Anthony and Kai Marrs had taken family vacations in Destin, but when they decided to move to Florida from Atlanta, Anthony knew the water in the Panhandle was too cold for Kai, so the couple headed south.

After searching in South Florida, they decided that area was too busy and continued looking until they found Vero.

“Vero Beach was a shining star. There was no traffic,” said Anthony Marrs.

And then they found Summerplace.

“Summerplace has an old Florida feel,” with shell roads winding under a canopy of mature sea grapes, says ONE Sotheby’s broker associate Janyne Kenworthy.

The Marrs were so enamored with the house at 9576 Doubloon Dr. that they watched and waited four years until it came on the market.

“The house was perfect for us,” says Kai. “I feel like I’m on vacation every day.” The Marrs were especially drawn to the home’s proximity of the beach and the layout with main living areas on the second floor where they could fully enjoy the sea views.

“You get sunrises and sunsets,” says Kenworthy of the endless ocean views from nearly every room in the house.

A carpark at the front of the house provides plenty of space for parking with a first-floor entrance between two separate garages. Stepping inside, you can sense the beachy vibe, with a coastal chic interior design that marries modern, clean lines with a relaxed, resort-like ambiance.

The ground floor foyer is the starting point, providing access to the two garages, storage space, flex space currently being used as a gym and the stairs leading to the upper living levels.

Taking the switchback staircase to the second floor, the main living area of the house, you are immediately drawn to the wall of sliding glass doors in the great room and dining room, which opens to spectacular views of the ocean.

Each day the couple wakes up to a different view, says Kai. “Even the ugly days are pretty. I love it when it’s dark, and the ocean is so angry.”

Quality features abound, with great attention to detail; from the shiplap ceilings to the impact sliding doors, the home has been impeccably kept. “There are a lot of subtle textures,” says Kenworthy. “It’s timeless but has personality. It’s very well laid out and very workable.”

The south side of the second floor has an office with a built-in desk for convenience and barn doors to ensure privacy. There’s also a guest suite overlooking the ocean.

On the north side of the house, the kitchen, pantry and laundry room are strategically placed for entertaining. The open-concept floorplan allows you to be a part of everything going on, both inside and out.

The chef’s island kitchen has a series of windows overlooking the ocean, offering sweeping sea views even when you have kitchen duty. High-end stainless-steel appliances are an elegant contrast to the custom white and ocean-blue underlit cabinetry, with quartz countertops set against the backsplash and a “wave” of ocean-blue mosaic tiles that suggest movement.

A loft at the center of the third floor provides a cozy spot for guests to gather and watch the ocean in the seating area or from the covered balcony that runs the width of the house.

Also on the third level are a guest suite, a third guest bedroom that shares a full bath with the loft, and the primary suite, a secluded space set apart from the rest of the house.

The primary suite overlooks the ocean with uninterrupted views from the private oceanfront balcony, where you can close the electric blinds without leaving your bed for those mornings when you don’t want to rise with the sun.

The suite has a walk-in closet and a sumptuous spa bath with stained glass windows, dual sinks, a makeup vanity, a soaking tub, a walk-in shower and a water closet.

Outdoor living space includes an expansive 38-foot covered deck, “It’s a highly functional space that extends the living area of the home, offering a perfect spot for relaxation and entertainment,” says Kenworthy.

There’s plenty of room for guests to spread out in the various seating areas on the oceanfront deck without feeling crowded. You can enjoy sea breezes and catch a game on the outdoor TV or sit and watch the waves from beneath the sunshade.

You can also do yoga on an oversized field of stone pavers, enjoy a glass of wine while lounging underneath the chickee hut, or head to the beach from the private stairs down to the beach.

To ensure you don’t take the beach inside, there’s a beach half-bath with an outdoor shower so you can rinse off after a swim or a stroll.

The summer kitchen and a putting green are located on the north side of the house, out of the wind, and easily accessible from the garage for family gatherings.

Summerplace is a hidden treasure not far from the Wabasso Causeway, offering easy access to the mainland, the Historic Jungle Trail and the Environmental Learning Center for nature enthusiasts. It’s just a short, scenic trip down A1A to Vero’s Ocean Drive shopping and dining district or for cultural activities at the Vero Beach Museum of Art and Riverside Theatre.

Photos provided