A quarter century ago, the owners of 677 Lake Drive in Riomar Bay II set out to fulfill an ambition to have a home on the Indian River Lagoon. They pulled it off in style, and life in the beautiful Georgian home they envisioned and built has never fallen short of their expectations.
“Our dream was to be on the river,” said one of the owners, standing at the entryway of her lovely Intracoastal home which captures the essence of what life on the water can really be like.
“I wanted casual but elegant,” she said of the 3,619-square foot house on the barrier island. “I put a lot of time into it with the architect. I wanted it to be really pretty but to be livable as well.”
Her husband, nodding in the background, agreed.
“This time in our lives we get home and can’t wait to get out here,” he said, sitting on the covered section of a patio fully equipped with outdoor kitchen, television and speakers, and offering a picturesque view. That said, with grown children gone from the nest, the time is ripe for the couple to downsize and so the home is listed by Alex MacWilliam Real Estate for $1,795,000.
The southwestern view from the patio is spectacular, overlooking a private island with tropical landscapes. There’s a 7,000-lb. boat lift and dock to make it all the more enticing to boat owners who want quick and easy access to recreation on the river and riverside restaurants with docks for customers.
“We’re native Floridians so this is what it’s all about,” said one of the owners, looking out at the water and feeling its endless possibilities.
“To be able to hop on your boat and take a cruise down the river even if it is for half an hour, is so nice and convenient,” his wife added.
Convenience in many ways equals desirability for many in the housing market in Vero Beach, and the convenience derived from the home’s location in Riomar Bay II is an important component of its value. Riomar Bay II is situated between the two bridges on the barrier island in close proximity to shops, restaurants, the beach, and social, golf and tennis clubs.
Alex “Buzz” MacWilliam, a third generation Vero Beach resident, knows the real estate market well. “It’s not just about the house,” he said. “It’s the location in Riomar Bay II. It’s in the heart of Vero Beach.”
The 45-home enclave has other pluses: Its association is small and well-managed; and the neighborhood is occupied by friendly people.
The house with its fine construction and details radiates a welcoming feeling when you enter. The 3-bedroom home with three full baths and two half-baths made of concrete block construction with cement tile roof was designed by architect George F. Bollis Jr. and built in 1992 by S R Smith & Sons.
“All of the custom details make the house unique, said Bollis. “It’s one-of-a-kind. And we made every effort to take full advantage of the location, with the orientation to the Indian River Lagoon.”
Bollis said the Georgian architectural style displayed in the house has proven to be timeless here. “It’s a classical home meant to endure through all sorts of trends,” he said. Georgian architecture is “reminiscent of Vero Beach. The Mediterranean style is still welcomed here but it’s a conservative population here and they tend to like the classical architecture.”
The house has a double-pitched roof and attractive 6-inch tongue-and-groove soffits. The contractor did the built-ins, crown moldings and other fine finishes which are beautifully showcased throughout the home. It has a bright, airy, open floor plan with large rooms that provide views and easy access to the beautiful outdoors.
Details also include columns, volume ceilings, gorgeous Mexican tile floors, and antique inlayed glass in the front doors.
From the instant a person steps into the home, the storyline is clear.
“There it is,” MacWilliam said, pointing out the broad view of the Indian River Lagoon seen through the great room from the entry of the house. “It makes a strong impression. It’s a wall of glass and you get a good feeling while enjoying the view.”
The private, tropical landscaping envelopes a uniquely-designed pool within steps of the French doors from the great room and overlooking the lagoon.
The 32-foot by 20-foot great room has nicely defined areas for socializing, watching television or mixing drinks at the wet bar. It features interesting angles with built-ins, 4 sets of French doors, a working fireplace, custom crown molding and 3-piece tray ceiling. There are 8-foot doors throughout the house.
Both guest rooms are 14-feet by 13-feet and have large walk-in closets and bathrooms with a shower/tub. One of the guest rooms has built-ins and one features a desk area.
On the opposite side of the house affording great privacy to the owners is the 19-foot by 16-foot master bedroom, with a sprawling view of the river seen through a bay window and French doors.
There’s a lovely seating area to lounge in at the base of the broad bay window, dual walk-in closets and a spacious bathroom with two vanities, soaking tub and walk-in shower.
A formal dining room that is 16-feet by 13-feet has an eye-catching embellished entryway – more of that beautiful carpentry. There are built-ins, a bay window and the Mexican tile floor. Here is where wonderful family dinners and dinner parties have taken place over the past 23 years.
The island kitchen with ceramic tile, Sub-zero refrigerator and Thermidor cook top features a tray ceiling, and just off of this main kitchen area is a bright octagonal eating nook with 8-sided tray ceiling.
The eating nook overlooks and provides access to the covered lanai through French doors, and to the garden beyond with a lovely live oak, palms, orchids and more exotic plantings to add to the serene environment.
A laundry room, plenty of linen and storage space, powder room and 2-car garage make this home complete with all of the comforts and luxuries within eyeshot of that wonderful Intracoastal view.
