The stunning waterfront home at 1411 E. Camino Del Rio in Indian Bay is just the tip of the iceberg. Well, in this case, the tip of the peninsula.
With water on three sides, the home is open to the surrounding environment with few barriers between the interior and the outdoors. With 475 feet of river and canal frontage, it’s one of the largest riverfront lots available within the city limits of Vero Beach, according to homeowner and listing agent Chris Buttler, a broker associate with The Moorings Realty Sale Co.
When Butler and Daniel Villafuerte purchased the property several years ago, they were drawn to its uniqueness.
They transformed the existing house into a modern, comfortable living space with major upgrades, including a metal roof, impact glass, smart-home features, a new kitchen, new bathrooms, light fixtures, fans, crown molding, custom wood-cased windows, a tankless water heater, an outdoor kitchen with grill and sink, and a 50-amp generator plug and transfer switch.
Smart home features include a front doorbell camera, exterior cameras, Smart TVs with surround sound, and Alexa-enabled roll-down, blackout blinds, lights and ceiling fans.
Located at the end of E. Camino Del Rio Drive on a cul-de-sac, the house is hidden behind a timeless thicket of vegetation. The long driveway splits, allowing the owners a private parking area on the side of the house near the two-car garage. Guests can access the front entry from the circle drive with its westerly river views.
From the moment you step through the glass doors with sidelights and a transom, you can see straight through to the pool and canal, blurring the line between indoors and outdoors.
Throughout, the couple made the most of the water views.
“Pretty much every room in the house has a water view,” says Butler, including long views of the Indian River Lagoon and beautiful Florida sunsets, 365 days a year. “We love to see Youth Sailing out here.”
The dining room and great room are at the center of the house, with lofty ceilings and multiple windows allowing natural light to filter into the space. Porcelain wood-look tile flooring and a fireplace add warmth to the clean palette so that nothing competes with the spectacular views.
The south wing houses two large guest suites, ensuring comfort and optimal privacy for visitors.
On the north side of the house are the kitchen, breakfast nook, office, laundry room, garage access, pool bath and primary suite.
The fully renovated kitchen is close at hand when entertaining, with an island countertop providing a division of space. New cabinets, appliances, pantry, pot filler, coffee filler and quartz countertops create an elegant and functional culinary space that blends effortlessly with the other communal living areas.
On the west side of this wing, the primary suite and an office that can easily be converted into a fourth bedroom are close together, making at-home work a breeze. Whether lying abed or soaking in the jetted tub, the view makes you feel as if you are actually out on the water. Two walk-in closets, dual sinks, a shower and a built-in vanity complete the suite.
“Almost every morning, we see dolphins out here in the cove. They chase the fish into the canal,” says Butler, adding that they also have frequent visits from rare West Indian manatees.
Outside, a covered dining area with a hanging porch swing allows for full access to the outdoors while being protected from sun, wind and rain. The vantage point from the al fresco dining area overlooks the pool and canal beyond.
There’s plenty of room to lounge alongside the saltwater pool with a sun shelf and swim-out. Marble decking, a new gem coat, skimmer and pump ensure you’ll spend more time in the pool than worrying about the upkeep.
A lush island of foliage provides a natural barrier between the outdoor leisure area and the canal, ensuring you can enjoy entertaining privately without diminishing the views and tranquil setting. The fenced backyard has plenty of room to run around, and there is a small, hidden garden in the side yard.
There are 475 feet of river and canal frontage with 325 feet of new seawall, as the owners wanted to ‘shore’ up the property. A redesign, a new dock with composite decking and a 16,000-pound boat lift improved accessibility and efficiency for boating.
The lagoon is right at hand for those days when you want to spend the morning fishing, take a midday excursion, head out for a sunset cruise, or boat to a nearby waterside restaurant for dinner.
Indian Bay is located near the eastern end of the Alma Lee Loy Bridge. The neighborhood is convenient to Saint Edward’s School, mainland shopping, and a short walk or bike ride to the beach and the Ocean Drive shopping and dining district, the perfect balance of tranquility and convenience.
“We love that we’re just five minutes from everything. Five minutes from Ocean Drive, Miracle Mile and The Moorings,” notes Butler, highlighting the convenience of the location.
South Beach Park, with a wide, sandy, life-guarded beach is half a mile away, and you can enjoy cultural offerings at Riverside Theatre and the Vero Beach Museum of Art in nearby Riverside Park, where you will also find a USTA tennis center, exercise trail and boat launch. The City Marina and an off-leash dog park are close, too.
Photos provided
