40 new luxury homes hit market in Grand Harbor

There’s great news for brokers and buyers heading into Vero’s busy winter real estate season – especially for anyone who wants new construction in a premier county club setting.

GHO Homes opened the final phase at The Reserve ahead of schedule this month, bringing 40 new luxury homes with large lots and swimming pools to market, with prices starting at $1.8 million.

“Sales in the first phase went twice as fast as we expected,” GHO president Bill Handler told Vero Beach 32963 last week.

That news isn’t shocking considering what the GHO is offering in the gated subdivision, which will have 100 homes gathered around two lakes when it is complete.

“The houses are large, the floorplans are very nice, and the finishes are beautiful – fresh and up to date,” says Premier Estate Properties agent Lucy Hendricks, who has sold two homes in the community. “But the attraction isn’t just the quality of construction and modern style.

“The location is incredibly convenient, and you get all the benefits of new, up-to-code construction, which includes a lower cost of ownership. Insurance is monumentally less expensive than for an older home on the island.”

“If you think about it, you are close to everything,” says Handler, “the hospital, the airport, downtown and the island.”

On top of everything else, the subdivision is part of Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club, one of the finest country club communities in Vero Beach – and Handler provides a sports membership as part of the package with each home sold.

“Our partnership with Grand Harbor is amazing,” says Handler of the once struggling club that has experienced an astonishing renaissance since owners wrested control from the developer five years ago, adding hundreds of members and spending millions to upgrade its two 18-hole golf courses and Beach Club on the island.

GHO offers seven models in the first phase at The Reserve, ranging from 2,800 to 3,600 square feet of air-conditioned space, with 3 or 4 bedrooms, 3.5 or 4 baths, dens, 3-bay garages, and screened patio/pool areas expansive enough to serve the guests of a small luxury hotel.

Under-roof square footage – including 1,000-square-foot garages and covered patios – ranges from 4,300 to 5,000 square feet, and that does not include the screened pool area or optional casitas and cabana baths.

“Most of the houses sit on one third of an acre lots, which gives them an estate-like feel,” Handler says. “There is 60 feet of frontage and a lot of depth.”

The floorplans are exceptionally spacious and open with 12- and 13-foot ceilings in the great rooms and 10-foot glass doors opening to the outdoor playground. Stylish kitchens and bathrooms are upgraded to a level you would find in a custom home costing twice as much.

Handler and his team sold 12 of the houses before the model was complete, and demand has stayed strong.

“There were six couples here at the same time last Thursday afternoon,” says lead sales agent Lisa Krynski, who has her office in the Riviera model home at The Reserve. “People were waiting half an hour to speak with me.

“Most people come to The Reserve because of the country club lifestyle. They want to be in a golf community and love that Grand Harbor has two courses right here. The casitas are a big draw, too. People love those.”

Handler says he bought the subdivision primarily because of its Grand Harbor location, paying $17 million for a section of finished lots and 19 unplatted acres in 2023.

“We’re here because of the way the place has come back to life, the economics they’ve put into it,” Handler says. “The quality of the golf courses, the remodeled beach club, the social life and friendships that come with a country club lifestyle are all huge selling points. You can’t find another place to build with these kinds of amenities already in place.

“Every house we sell here comes with a sports membership in the club,” Handler added. “We pay the initiation fee, which is a big number, but it’s worth it because it attracts buyers.

“It is mutual support that is good for everyone. The club gets new members and more money to continue upgrading and improving everything and we get to offer our buyers all these amenities.”

“Bill Handler is a super-duper guy, and we are thrilled to be working with GHO Homes,” said Grand Harbor Club general manager Michael Gibson. “They’re not only selling beautiful homes, they are also selling our lifestyle.

“They decided to build in the community because of the success of the club since the members took over in January 2021, and now they’re adding to that success with new houses and members. It all fits together beautifully.”

“My first impression of Vero Beach from years ago before we started building here came from ads I saw promoting Grand Harbor,” says Handler, who never forgot the glowing images. “I take huge pride in helping complete the community.”

GHO started construction at the reserve in 2024. Closing prices have ranged from $1.7 million for people who jumped in early up to $2.35 million, according to county property records.

Handler knows $2 million is big number for a mainland house but says the community offers a strong value proposition, just the same.

Nearby Grand Harbor homes that are years or even decades older have sold for close to or over $2 million in recent years, even though they are dated and have higher maintenance and insurance costs. And compared to south Florida, the homes are an intense bargain.

“This house would be three times as much in Palm Beach County, if you could find a lot to build it on,” Handler says of the Riviera model.

There are five homes left in the first phase and 40 newly available in the final phase.

Final phase homes can be purchased now, starting at $1.8 million, and buyers will benefit from GHO’s constant style evolution.

“We listen carefully to what people say about what they want in a home and adjust our models to meet those wants and needs,” says Handler, noting that there will be two new models in the final phase that reflect buyer feedback. “We have a fantastic design team that is always refining what we offer.”

Handler says he has included many high-end options and finishes in his standard models so that buyers don’t have to shell out for a lot of upgrades, but he is happy to modify his designs if buyers want something a little different or extra.

“Many builders resist changes because it is easier to build production models, but my mantra is to always try and say yes first,” Handler says. “We will do anything to win your business and earn your loyalty, and we have many buyers who have been with us for multiple homes.”

“GHO is known to be very flexible and easy to work with when it comes to options,” Dale Sorensen agent Suzanne Curry said last year when the model home opened at The Reserve.

“When people buy a new house, especially at this price, they expect to be able to make changes to suit their taste and lifestyle, and Bill Handler has it down when it comes to that. He really does. That is one reason why he is doing so well.”

Photos by Joshua Kodis

40 new luxury homes hit market in Grand Harbor - Vero News