The 1.45+/- acre Ocean Apple Estate is set upon 200 breathtaking feet fronting the Atlantic Ocean.
The History of Ocean Apple Estate
Capturing picturesque oceanfront vistas, tucked away in tropical seclusion, this vintage jewel is a much-admired local landmark designed and built in 1935 by renowned Palm Beach society architect John Volk.
Volk was born in Graz, Austria, and received architectural degrees from Columbia University and the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris.
Volk's residential clients included the families of Vanderbilt, DuPont, Ford, Dodge, and Pulitzer.
Volk was known for his versatility and great sense of proportion. His love of a light, airy, gracious style is apparent in so many of his creations, particularly in Ocean Apple Estate.
Volk designs have the distinct quality of propriety. One notices the lives lived in his homes, no matter how grand, rather than just the home itself. This was his true genius.
This gift was never more profound as reflected in the Ocean Apple Estate compound Volk was commissioned to create for Fontaine Fox.
Fox was a famous cartoonist best known for writing and illustrating the Toonerville Folks comic strip that appeared from 1913 to 1955 in over 300 newspapers across North America.
The strip was about a small-town, which seemed to operate in its own little universe, and the gentle humor dealt with the antics of various semi-realistic situations. It was one of the most popular comics in the World War I era. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fontaine_Fox
Walking through the home, guest cottages and around the expansive grounds one feels what Fontaine Fox must have experienced when drawing upon the deep creativity inherent to such a serene setting.
Fox later sold the estate to The Mott family, known for Mott's Apple Sauce and other apple based products. Hence the name, Ocean Apple Estate. The Mott family owned the estate for a generation.
Ocean Apple has been owned by Frank and Nilsa McKinney since 1997 who recently masterfully restored it to its original grandeur.
The Grounds and Residence
Listed on the local Historic Register and featured in numerous architectural publications, the captivating oceanfront compound presides over a rare 1.45+/- acre tropical enclave.
Massive, mature gumbo-limbo trees, 75 year-old sea grape trees and oversized rubber trees enhance this untamed oasis.
The grounds feature a butterfly path and walking garden that serpentines through jungle-like flora and fauna.
The property features expansive authentic tropical hardwood decks and terraces with a lovely swimming pool, sunken spa and exercise sauna.
With 200 feet fronting the Atlantic Ocean and 340 feet in depth, the distinguished property represents the rarest of oceanfront compounds.
Significant expansion, renovation or development could be pursued.
Replete with vintage South Florida charm, the inviting home is appointed with Florida cypress walls and ceilings and Dade County pine floors.
The compound, consisting of the main house and two charming Guest Cottages, contains a total of 5,423+/- square feet with 7 bedrooms, 7.5 baths and a separate 2-car garage and storage building. The Guest Houses provide a total of 4 bedrooms and 4 baths.
Ocean Apple has a unique and separate Treehouse Office with a Bedroom loft.
The Treehouse has a spectacular ocean view out of 12 well positioned windows. It also has a shower, bathroom, sink, air-conditioning, hardwood floors, cedar walls, a bamboo desk, loft with a king size bed and a flat screen TV, and suspension bridge that connects to the master bedroom of the main house.
The Living Room of Ocean Apple's main home opens through French doors to authentic tropical hardwood Decks overlooking the pool and tropical gardens.
Complete with a wet bar, the Dining Room opens to a delightful Veranda for outdoor dining.
The fully equipped kitchen adjoins a Florida Room with wood-burning fireplace.
The 2nd level Master Bedroom Suite commands full ocean vista and features a private Bath, walk-in Closets and private tropical hardwood Balcony with suspension bridge to the Treehouse Office and Bedroom mentioned above.
Location: About Delray Beach
Ocean Apple enjoys a prime oceanfront location in the Estate Section of historic Delray Beach, a beautifully preserved oceanfront enclave situated between Palm Beach and Boca Raton.
Nearby Atlantic Avenue is famous for its fine village shopping and gourmet dining. Delray Beach has received the All-America City award twice by the National Civic League (only city in the state of Florida to win twice) and voted as having the best beach in the Southeast United States by Travel and Leisure magazine.
Detailed surveys and additional information available upon qualified request.