(NOTE: click with left mouse button on any underlined words in the text and you will see pictures or additional information; just use the back arrow in the upper left of your screen to return to the main page)
Just to the west of Stuart and the St. Lucie River, lies Palm City (see Map). This exclusive town in Martin County is home to a few select families residing on lush 5 acre ranchettes with all the amenities of more urban settings. Palm City Farms is only minutes from I-95 and Florida Turnpike exits, dozens of shopping malls, schools, hospitals and the county seat in Stuart yet honors the traditional peace and tranquility offered by its exclusive equestrian and country 5 acre ranchettes. Served by the best schools in the State while enjoying some of the Nation's best salt and fresh water game fishing, the area is 30 minutes from the West Palm Beach airport and less than an hour from Ft. Lauderdale. Miami is reached in under 90 minutes with Orlando under two hours away
Occasionally, a property is found where the discerning owner can have an elegant country estate, convenient to urban centers, beaches and major highways while assuring total privacy, modern conveniences, super comforts and space for horses or other hobbies.
Yardley Farms is just such a jewel. The property is owned by the Lord and Lady of Yardley and reflects the traditional elegance of English aristocracy in a decidedly tropical setting. The 5 acre estate is situated on a private, asphalted street just 4 miles from Martin Downs shopping, I-95, and the Florida Turnpike. The entire property is fenced and the road front stockade fence stretches 330 feet with two entrance gates. The distinctive main entrance with its two columns and curved walls, has dual electric gates, intercom and giant brass lanterns. The secondary entrance with manually operated gates, leads to the stables and rear part of the estate.
The brick paved driveway leading to the main house is lighted by turn of the century lamps on both sides and the visitor is awed by the luxurious plantings extending the length of the drive and the imposing gated archway and wall guarding the residence entrance. There are huge Bismarck , coconut, queen, royal, Christmas and other exotic palm trees evident throughout the estate. The property is a veritable botanical garden that complements the rock waterfall at the pool, the golf pitch and putting green complete with both sand bunkers and water trap, the walled in rose garden, the 4 stall stable or the guest cottage nestled alongside the rock lined 1/2 acre pond fully stocked with 18" Koi, albino catfish, tilapia and 5 fully licensed grass carp. Both ponds have lighted fountains that serve as aerators and a means to maintain water levels from a dedicated well which also supplies the 14 zone Rain Bird controlled sprinkler system with over 100 heads and nearly 1 mile of underground supply tubing extending throughout the 5 acre estate.
The home, newly painted in autumn gold and white trim, is constructed of solid concrete block, providing its owner with over 5,000 square feet of living space of which just under 4,000 is climate controlled by a 3 ton 11 SEER Trane Heat Pump and a separate 3 ton Carrier 13 SEER for the Grand Room. There are tiled floors throughout with marble in the 4 1/2 bathrooms and double thick pile carpeting in the 3 bedrooms. The kitchen granite counters and solid wood cabinetry are complemented by the appliances with prestigious brand labels such as KitchenAid, Bosch, GE Monogram, Thermador, Whirlpool Duet and more. The stunning field-stone floor to ceiling fireplace in the huge den is especially cozy during cool winter evenings and provides a great place to watch TV and enjoy a cocktail before moving to the separate dining area overlooking both the rose garden and the pool area. The granite countertops in the bathrooms continue the elegant touches found in this unique home. Overlooking the pool area is the huge Grand Room with panoramic windows allowing a full view of the pond, the equestrian area and the cottage. In addition to its 17' cedar ceilings, it has a built-in cinema with 150" electric screen. The circular staircase leads to a loft with access to the upper deck open air terrace and a separate bedroom with bath ideal for staff quarters or guestroom.
The house has satellite TV and internet connections in every room and video cameras around the property can be seen on any television in the house as well as over the internet from anywhere in the world. Continuing the high tech approach, hot water is supplied by an on demand Envirotech Tankless Water Heater, fresh water from one of two wells on the property is softened and treated by a dual Kinetico System coupled with a 12 GPM Water for Life Whole House UV Purification System and a PEET weather monitor system tells the owner about current and past weather trends including wind, rain and humidity readings. Finally, a full, monitored security system provides the owner with a high degree of tranquility when both at home or away on extended trips and all of the buildings have a built-in fire Tyco sprinkler system. The lights and 14 zone sprinkler system as well as the fountains and waterfall are all controlled by an automated, PC based system with convenient table-top controllers
The freeform, in-ground gunite swimming pool with Diamond Brite finish is surrounded by a flagstone deck and is fully screened. From its Hayward self cleaning system to the Aqualink Automated Pool and Spa control and the Pool Pilot automatic chlorination system, this pool exudes the epitomy of beauty and functionality. The heated spa behind the all natural rock waterfall is fully controlled from the remote control unit located in the family room. The screened pool enclosure has a 16 foot section of sliding panels which allows the entire pool area to be opened up to the 400 square foot brick terrace shaded by a huge live oak tree. The current owners have located some of their extensive Macaw collection in elegant cedar aviaries around this terrace area which leads to the lighted boat dock and only a short walk from the 1,100 square foot guest cottage complete with bathroom, kitchenette living room, bedroom and screened porch overlooking the pond and aviary as well as a reenforced concrete office with concrete roof. The rear of the cottage is protected by a cement wall enclosed garden. The cottage also has a fire sprinkler system installed.
Beyond the pond and the extensive lawn can be found the area reserved for equestrian pleasures. The large 48 x 36 foot stable has been divided into 7 large 12' x 12' stalls with sliding doors and feeders. The concrete center aisle has rubber mats and drainage system for washing the horses.
One stall has been converted to an air conditioned feed/tack room complete with a small refrigerator, a washer and a dryer. The hayloft above the stalls can serve as storage space for hay or other supplies if desired. The stable has both water and electricity and the water lines extend to the dry paddock areas in the nearly 3 acres planted with Bahia grass have numerous live oaks for shading. There is also a 60 foot diameter training ring. An additional 3 car garage and workshop completes the facilities of this luxury estate. The entire area is serviced by its own entrance and security gate to the street which leads to miles of trails throughout the neighborhood.
A pastoral night image reflects the privacy and peace enjoyed at Yardley Farms
This property combines location, quality and breathtaking beauty. There are no other properties like Yardley Farms . If interested to learn more, contact the owners directly at info@yardleyfarms.com
