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John’s Island
With three miles of undisturbed oceanfront, unparalleled privacy, and Old Florida charm, this member-owned community sets the standard for a casual, yet sophisticated, lifestyle
R
ecord sales of $38 million in
a favorite of members, debuted about the same time.
November alone. Seventy-eight
This summer the West clubhouse underwent a $3 mil-
properties sold or under contract
lion total renovation.
for 2011. These eye-popping numbers give credence to a resurgent
They say that privacy is the greatest luxury at this 1,650-acre exclusive community, but the luxurious,
Florida real estate market. But even more, they speak
world-class amenities certainly give that highly prized
volumes about this remarkable, family-oriented
asset a run for its money. No less than Pete Dye, Jack
private community surrounded by water. John’s Island is located just north of the quaint seaside town of Vero Beach, an unspoiled, quiet gem rated by Money magazine as one of America’s Best Small Towns. You won’t find jai alai, horse races, or crowds of tourists on the beaches or the roadways. Instead you will find the charm of Old Florida still intact. It’s not surprising that sales soared here. Real estate values at this fully member-owned community stayed steady during the worst years of the housing market. At a time when many clubs continue to tighten their reins, John’s Island keeps making improvements to what is an already spectacular community. Just a few years back, a brand new oceanfront Beach Club opened to great acclaim. The high-tech Fitness Center, WINTER 2012
ABOVE: Every residence takes advantage of its natural surroundings. OPPOSITE: 381-yard 18th, West Course BELOW: 411-yard 17th, North Course
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club’s original and brings many of the island’s lakes into play. Dye’s North Course, surrounded by water, offers spectacular views of the sound. Both are outstanding courses wonderfully set in the midst of the island’s natural beauty. But it is the West Course, six miles or about a 10-minute drive from John’s Island, that really grabs your attention. Set on 300 acres with its own clubhouse, but without a home to intrude on the serenity, it is a singular, pure golf experience. Fazio’s design is also the more difficult test of golf among the club’s three courses. Perennially ranked among the country’s most challenging courses, the 6,828-yard layout gives members a place to get away for an unfettered day of golf. John’s Island is as family oriented as it is golf orientTOP: 161-yard 16th, North Course ABOVE: Privacy is one of the greatest luxuries on this 1,650-acre barrier island.
Nicklaus, and Tom Fazio created the three champi-
ed. A unique vertical membership program allows
onship golf courses. This is the only gated community
members’ children and parents to play golf (or make
in South Florida with both North American doubles
use of any of the amenities or social benefits) under
and singles squash courts (air conditioned, of course).
their membership without paying an additional fee.
The Tennis Facility has 18 Har-Tru courts with the
During school vacation times, the club organizes every
nice tradition of all-white attire. Members enjoy three
manner of kid-friendly entertainment, from family
great clubhouses with superb dining. From the jacket-
trivia nights to Minute to Win It competitions, cupcake
and-tie elegance of the Oak Room to the festive pub
decorating, and kayaking trips to observe sea turtles.
vibe at Rafters and the casual atmosphere at the Beach
to spend lots of time is at the Beach Club. There’s not
and organic.
a bad seat in the house, as the ocean seems visible
The golf at John’s Island is just as remarkable. Two
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One of the places everyone in the family will want
Club, Chef John Farnsworth’s emphasis is on fresh
from nearly every single one of its 50,500 square feet.
of the courses are in the heart of the island and run
Swaying palms and an abundance of comfortable
north and south from their shared clubhouse at the
seating surround the illusion pool, which incorporates
Golf Club. The Nicklaus/Dye South Course is the
a lap pool overlooking the Atlantic. This is the place WINTER 2012
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families are attracted to the dynamic lifestyle, too. The current average buyer is in their 50s. For members, the lifestyle extends well beyond their barrier island. They love to get involved in the Vero Beach community, which for a little seaside town has quite a bit to offer. The Riverside Theater, Vero Beach Museum of Art, and the excellent medical care are just a few of the things members love about it. Befitting the setting, the homes on John’s Island
ABOVE: The Beach Club offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. LEFT: Members enjoy three miles of private coastline. BELOW: The casual Rafters bar is a favorite gathering spot for members and their guests.
are exquisite, luxurious, and in perfect harmony with members come to relax, to celebrate, and to play.
their surroundings. Available homes
No matter how dazzling the amenities, it quickly
range from luxury estates to oceanfront
becomes obvious that it is the people who make John’s
condominiums to golf course cottages,
Island the eclectic, unpretentious, close-knit community it
priced from $1 to $15 million. Select
is. Many of the sales here are by word-of-mouth. Younger
homesites are also available.
John’s Island One John’s Island Drive Vero Beach, Fla. 32963 800.327.3153 JohnsIslandRealEstate.com
SOUTH PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 6,567 YEAR FOUNDED: 1969 ARCHITECTS:
Jack Nicklaus/Pete Dye
NORTH PAR: 71 YARDAGE: 6,782 YEAR FOUNDED: 1973 ARCHITECT: Pete Dye
WEST PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 6,828 YEAR FOUNDED: 1998 ARCHITECT: Tom Fazio
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JOHN’S ISLAND One John’s Island Drive Vero Beach, Fla. 32963 800.327.3153 JohnsIslandRealEstate.com
381-yard 18th, West Course