In Vero Beach, Florida, you’ll discover the best of both worlds. That’s because Vero is at the eastern edge of the demarcation line that separates Florida into two different climate zones. North of Vero is a subtropical climate, and south of it is tropical. That’s why Vero Beach is known as the “Gateway to the Tropic” and is graced with a unique mix of vegetation. Growing here are coconut palms and bright tropical flowers that won’t grow even a few miles north. Alongside these tropical wonders, you’ll find a beautiful, rich landscape made up of ancient oak hammocks and dense pine forests. Add to that the area’s beautiful beaches and the citrus trees that thrive here, giving the area the title of “Citrus Capital of the World.” With all this environmental diversity, it’s easy to see why Vero Beach has so much natural appeal.

For many generations, Vero Beach and its surrounding areas were known as the benchmark for quality citrus production and shipment. People all over the world enjoyed the juicy Indian River citrus grown here. It wasn’t until Edwin Llwyd Ecclestone Sr. purchased the 3000-acre estate on John’s Island that the Vero Beach area began to thrive as a resort destination. Ecclestone and his team recruited Fortune 500 CEOs and entrepreneurs from up north to create a golf community that drew top tier individuals to this area. Ground was broken in 1969, and the first of three golf courses opened the next year.

In 1987, Orchid Island, north of John’s Island, followed suit, when it was sold to Robert Haines III of Avon, Connecticut, and a small group of limited partners. At that time, the town of Orchid had only seven inhabitants. Haines’ vision was to build a few hundred British West Indies–style homes overlooking the ocean, the Indian River and a spectacular golf course. Ground was broken on Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club in 1988. Just like on John’s Island, this spectacular community became a draw, attracting high-end individuals to this stunning oasis.

Soon, Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club was attracting people from every part of the country, as it had quickly become one of the most desirable oceanfront properties on the Treasure Coast, with one of Florida’s few barrier island golf courses. Throughout the generations of settlers in the Vero Beach area, there has always been a common thread—conservation and respect for the land. This long-standing culture began in the early 20th century, when Pelican Island in the Indian River Lagoon was designated as the country’s first wildlife refuge. The area has always been developed thoughtfully and with care. Instead of the urban sprawl that defines other parts of Florida, this area was planned in an organized fashion, taking green spaces into account and preserving beautiful, historic structures, allowing it to retain a charming, small-town flavor.

For those who want to get close to nature and enjoy the creature comforts of home, the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club amenities are second to none.   Orchid Island works hard to preserve a way of life for, not only the natural neighbors who live on the Treasure Coast, but the residents as well. Members and residents also enjoy private beach access and what are even better, Orchid Island spans from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River.

This private community is committed to providing a level of service that stands out from the rest. Golfing here is unparalleled, as the Arnold Palmer designed, 18-hole course is not only renowned among courses, but also holds an Audubon Certified Sanctuary status for its commitment to natural preservation.

Love the Vero Beach location? Request the inaugural issue of Orchid Island Lifestyles Magazine here to learn more about the Vero Beach area and how nature coexists with the residents.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Orchid Island Sales Center and see the community’s beauty for yourself. Call 772. 388.3888 for more information or visit OrchidIslandFL.com.

Luxury residential properties range from the $800’s to over $10 million and include custom estate residences, courtyard homes, cottage, or oceanfront condominiums. For a full list of available real estate listings at Orchid Island, visit OrchidIslandFL.com

In the unique City of Vero Beach as well as all of Indian River County, the locals have a saying: “sunrises, not high rises.” It means that the residents work to preserve local wildlife through extensive and intricate means and they care about the environment. People travel from all over to experience Vero Beach’s uncluttered beaches, bright blue waters, detailed mangrove paths through the rivers and waterfronts, and collection of flora and fauna. For members of Orchid Island, a private oceanfront golf and beach club community just comes naturally. Honestly, what’s more special than that?

With the rise of ecotourism, Vero Beach and the Treasure Coast have begun to appear on a many travelers’ short lists. Who can resist having nearly 26 miles of beach to explore? The secluded and exclusive area’s way of life serves as more than just a draw to those seeking to get away from it all. It attracts residents who appreciate the unique opportunity to live and grow side-by-side with nature.

The area has a few rules in place to protect the surrounding wildlife and its history. The city of Vero Beach recognizes that its future lies in the past as much as it does in the present, and they work to preserve all three through their actions. The end result is everything from beautiful works of architecture, to now historical roads have had an effect on the area’s past. Stop by Gloria Estefan’s renowned hotel, Costa d’Este, for a taste of today’s vibrant energy. Or, while you’re here, take some time to jog or stroll down the Historic Jungle Trail. More than just a dirt road, it was the original A1A and the key to how the city dominated the fruit juice industry for years.

Vero Beach’s carefully forged balance between man, nature, and history is one of the few ways that makes this coastal region so desirable. It’s how venues such as the Orchid Island Brewery can coexist alongside the Atlantic Ocean, or how the McKee Botanical Garden has evolved into one of the top botanical destinations in the state, as well as an important entry on the National Register of Historic Places.

