As you travel along the scenic coastal byway just south of Sebastian Inlet State Park, you’ll find 13110 Hwy. A1A in Ambersand Beach flanked by the ocean and the river. Here, the barrier island becomes so slender that the Atlantic Ocean is just a stone’s throw from the Indian River Lagoon.
Offering a Florida double-feature – sunrises over the surf and sunsets over the river, all without ever leaving home – Ambersand Beach is a rare coastal sanctuary.
This property “represents one of the rarest lifestyle opportunities on Florida’s east coast – an authentic ocean-to-river estate offering direct access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon,” says listing agent Lange Sykes with Luke Webb and Associates, identifying the home’s location as its greatest luxury.
“The property itself is exceptionally executed, blending timeless coastal architecture, substantial quality, and thoughtfully designed living spaces that fully embrace the surrounding water views and natural setting,” Sykes says.
Turning into the property from A1A, you will find plenty of spaces to park as you head to the ground level and stairs leading to the second level of the house. Built in 2001, this Helmet House home is constructed of solid concrete block and paired with a specially designed breakaway wall system on the ground level where a carport adds flexible storage space.
“The house is just solid,” says Donna Patrick, who moved to the area with her husband Jim Patrick after 30 years in Boca Raton to embrace empty-nest living.
As you ascend the stairs to the second level, you’ll notice a built-in security gate at the top of the deck steps that ensures that both grandchildren and four-legged family members can roam safely.
When you enter the house, a short hallway opens into a bright, airy space encompassing the living room, dining area and kitchen, which enjoys uninterrupted views of the ocean through numerous windows and glass doors that open onto the sunrise deck. The deck is fitted with gated stairs for safety and convenient access to the backyard and beach beyond.
Inside, a sun-bleached palette of whites serves as a canvas that maximizes the natural light, blurring the line between the indoor living spaces and the vibrant blue landscape of the ocean and the shining river.
Just off the front entry, a guest bedroom and bathroom doubles as a scenic retreat, offering visitors privacy and tranquil views of the Indian River Lagoon through windows that look out over the river, bathing the space in late-afternoon light.
The gas fireplace in the living room serves as a focal point in the central space. The kitchen showcases elegant cabinetry, adding a contemporary edge to the coastal aesthetic with an island that defines the culinary space.
On the upper level, the primary suite, an office, a second guest bedroom with a bath and a laundry area provide a sanctuary for the family.
The primary suite spans the depth of the house with a private oceanfront balcony. The ensuite bath features dual sinks, a soaking tub and a walk-in shower. A glass door in the bathroom frames views of both ocean waves and river currents, allowing you to watch the sunrise and sunset from the bedroom and the bath alike.
An oceanfront office is situated just steps from the primary bedroom. It offers a quiet, scenic place to work, with expansive windows that look out over the ever-changing Atlantic.
The home features expansive decks on both the ocean and river sides of the property, both equipped with gas lines for outdoor grilling.
“You can grill on either deck depending on the weather. Believe it or not, the weather on the river side and the ocean side can be completely different at the same moment,” shared Donna, noting that this “proved to be a fantastic feature.”
The property spans 1.94 acres, inclusive of submerged land. For the avid angler, the deep-water dock on the river features an 8,000-pound boat lift alongside pilings already in place to accommodate a second lift for a large center console.
“Positioned just moments from the world-class fishery and boating access of Sebastian Inlet, the estate embodies the very best of coastal Vero Beach living – privacy, craftsmanship, water, sport, and a connection to nature that is increasingly difficult to replicate,” says Sykes.
“If you’re a boater, the deep water and proximity to the Sebastian Inlet are highlights,” says Jim.
“We took advantage of our proximity to the Sebastian Inlet and the sandbar. We would pontoon out there and have a blast. It’s a memory-maker home,” adds Donna.
Living next door to the state park and the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge means nature provides all the entertainment you will ever need. Donna says living there was like having their own subtropical zoo.
“It’s like living in SeaWorld, but even better because it’s the real thing,” shares Donna.
“We regularly watch spinner sharks, dolphins and pelicans. I’ve even seen prehistoric sea turtles mating right off the shore, she continues. West Indies Manatees and a wide variety of shore birds and game fish are other inhabitants.
Ambersand Beach, the McLarty Treasure Museum and the Sebastian Inlet are nearby, and surfers are minutes from Monster Hole and Spanish House if they want to ride the waves.
Directly across the lagoon and a short boat ride away is Sebastian, where you can grab a bite to eat at one of the boater-friendly restaurants along the working waterfront and explore Riverview Park. You can also drift down the river to the Pelican Island Sanctuary or the Environmental Learning Center, and it just a short, scenic trip down A1A to Ocean Drive for shopping and dining in Vero’s famous Village by the Sea or cultural activities at the Vero Beach Museum of Art and Riverside Theatre.
Vital Statistics
13110 Hwy. A1A
Neighborhood: Ambersand Beach
Year built: 2001 • Construction: Concrete block with siding
Lot size: 55 feet by 390 feet • Home size: 2,215 square feet
Bedrooms: 3 • Bathrooms: 3
View: 360-degree ocean-river view
Additional features: Ocean-to-river estate; 110 feet combined water frontage; quartz countertops; gas fireplace; soaking tub; office; carport; impact windows and doors; sunrise deck; riverfront dock with 8,000-pound lift with remote; and dune walkover
Listing agency: Luke Webb and Associates
Listing agent: Lange Sykes, 772-473-7983
Listing price: $3,100,000
Photos provided
