[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”21″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_imagebrowser” ajax_pagination=”0″ order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]Tucked away under a canopy of live oaks is a Spanish-style hacienda at 702 Painted Bunting Lane. The 5-bedroom home is reminiscent of the bygone days of Old Riomar. While looking out at the spectacular view of the 12th fairway on the Riomar Country Club golf course, one almost expects to see golfers clad in knickers, tweed jackets, and caps like the first golfers wore when the neighborhood was originally developed in the 1920s.
“I love this place,” says the homeowner, Jeff Daniels. “I have so many great memories of hosting the people I love, but it’s a lot more house than one person needs. I’ve had as many as 12 people stay at the house for a week at a time, and you can still have a good time.”
The house has quite a history, according to Daniels. It was originally three separate structures that were made into one and then the second story was added. “What a lot of people don’t realize is that Carol Richards lived in this house,” he said.
Richards was an American singer, radio and television performer best known for her appearances on “I Love Lucy” and her recording of the Christmas classic “Silver Bells” with Bing Crosby.
A brick drive wends its way through a hammock of live oaks that have stood on the property since before the barrier island’s first and only oceanside golf course was built.
“One of the best things about living on this street is that you can walk across the street to Quail Valley and have a drink, walk to the end of the road and go to the beach, the Beach Club or to Riomar Country Club. It’s a really convenient location,” says Kit Fields, Realtor, Charlotte Terry Real Estate Group of Alex MacWilliam, Inc. And after playing a few holes of golf in the evening or puttering around in the potting shed, you can rinse off in the outdoor shower.
The hacienda was originally built in the 1970s and has maintained its old world charm while embracing modern upgrades. Red-clay tiles atop the multi-level roof form an interesting asymmetrical roofline creating a warm, rustic look, and the roughly textured stucco give the house a weathered look. Details like the crosshead molding with dropped keystone paired with tall casement windows, exposed wood rafter tails and wooden doors with iron features complement the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.
Inside, the house is a marriage of timeless architecture and modern amenities. Stepping through the rustic, double front doors, guests are greeted by a wooden staircase leading to the second floor; the formal dining room is to the east and formal living room to the west of the entryway.
At the rear of the house a beamed, vaulted ceiling gives depth to the great room that opens out onto the 12th fairway of the Riomar Golf Course through sliding glass doors from every room on the main floor.
Take a few steps down to enter the master suite with his and her bathrooms, including a garden tub and bidet, walk-in closets and plenty of space. The guest quarters are also on this side of the house. With a private entrance and full bath, visitors enjoy privacy and a view of their own. To fully appreciate the serenity of island life, the relaxing sounds of a fountain add to the tranquil setting.
The kitchen has been updated, and even the most discerning chef would be happy to whip up a culinary masterpiece in this cozy space. Dark wood cabinets, travertine backsplash and granite countertops are complemented by the butler’s pantry with a second refrigerator, beadboard ceiling, dark wood accents, microwave and wine cooler.
For convenience, the laundry room, a full bathroom and the garage sit just off the kitchen area making it easy to unload groceries, give the dog a bath and drop off wet towels from the beach.
The staircase to the upper level reveals another classic feature: hand-painted tiles on the stair risers leading to three bedrooms and two bathrooms, a great area for the children. Two of the bedrooms can be opened up into one large room or used as a craft room, sitting room or study area for the kids.
“You feel almost like you’re in a tree house,” says Fields as she peeks out through a second-floor window overlooking the expansive lawn. The idyllic setting lends itself to outdoor living with lots of space. The terrace is cool and shaded, and the fire pit invites you to linger outside while enjoying a cocktail.
Old Riomar is conveniently located between Vero’s two 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 plethora 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.
Vital Statistics
Address: 702 Painted Bunting Lane
Neighborhood: Old Riomar
Year Built: 1972
Lot size: 196’x175’
Home size: 4,525 square feet
Construction: concrete block with stucco
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 6
Additional features: Oak-canopied double lot, 2-car garage, chef’s kitchen, butler’s pantry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, tile and wood flooring, guest quarters, impact windows, wine cooler, irrigation well, garden tub, outdoor shower, fountain, golf course and lake views
Listing agency: Alex MacWilliam, Inc. Real Estate
Listing agent: Kit Fields, 772-312-5165
Listing price: $1,650,000