For a community like Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club, it’s more than just trading in skyscrapers for sunsets. When you’re located just a short distance from Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, seeing white pelicans along the lakes and on the golf course is common. When loggerhead sea turtles and slow-moving manatees make their homes in the waterways and when your golf course is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary–you’re well versed in tending to nature. What’s really special is how Orchid Island has fostered an environment for families to establish their own traditions, and leave something to pass down to future generations.

For those who want to get close to nature, the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club amenities are second to none. Orchid Island works hard to preserve a way of life for, not only the natural neighbors who live on the Treasure Coast, but the residents as well. Members and residents also enjoy the convenience of a golf cart lifestyle. Traveling the community via golf cart makes getting to any of the amenities a fun and enjoyable experience, including the West Indies styled private Beach Club, which overlooks a private beach just for residents and their families to take pleasure in.

This private community is committed to providing an extraordinary level of service. Golf here is unparalleled, as the Arnold Palmer designed; 18-hole course is not only revered as one of the best in the region, but considered a picturesque nature walk throughout this unique habitat. Luxury residential properties range from the $800s to over $10 million and include custom estate residences, courtyard homes, cottage, or oceanfront condominiums. For a full list of available real estate listings at Orchid Island, visit OrchidIslandRealty.com

Intrigued by this one-of-a-kind destination? Request the inaugural issue of Orchid Island Lifestyles Magazine here to learn more about this amazing community and how the Vero Beach area embraces its natural wonderland.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Orchid Island Realty office and see the community’s beauty for yourself. Call 772. 388.3888 to schedule a private appointment.

Now’s The Time To Buy The Florida Vacation Home You’ve Always Wanted

In Vero Beach, Florida, you’ll discover the best of both worlds. That’s because Vero is at the eastern edge of the demarcation line that separates Florida into two different climate zones. North of Vero is a subtropical climate, and south of it is tropical. That’s why Vero Beach is known as the “Gateway to the Tropics” and is graced with a unique mix of vegetation. Growing here are coconut palms and bright tropical flowers that won’t grow even a few miles north. Alongside these tropical wonders, you’ll find a beautiful, rich landscape made up of ancient oak hammocks and dense pine forests. Add to that the area’s beautiful beaches and the citrus trees that thrive here, giving the area the title of “Citrus Capital of the World.” With all this environmental diversity, it’s easy to see why Vero Beach has so much natural appeal.

For many generations, Vero Beach and its surrounding areas were known as the benchmark for quality citrus production and shipment. People all over the world enjoyed the juicy Indian River citrus grown here. It wasn’t until Edwin Llwyd Ecclestone Sr. purchased the 3000-acre estate on John’s Island that the Vero Beach area began to thrive as a resort destination. Ecclestone and his team recruited Fortune 500 CEOs and entrepreneurs from up north to create a golf community that drew top tier individuals to this area. Ground was broken in 1969, and the first of three golf courses opened the next year.

In 1987, Orchid Island, north of John’s Island, followed suit, when it was sold to Robert Haines III of Avon, Connecticut, and a small group of limited partners. At that time, the town of Orchid had only seven inhabitants. Haines’ vision was to build a few hundred British West Indies–style homes overlooking the ocean, the Indian River and a spectacular golf course. Ground was broken on Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club in 1988. Just like on John’s Island, this spectacular community became a draw, attracting high-end individuals to this stunning oasis.

Soon, Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club was attracting people from every part of the country, as it had quickly become one of the most desirable oceanfront properties on the Treasure Coast, with one of Florida’s few barrier island golf courses. Throughout the generations of settlers in the Vero Beach area, there has always been a common thread—conservation and respect for the land. This long-standing culture began in the early 20th century, when Pelican Island in the Indian River Lagoon was designated as the country’s first wildlife refuge. The area has always been developed thoughtfully and with care. Instead of the urban sprawl that defines other parts of Florida, this area was planned in an organized fashion, taking green spaces into account and preserving beautiful, historic structures, allowing it to retain a charming, small-town flavor.

 For those who want to get close to nature and enjoy the creature comforts of home, the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club amenities are second to none.   Orchid Island works hard to preserve a way of life for, not only the natural neighbors who live on the Treasure Coast, but the residents as well. Members and residents also enjoy the one-mile of private beach access and what are even better, Orchid Island spans from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River.

This private community is committed to providing a level of service that stands out from the rest. Golfing here is unparalleled, as the Arnold Palmer designed, 18-hole course is not only renowned among courses, but also holds an Audubon Certified Sanctuary status for its commitment to natural preservation.

Love the Vero Beach location? Request the inaugural issue of Orchid Island Lifestyles Magazine here to learn more about the Vero Beach area and how nature coexists with the residents.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Orchid Island Sales Center and see the community’s beauty for yourself. Call 772. 388.3888 for more information or visit OrchidIslandFL.com.

Luxury residential properties range from the $800s to over $10 million and include custom estate residences, courtyard homes, cottage, or oceanfront condominiums. For a full list of available real estate listings at Orchid Island, visit our real estate page.