Shady oaks and an abundance of greenery add to the restful ambience created by builder Ric Taylor and the Baumgardts. Walls thickened at the base and sloped inward soften the lines and make the house seem settled into the landscape. A gentle scallop shell designed by local artist Glenda Taylor sits gracefully on the center gable above the middle of the house.
"This is it! I’m not going anywhere. We never want to leave.” With a contented smile, Sharon Baumgardt sums up her feelings about her new house in Old Riomar. And she has a lot to smile about. The house is a jewel of building and designing magic. Its symmetries and artful use of space, while complying with codes and restrictions, offer breathtaking solutions and flamboyant, comfortable interiors.
Jim and Sharon Baumgardt, veterans of many moves in their 38-year marriage, had previously built or renovated 16 different homes. Jim’s work for Eli Lily & Co., Guidant Corporation, and Suros Surgical Systems had meant many changes of location during his career.
Coming to Indian River County in 2000 from Indianapolis and seeking a place for retirement, the couple first settled in Orchid as seasonal residents. Their stay in Vero Beach soon convinced them they wanted to live here most of the year. Enjoying the many pleasures of Orchid, they found themselves drawn to activities in the heart of Vero’s beach community. And they soon discovered the older neighborhoods there, with the small-town charm for which they are noted.
Read the entire article in the November 2008 issue
True Tails is a series written by Amy Robinson for Vero Beach’s dog lovers. Ask Amy about your dog’s behavior by clicking below.
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