Born in the Caribbean Islands, West Indies architecture perfectly blends contemporary and traditional styles to inspire indoor/outdoor living. From large wooden verandahs and cathedral ceilings to transitional exteriors, this coastal style is like a breath of fresh air. While West Indies architecture has been around since the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, its ability to capture ocean breezes has made it a popular choice for homes along Florida’s Atlantic coastline, especially at Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this timeless architectural style so appealing.
What is West Indies Architecture?
West Indies architecture is known for its distinguished symmetry, with beautiful columns, louvers, doors, and windows configured in relation to a central axis. High ceilings with dark wood beam details are not only appealing, but encourage warmer air to rise, and cool breezes to flow through the interior. Large French doors and beautifully arched windows provide beautiful focal points that bring the outside in. West Indies architecture is also known for its inviting outdoor living areas, with clean lines and covered porches that maximize the ocean breeze.
As the interior designer for both of Orchid Island’s Clubhouses, Spectrum Design President and Founder Susan Smith has witnessed consistent demand for West Indies design throughout the coastal Florida region. “West Indies architecture and design styles have remained in constant demand for the last 20 to 25 years along Vero Beach. It captures the area’s natural beauty in the same way it did in the colonial days.”
West Indies Architecture Meets Sunlit Shores
Just off the sandy shores of the Atlantic coastline, Orchid Island’s private Beach Club was the first building within the community to feature the West Indies style. Large windows and open-air balconies overlook the swimming pool, private cabanas, and beach walkover. Entire walls open up to large verandas that offer views of the ocean, bringing in the sound of gently lapping waves and the feeling of refreshing coastal breezes. On the inside, interior design firm Spectrum Design created a warm, inviting space that has withstood the test of time and won numerous design awards. The use of batik fabrics creates colorful accents with multiple colors and patterns, adding a touch of East Asian flair to the design.
“The Beach Club’s West Indies design evokes the feeling of an exotic destination,” shared Smith. “It’s bringing that vacation resort – like you’ve traveled to the West Indies or the Far East – to your backyard. I haven’t seen any club that has been able to replicate that.”
Golf, River, and Oceanfront Homes Capture Soft Breezes
As one of the first Beach Clubs in the area, West Indies architecture became the personality that set the stage for Orchid Island’s distinctive collection of 30+ golf, ocean, and riverfront homes and 66 oceanfront condos. 375 properties each feature West Indies architectural design, with high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and beautiful outdoor living areas with panoramic natural vistas. Luxurious oceanfront condominiums and oceanfront estates are spacious and bright with open Atlantic Ocean views. A wide array of single-family riverfront estates offer unobstructed Indian River views, and many feature private docks. Golf course homes and cottages are tucked away on private cul-de-sacs and winding streets to maintain open views of the lush fairways and sparkling lakes of its distinctive Arnold Palmer course. Real-time current listings are featured on the community’s website, OrchidIslandFL.com.
Timeless Island Living Surrounded by Nature’s Beauty
Embraced by a breathtaking ocean-to-river environment and surrounded by architecturally distinct homes, Orchid Island Members enjoy endless opportunities to enjoy a tropical vacation in their own backyard. The world-class Arnold Palmer golf course is the beloved centerpiece of the community and was the proud host of the 2018 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship. Certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, every turn within this par-72 course welcomes exciting views of natural seaside landscapes teeming with wildlife. For the health focuses, a state-of-the-art fitness center, eight Har-Tru tennis courts, pickleball courts, and a spa ensure Members can look and feel their best. This charming seaside community, however, is filled with even more to discover outside the gates. Downtown Vero Beach and Ocean Drive are full of arts and culture, casual and fine dining, and boutique shopping waiting for residents to explore.
For those interested in learning more about this one-of-a-kind private club community, request a complimentary copy of the Orchid Island Magazine. This intriguing publication tells the story of the Vero Beach area and how nature coexists with the residents. If you’re in the area, schedule a visit to the Orchid Island Realty office for a community and club tour. Call 772.388.3888 for more information or visit OrchidIslandFL.com.
