When you walk into 716 Conn Way in Bethel by the Sea, the first thing you notice is the “sprawling openness,” says Dale Sorensen Real Estate agent Michelle Clarke as she opens the zero corner sliding glass doors that create a seamless flow from the living room and dining room onto the covered lanai.
“It flows extremely well, and there’s no wasted space,” she continues.
This home was built as a spec home for an investor by Scott McCracken, president of Sawhorse Construction. It recently was recognized with the 2025 Treasure Coast Builders Association Grand Award for excellence in design and quality craftsmanship.
“Scott is very passionate about what he does and the product that he offers,” says Clarke, noting McCracken’s sharp attention to detail and fine finishes.
“I’m really hands-on. I do all my trim work and cabinetry,” says McCracken.
Clarke notes that the newly built home east of A1A, just a block from the beach, showcases the benefits of energy-efficient features, including rigid foam insulation on block walls, spray foam attic insulation and energy-efficient windows.
A brick-paved driveway leads from the street to the contemporary, island-style home. The architecture blends modern design with a relaxed aesthetic befitting seaside living. Blue shutters enhance the design with a dab of ocean color.
A covered portico offers protection from the sun and rain before you step over the threshold and into the living-room-facing foyer.
The open plan is enhanced by natural light that filters through the front doors and numerous windows throughout the central gathering areas. Nine-inch plank wood flooring throughout the house connects the spaces.
The split floorplan has a three-car garage, laundry room and two guest bedrooms on the west side of the house. The luxurious primary suite and a separate den or office with French doors are on the east side of the house, affording complete privacy for the owner.
The primary suite opens out to the pool. It features two walk-in closets and a spa-like bathroom with dual sinks, porcelain counters, LED under-cabinet lighting, a zero-entry shower, linear drains, a vanity and a water closet.
The porcelain counters look like wood, adding waterproof warmth and beauty to the room, while the ripple effect on the shower walls gives the illusion of movement when light shines on them.
“Aging in place is one of the benefits of having an open shower,” says McCracken. “You could wheel a wheelchair in there, and you have the handheld to wash,” he adds.
The living room, dining room and kitchen are open yet distinctive spaces at the center of the house.
Wood beams matching the floor are a warm contrast to the nickel-joint lining the tray ceiling that defines the living room.
Just off the entry, the bar with a 24-inch Café, dual-zone cooler has a backlit quartz counter and is as eye-catching as it is conveniently located for guests as they arrive. You can gather in the living room or sit along the island countertop for drinks and appetizers before sitting down to dinner in the dining room or out on the covered porch.
The kitchen was well thought out, with a hidden butler’s pantry that houses an additional refrigerator and sink and has plenty of space for additional shelving. Café appliances, including a professional series refrigerator, smart dual-fuel range and convection wall oven ensure you have top-of-the-line equipment for everything from dinner parties to family barbecues.
Outside, you have several seating options. On windy days, you can sit protected from the elements by the summer kitchen off the living room. Or you can lounge poolside on lovely summer days.
McCracken notes the summer kitchen features a rotisserie, built-in grill, sink and access to the pool bath shared with one of the guest bedrooms.
The heated saltwater pool has a sun shelf with bubblers for the little ones to frolic while you sit in the spillover spa with a blue tile surround and a moat and soak away the tensions of the day.
With the beach just a block away, you can rinse off in the outdoor shower before you hop in the pool after you’ve gone for a sunrise walk or midday swim.
The proximity to the beach affords you the flexibility to take your golf cart, ride your bike or walk down to the island village for a cup of coffee or shopping, says Clarke. “It’s a great spot.”
Bethel by the Sea, a sleepy bungalow neighborhood located just north of the Merrill P. Barber Bridge, is convenient to mainland shopping and a short walk to the beach and the Ocean Drive shopping district. Enjoy cultural offerings at Riverside Theatre and the Vero Beach Museum of Art. Riverside Park offers a USTA tennis facility, a boat launch and exercise trail just south of the City Marina and an off-leash dog park.
Photos provided
