Hidden gems

With 2.4 acres between the Banana River and the Indian River Lagoon, the Greenspoon residence on Merritt Island’s South Tropical Trail offers space, seclusion and to-die-for views. PINK FLAMINGO PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOS

A true treasure on South Tropical Trail hits the market

Custom-louvered window treatments keep light under control in main living areas.

Architectural treasures — though abundant — are not easily discernible to drivers on South Tropical Trail. The fortunate people who call this place home value seclusion.

“Many times, you have no idea what’s back in those properties,” said real estate agent Stephanie Dandridge. She should know; she has been responsible for the sale of several.

It wasn’t always like that, however. Back in the mid-19th century, Merritt Island — now the county’s fourth largest municipality — was primarily farmland for citrus, mangoes, avocados and pineapples. Not that long ago, the road was still liberally dotted with “honor tables,” offering fresh produce to customers who were trusted to leave the right amount for their purchases. Eventually the produce and the fruit in this scenic, fertile stretch that runs from Mather’s Bridge in the south to SR 520 in the north was replaced by another crop: large estates with abundant space, privacy, luxury and deep-water access.

River views are never far from any space in this house.

The master bath, one out of nine on the property, features a chandelier-crowned soaking tub with spot jets, two separate showers with rainhead multi-level shower systems and his and hers water closets.

In this storied and sought-after land is 6865 S. Tropical Trail, the residence where Dr. Jeff Greenspoon and his wife, Danielle, raised their family. Now that the kids are on their own, the Greenspoons are heading to Colorado 

to ski, which will allow another fortunate family to enjoy the splendor of nature accentuated with very posh creature comforts.

“It was a tough decision for them,” said Dandridge, who is marketing the residence, listed at $6,400,000.

That is a lot of money but, this is a lot of house. At 9,485 square feet under air, it could fit four standard homes with footage to spare. Within those almost 10,000 square feet are enough amenities to keep everyone in the family from developing cabin fever — or getting on each other’s nerves. But should that not prove to be enough personal space, there is approximately 1,800 additional square footage in the basement, which could be crafted to the owner’s needs. 

Those who still have a desire to venture forth from inside this elegant nest can tap into the opportunities of the property’s 2.4 acres, where an expansive outdoor living area meanders behind the property, and a lush lawn with a couple of mini rotundas provide additional elbow room. Here, you will find the well-appointed, ivy-framed summer kitchen and the freeform heated 22,000-gallon pool and adjacent 1,500-gallon spa — each with an enviable river view. A completely screened loggia, reminiscent of an Italian villa, adds additional outdoor options.

Wait, there’s more: The acreage is nestled between the Banana River and the Indian River Lagoon, with 175 feet of deep-water frontage. There’s a large boat pavilion with a generous covered boat lift where water-borne adventures can be launched, within minutes — but not before catching up on email with dockside Wi-Fi access.

The entrance at 6865 S. Tropical Trail sets the stage for a sensory experience.

Custom mahogany bookcases, paneling and the coffered ceiling by Melbourne Architectural Millwork are worthy of an English country estate.

SOMEPLACE SPECIAL

Custom cabinetry, calacatta marble countertops, a collection of Wolf/Subzero appliances, three sinks, including a Shaw fireclay farmhouse sink, and a directly plumbed Vibiemme espresso machine make for a remarkable kitchen.

The sensory experience that is a visit to the house starts with a 600-foot-long, oak-lined driveway ending at an elegant security gate.

“From the moment you drive down the road, you know you are someplace special,” Dandridge said. 

Entrance is through a multi-tiered, light-filled landing that immediately reveals water vistas. Visiting oenologists will be immediately drawn to the 1,000-bottle temperature-controlled wine cellar that is part of the lower-level, 1,500-square-foot living area. A game room, with full bath and built-in wet bar, is a space where the cast of characters from Cheers would feel right at home. 

Custom, louvered window treatments on the large double windows of the oak paneled executive office can be deployed to mask the temptations of the manicured landscapes beckoning beyond. Melbourne Architectural Millwork created the masterpiece that is the library/den and sitting room, which is paneled and coffered in luxurious mahogany. Intricate custom bookcases, which hold family treasures, are worthy of an English country manor. 

As is to be expected, the gourmet kitchen is top of the line, with custom cabinetry and calacatta marble prized for its stunning white color accented by bold grey and gold veining. This is a kitchen that has everything, including the kitchen sink. Actually, make that three sinks, one of them a Shaw fireclay farmhouse sink. The array of Wolf/Subzero appliances includes a Subzero built-in microwave and a six-burner Wolf gas range, plus a griddle and two ovens — including a large warming oven. For the coffee lovers, a Vibiemme Italian espresso machine is plumbed to the hot water line. At party time, the caterers can rely on two dishwashers and a butler’s pantry to work their gourmet magic.

Ceiling treatments range from intricately fashioned with lighted coffers to a tongue-in-groove wood cathedral style.

Nine bathrooms — seven full- and two half-baths — catering to six bedrooms mean no one in the family should have to wait outside a door. The master bath features his and hers water closets, two separate showers with rain head, multi-level shower systems, a large soaking tub with spot jets and an electric steam shower. Adjoining exercise space includes its own generous shower. All these amenities are just par for the course in a master bedroom that is a true retreat, crowned by a private lanai deck with unforgettable river and sunset views. 

Details abound throughout: solid wood plank floors inside and polished travertine marble floors outside; handcrafted, custom, wrought-iron railings extend beyond the stairs into what appears to be an array of landings; ceilings that range from intricately fashioned and lit coffers to tongue-in-groove wood cathedral style; a Sonos home surround-sound system that includes all interior spaces as well as the pool area, the master deck and the lanai; and two dehumidifiers to maintain humidity at 50 percent or below in the master bath enclave. Even the family car gets pampered, with a four-car garage featuring a Tesla high-speed charging station.

This gem on Tropical Trail has enough room to ensure privacy — even with overnight guests and visiting family. A separate, ivy-wrapped guest casita caters to guests’ needs with a private master suite, morning kitchen and ensuite bath. Everyone can pick and choose their favorite extremely well-appointed space. 

Yes, life would be very nice in this house.

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