; summer kitchen; jetted tub; impact windows and hurricane screens; rooftop patio; air-conditioned, two-car garage; dune crossover; clubhouse with pool, fitness center, sauna and Jacuzzi; and a private poolside cabana
- Listing agency: Dale Sorensen Real Estate
- Listing agent: Matilde Sorensen, 772-532-0010
- Listing price: $2,800,000
