Each spring is a grim reminder that Vero Beach, Florida is without the smell of hot dogs, the sound of cheering crowds, and the sight of the Los Angeles Dodgers playing baseball at Holman Stadium. The popular sports franchise, which called Vero Beach its spring training home for 60 years, abandoned the city for Glendale, Arizona after 2008.
But this spring will be different. Vero Beach will once again host an intense competition not seen since the Dodgers exodus. Concierge Auctions will offer two high-profile, newly-constructed oceanfront estates up for “bidder’s choice” on March 26th, and participation is expected to be as passionate as baseball fans once were across town.
The winning bidder will have the option of choosing one of the open-air dream homes—nicknamed “Sandy Lane” and “Splendida Dimora.” The auction of these two luxury properties, located at 2470 South Highway A1A and 2460 South Highway A1A respectively, will be handled in cooperation with listing agents Clark French and Cindy O’Dare of Premier Estate Properties. Seller Brook Lenfest and his business partner Tom Laboon are also collaborating with Concierge on the sale.
Originally listed for $17.9 million, Sandy Lane is a gorgeous, two-acre oceanfront compound located in the coveted Estate Section of Vero Beach. The 15,400-square-foot, Barbadian-influenced residence boasts a guesthouse and six bedroom suites, including two master bedrooms on separate floors—each designed with inclusive sitting areas, his-and-hers spa bathrooms and wardrobe rooms and private panoramic balconies. Sandy Lane also features a gourmet kitchen and a high-tech home theater.
Neighboring Splendida Dimora, a new European-inspired residence also built on two acres of land, rests 24 feet above sea level and overlooks more than 155 feet of private beachfront. Originally listed for $18.875 million, the massive 16,120-square-foot estate rests on one of the highest points in Vero Beach.
Ideal for entertaining, many first-floor rooms open to “breezy loggias built of genuine coral stone around the patio surrounding the massive infinity pool (the largest residential pool in Vero Beach)—all overlooking the property's private stretch of beach. The outdoor living space (which flows freely into the interior kitchen/breakfast room) has a fireplace, fire pit, a full cabana bathroom and an astounding 3,000-square-feet of covered space.
The independent guesthouse sounds worthy of a bid by itself. Located off a “private garden breezeway,” the two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom guest quarters has a full gourmet kitchen, dining area and laundry room. Sandy Lane was also awarded with three prestigious Green Laurel Building Awards for excellence in green design.
The impressive home features five en-suite spa bathrooms and five bedrooms, including two master suites, also on separate floors with the same perks as Sandy Lane (such as private balconies overlooking the Atlantic Ocean).
The estate also has a gourmet kitchen with breakfast room, soaring ceilings, walls of windows, glass doors that fully open to the loggia, a plunge pool, infinity pool and spa, a dramatic home entrance with a two-story foyer and a custom-designed cantilevered walnut and marble spiral staircase. Another highlight is the walnut wine room that accommodates more than 500 bottles. Splendida Dimora also has a separate two bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom guest home with full kitchen and dining area.
The highest bidder will choose between the two spectacular estates on March 26th. That’s like choosing between two superstar Dodgers pitchers like Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax or current ace Clayton Kershaw, both the most dominant left-handed pitchers of their eras. Either way, you can’t lose.
With acres of lush beachfront parklands on an island between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean, Vero Beach is called the “Jewel of the Treasure Coast.” Located in one of the nation’s wealthiest zip codes, the two new idyllic estates are rare finds so close to the Vero Beach’s sugar sand shoreline.
"They're the only brand new oceanfront residences for sale in Vero Beach—immaculate and untouched,” French said. “The auction not only presents an amazing opportunity to own a never-before-lived-in slice of luxury, but also gives buyers an option. We expect there to be quite a bit of competition on auction day.”
Both estates can be viewed daily between 1 pm and 4 pm and by appointment, or during the auction preview event from 10 am to 1 pm on February 26th. A 2.5% commission is offered to the buyer's representing broker.
Sandy Koufax won’t be in Vero Beach this spring, but Sandy Lane, sandy beaches and Splendida Dimora will be present for Vero Beach’s long-awaited homecoming.